Chlorpheniramine / codeine Side Effects

For the Consumer

Applies to chlorpheniramine / codeine: oral suspension extended release

In addition to its needed effects, some unwanted effects may be caused by chlorpheniramine / codeine. In the event that any of these side effects do occur, they may require medical attention.

Major Side Effects

You should check with your doctor immediately if any of these side effects occur when taking chlorpheniramine / codeine:

• Acid or sour stomach
• anxiety
• belching
• bloating
• blurred or loss of vision
• chills
• cold clammy skin
• cold sweats
• confusion
• dark colored urine
• depression
• diarrhea
• difficult or painful urination
• disturbed color perception
• dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
• double vision
• dryness or spasm of the throat
• feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
• fever
• halos around lights
• headache
• heartburn
• increased hunger
• indigestion
• irregular, fast or slow, or shallow breathing
• loss of appetite
• nausea
• nervousness
• night blindness
• nightmares
• overbright appearance of lights
• pain in the stomach, side, or abdomen, possibly radiating to the back
• pain or discomfort in the chest, upper stomach, or throat
• pale or blue lips, fingernails, or skin
• pressure in the stomach
• pounding in the ears
• seizures
• sensation of spinning
• shakiness
• sleepiness or unusual drowsiness
• slow, fast, or irregular heartbeat
• slurred speech
• stomach discomfort, upset, or pain
• sweating
• tunnel vision
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• vomiting
• yellow eyes or skin

Minor Side Effects

Some of the side effects that can occur with chlorpheniramine / codeine may not need medical attention. As your body adjusts to the medicine during treatment these side effects may go away. Your health care professional may also be able to tell you about ways to reduce or prevent some of these side effects. If any of the following side effects continue, are bothersome or if you have any questions about them, check with your health care professional:

• Anxiety
• blistering, crusting, or irritation of the skin
• continuing ringing or buzzing or other unexplained noise in the ears
• cracked, dry, scaly skin
• dry mouth
• early menstrual periods
• face is warm or hot to touch
• false or unusual sense of well-being
• general feeling of discomfort or illness
• hearing loss
• hiccups
• increased appetite
• increased in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance
• increased interest in sexual intercourse
• irritability
• lack or loss of strength
• redness of the face
• restlessness
• skin rash, itching, redness, hives, swelling
• swelling of the breasts or breast soreness in both females and males
• trouble sleeping
• twitching, twisting, uncontrolled repetitive movements of the tongue, lips, face, arms, or legs
• watering of eyes

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to chlorpheniramine / codeine: oral liquid, oral suspension, oral suspension extended release, oral tablet

Cardiovascular

Codeine or Chlorpheniramine:
Frequency not reported: Fast, or slow heartbeat, hypertension, hypotension, orthostatic hypotension, palpitations, shock-like state, syncope^[Ref]

Nervous system

Codeine or Chlorpheniramine:
Frequency not reported: Weakness, dizziness, drowsiness, sedation, headache, facial dyskinesia, lightheadedness, somnolence, dyskinesia, tremor^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Codeine or Chlorpheniramine:
Frequency not reported: Nausea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal distension, abdominal pain, acute pancreatitis, dry mouth, dyspepsia, epigastric distress, diarrhea, gastro-esophageal reflux, gastrointestinal hypomotility^[Ref]

Respiratory

Codeine:
Frequency not reported: Respiratory depression, dryness of the pharynx and respiratory passages, laryngismus, atelectasis, wheezing, troubled breathing, hiccups^[Ref]

Endocrine

Codeine or Chlorpheniramine:
Frequency not reported: Decreased lactation, early menses, gynecomastia, increased libido, pheochromocytoma stimulation^[Ref]

Dermatologic

Codeine or Chlorpheniramine:
Frequency not reported: Redness or flushing of face, skin rash, pruritus, erythema, urticaria, excessive perspiration, dermatitis^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

Codeine or Chlorpheniramine:
Frequency not reported: Allergic laryngospasm, nasal stuffiness, bronchospastic allergic reaction, hives, itching, swelling of face^[Ref]

Ocular

Codeine or Chlorpheniramine:
Frequency not reported: Blurred vision, diplopia, visual disturbances, hypermetropia, lacrimation increased, mydriasis, photophobia^[Ref]

General

The more commonly reported adverse effects have included nausea, vomiting, constipation, blurred vision, confusion, dizziness, depression, drowsiness, headache, lightheadedness, insomnia, irritability, and tremor.^[Ref]

Other

Codeine or Chlorpheniramine:
Frequency not reported: Asthenia, feeling of relaxation, unusual tiredness, labyrinthitis, tinnitus, vertigo^[Ref]

Metabolic

Codeine or Chlorpheniramine:
Frequency not reported: Changes in glucose utilization, glycosuria, hypoglycemia, increased appetite, loss of appetite^[Ref]

Psychiatric

Codeine:
Frequency not reported: Drug dependence, confusion, depression, euphoria, false sense of well-being, excitability, nervousness, agitation, restlessness, insomnia, irritability^[Ref]

Not all side effects for chlorpheniramine / codeine may be reported. You should always consult a doctor or healthcare professional for medical advice. Side effects can be reported to the FDA here.

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