NEW DRUG CHECKLIST

For the patient

CODEPREX (oral)

Codeprex (Celltech Group) treats cough, runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, and nose or throat irritation caused by allergies or the common cold. This medicine is a combination that contains a narcotic cough suppressant.

GENERIC NAME

Codeine polistirex/chlorpheniramine polistirex

WHEN YOU SHOULD NOT USE THIS MEDICINE

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to chlorpheniramine or codeine, or to similar narcotic medicines (Vicodin, Lortab, Percocet, Darvon, Demerol). This medicine should not be given to children under six years of age.

HOW TO USE THIS MEDICINE

Oral liquid:

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often.

• Shake the medicine well just before each use. Do not mix with another liquid or another medicine.

• Measure the medicine with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose.

HOW TO STORE AND DISPOSE OF THIS MEDICINE

• Store the medicine at room temperature in a closed container, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

• Ask your pharmacist or doctor about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine.

• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

DRUGS AND FOODS TO AVOID

• Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including OTCs, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using medicines that can cause dry mouth or constipation; a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor or medicine for depression; Biaxin, Dilantin, or cyclosporine; medicine to treat fungal infections or a steroid; any medicines that make you sleepy, e.g., sleeping pills, cold and allergy medicine, and sedatives.

• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

WARNINGS

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast-feeding, or if you have asthma, emphysema, sleep apnea, or other lung disease.

• Tell your doctor if you have glaucoma, diabetes, liver disease, kidney disease, Addison's disease, thyroid problems, prostate problems, or problems with urination. Also, tell your doctor if you have a gastrointestinal disorder, recent surgery, or a history of head injury, brain tumor, or alcohol or drug problems.

• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.

• This drug may be habit-forming. If the medicine is not working as well, do not use more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor for instructions.

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: itching or hives, swelling of face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

• Confusion, hallucinations, agitation

• Fast, slow, or pounding heartbeat

• Fever

• Lightheadedness or fainting

• Shallow breathing, muscle weakness, or seizures

Talk with your doctor if you notice these less serious side effects:

• Blurred vision

• Change in how much or how often you urinate

• Constipation or diarrhea

• Dry mouth or throat, stuffy nose

• Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, loss of appetite

IF YOU HAVE OTHER SIDE EFFECTS THAT YOU THINK ARE CAUSED BY THIS MEDICINE, TELL YOUR DOCTOR.

The preceding information has been made available courtesy of the UltiMedex™ Integration Services division of Micromedex, Inc. In addition to providing an extensive set of drug information and disease management leaflets for integration into clinical practice management systems, UltiMedex offers patient-specific dosing, medication advisory screening (DUR), and access to world-renowned drug and acute care knowledge bases. To learn more about how this information can be directly integrated into your system, please contact your system vendor or call Micromedex at (800) 525-9083.

New Drug Checklist: Copredex. Drug Topics Aug. 9, 2004;148:18.