Codeine / Dexchlorpheniramine / Phenylephrine Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 30, 2024.

Applies to codeine / dexchlorpheniramine / phenylephrine: oral syrup.

Important warnings This medicine can cause some serious health issues

For all patients taking this drug:

This drug has an opioid drug in it.
Opioid drugs can put you at risk for addiction, abuse, and misuse.
Misuse or abuse of this drug can lead to overdose and death.
If you have questions, talk with your doctor.
This drug has an opioid drug in it.
Severe side effects have happened when opioid drugs were used with benzodiazepines or other drugs that may make you drowsy or slow your actions.
This includes slow or troubled breathing and death.
Benzodiazepines include drugs like alprazolam, diazepam, and lorazepam.
Benzodiazepines may be used to treat many health problems like anxiety, trouble sleeping, or seizures. If you have questions, talk with your doctor.
Many drugs interact with this drug and can raise the chance of side effects like deadly breathing problems.
Talk with your doctor and pharmacist to make sure it is safe to use this drug with all of your drugs.
Avoid alcohol or other drugs and natural products that slow your actions.
Get medical help right away if you feel very sleepy, very dizzy, or if you pass out.
Caregivers or others need to get medical help right away if the patient does not respond, does not answer or react like normal, or will not wake up.
Very bad and sometimes deadly breathing problems have happened with this drug.
Talk with the doctor.
Get medical help right away if you have slow breathing, shallow breathing, or trouble breathing.

Children:

This drug is not for use in children younger than 18 years of age.
The benefits of taking this drug for a cough due to allergies, a cold, or other infection do not outweigh the risks in children.
If your child has been given this drug or if you have any questions, talk with your child's doctor.

Serious side effects

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Very bad dizziness or passing out.
Chest pain or pressure or passing out.
Trouble breathing, slow breathing, or shallow breathing.
Noisy breathing.
Feeling very sleepy.
Feeling confused.
A heartbeat that does not feel normal.
Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there).
Mood changes.
Seizures.
Very bad belly pain.
Very bad headache.
Trouble passing urine.
Shakiness.
Change in eyesight.
Very upset stomach or throwing up.
Very bad constipation.
Feeling very tired or weak.

Other side effects

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

Dizziness.
Feeling nervous and excitable.
Not able to sleep.
Feeling sleepy.
Constipation.
Upset stomach or throwing up.
Sweating a lot.
Feeling tired or weak.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

For healthcare professionals

Applies to codeine/dexchlorpheniramine/phenylephrine: oral liquid.

Cardiovascular adverse events

Frequency not reported: Hypotension, palpitations, tachycardia, extra systoles

Dermatologic

Frequency not reported: Urticaria, drug rash, photosensitivity, pruritus

Gastrointestinal

Frequency not reported: Epigastric distress, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation

Genitourinary

Frequency not reported: Urinary frequency, difficult urination, urinary retention, early menses

Hypersensitivity

Frequency not reported: Anaphylactic shock, excessive perspiration, chills

Nervous system

Frequency not reported: Sedation, dizziness, sleepiness, disturbed coordination, paresthesias, neuritis, tinnitus, convulsions

Ocular

Frequency not reported: Blurred vision, diplopia

Other

Frequency not reported: Vertigo, fatigue, acute labyrinthitis

Psychiatric

Frequency not reported: Confusion, restlessness, excitation, nervousness, tremor, irritability, insomnia, euphoria, hysteria

Respiratory

Frequency not reported: Thickening of bronchial secretions, tightness of chest, wheezing, nasal stuffiness, and dryness of mouth, nose and throat

More about codeine / dexchlorpheniramine / phenylephrine

Further information

Codeine/dexchlorpheniramine/phenylephrine side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer

Benadryl Pediatric Dosage Guide

Use these dosage charts for infants and children under 12 years old:

Benadryl Dosage Charts (Infants & Children)

Drug Status

Availability Discontinued

Pregnancy & Lactation Risk data available

CSA Schedule* Some potential for abuse 5

User Reviews & Ratings

Review this drug