What are the most common side effects of promethazine/codeine?

The most common side effects of promethazine/codeine are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

• Sleepiness or lack of energy
• Confusion or inability to think clearly
• Coordination problems or not able to be as physically active as usual
• Lightheadedness or dizziness
• Headache
• Irritability, anxiety, or restlessness
• Tremor
• Dry mouth
• Problems peeing
• Sweating
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea, vomiting, or constipation

What are the serious side effects of promethazine/codeine?

While less common, the most serious side effects of promethazine/codeine are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Promethazine/codeine may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking promethazine/codeine and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction. actavis

• Breathing problems or wheezing
• Racing heart
• Fever or general ill feeling
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
• Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
• Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
• Stomach cramps
• Joint pain

Risk of Misuse and Addiction. Misusing promethazine/codeine can lead to serious side effects like coma or death. Misuse means taking a medicine in a way other than how it was prescribed. Take promethazine/codeine exactly as prescribed. Tell your healthcare provider if you feel that promethazine/codeine is not working. Call your healthcare provider right away or go to the nearest emergency room if you have any of the following serious symptoms. actavis

• Sudden confusion or feeling disoriented
• Feeling paranoid
• Suicidal thoughts or actions
• Seizures
• Trouble breathing

Breathing Problems. Promethazine/codeine may cause slow or shallow breathing, especially if you have breathing problems from another condition or take other medicines that can slow your breathing. Tell your healthcare provider if you develop severe sleepiness or trouble breathing, especially when you start promethazine/codeine. Stop taking promethazine/codeine and get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms. buy ACTAVIS syrup/codeine

• Changes in the color of your skin, including bluish color to your lips and fingernails
• Confusion
• Shortness of breath
• Feeling dizzy, lightheaded, or fainting
• Changes in your heart rate or rhythm, such as a fast, slow, pounding or skipping heartbeat
• Slow or shallow breathing
• Excessive sleepiness or trouble staying awake

Sphincter of Oddi Spasm. The sphincter of Oddi is a muscular valve in your body that controls the flow of bile and digestive juices from the pancreas into the small intestine. When this valve spasms, it may feel like getting a tight muscle cramp, causing pain and blocking the flow of these juices, which can lead to discomfort and digestive problems. This is more likely to happen if you do not have a gallbladder. Stop taking promethazine/codeine and get emergency help if you have new or worse stomach pain or pain in the upper right side of your stomach-area that travels to your back or shoulder, with or without nausea and vomiting. actavis

Blockage of the Gut. Some people taking promethazine/codeine may develop severe constipation or a blockage of the gut (bowel obstruction). Stop taking promethazine/codeine and call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a blockage in your intestines. buy ACTAVIS syrup/codeine

• Nausea or vomiting
• Stomach pain or bloating
• Loss of appetite
• Unable to pass gas

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS). Promethazine/codeine can cause a rare but serious condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome. NMS is a serious condition that can lead to death. Stop taking  promethazine/codeine and call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms. actavis

• High fever
• Muscle stiffness or rigidity, where it is hard to move
• Changes in your breathing or heart rate
• Increased sweating
• Confusion

Movement Problems. Promethazine/codeine may rarely cause involuntary movement problems, including shakiness, stiffness, or jerkiness. Call your healthcare provider right away if you develop any unusual or uncontrolled movements. actavis

Bone Marrow Suppression. Promethazine/codeine may cause your bone marrow to not make enough cells. This can lead to low blood levels of important cells, such as red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and neutrophils. Bone marrow suppression can lead to infections or bleeding. This can be serious or even life-threatening. Keep all appointments to have your blood checked. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of bone marrow suppression. actavis

• Fever
• Shortness of breath
• Pale or yellowish skin
• Easy bruising or bleeding
• Frequent infection
• Unusual weakness or tiredness
• Dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling like you are about to pass out
• Headache
• Fast or abnormal heartbeat

Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension). Promethazine/codeine may cause low blood pressure. If you feel faint or dizzy, lie down. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of low blood pressure.

• Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
• Confusion
• Feeling weak or tired

Reduced Adrenal Function. Long-term use of promethazine/codeine can cause your body’s adrenal glands to stop making as much cortisol (the stress hormone). This is known as adrenal insufficiency. Adrenal insufficiency can get worse if your body is under stress because of fever, surgery, or trauma. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms of adrenal insufficiency.

• Nausea and vomiting
• Weakness, tiredness, or lack of energy
• Low blood pressure