Generic Name: codeine and phenylephrine (KOE deen and FEN il EFF rin)
Brand Names: Ala-Hist AC, Notuss-PE
What is Ala-Hist AC (codeine and phenylephrine)?
Codeine is a narcotic cough suppressant.
Phenylephrine is a decongestant that shrinks blood vessels in the nasal passages. Dilated blood vessels can cause nasal congestion (stuffy nose).
The combination of codeine and phenylephrine is used to treat cough and nasal congestion caused by the common cold.
Codeine will not treat a cough that is caused by smoking, asthma, or emphysema.
Codeine and phenylephrine may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about Ala-Hist AC (codeine and phenylephrine)?
Do not use this medication if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) within the past 14 days. Serious, life-threatening side effects can occur if you take a cough and cold medicine before the MAO inhibitor has cleared from your body.
You should not use codeine and phenylephrine if you are allergic to it, or if you have severe or uncontrolled high blood pressure, severe coronary artery disease, ischemic heart disease (reduced circulation of blood to the heart), or if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have heart disease or high blood pressure, asthma or other breathing disorder, diabetes, a thyroid disorder, an enlarged prostate, or problems with urination.
Always ask a doctor before giving cough or cold medicine to a child. Death can occur from the misuse of cough or cold medicine in very young children. Codeine and phenylephrine should not be given to a child younger than 6 years old.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Ala-Hist AC (codeine and phenylephrine)?
Do not use this medication if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) within the past 14 days. Serious, life-threatening side effects can occur if you take a cough and cold medicine before the MAO inhibitor has cleared from your body. You should not use codeine and phenylephrine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to it, or if you have:
severe or uncontrolled high blood pressure;
severe coronary artery disease;
ischemic heart disease (reduced circulation of blood to the heart); or
if you are breast-feeding a baby.
If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take codeine and phenylephrine:
heart disease or high blood pressure;
asthma, COPD, emphysema, or other breathing disorder;
diabetes;
a thyroid disorder; or
enlarged prostate, urination problems.
FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Codeine can cause breathing problems or addiction/withdrawal symptoms in a newborn. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while you are taking this medication. This medication can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. The use of codeine by some nursing mothers may lead to life-threatening side effects in the baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Codeine may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. This medication should never be shared with another person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it.
How should I take Ala-Hist AC (codeine and phenylephrine)?
Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Cold medicine is usually taken for only a short time until your symptoms clear up.
Always ask a doctor before giving cough or cold medicine to a child. Death can occur from the misuse of cough or cold medicine in very young children. Codeine and phenylephrine should not be given to a child younger than 6 years old.
Measure liquid medicine with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.
Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days of treatment, or if you have a fever with a headache or skin rash. Store codeine and phenylephrine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Keep track of how much of this medicine has been used from the bottle. Codeine is a drug of abuse and you should be aware if any person in the household is using this medicine improperly or without a prescription.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Since cough and cold medicine is usually taken only as needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are taking the medication regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.
Overdose symptoms may include feeling restless or nervous, dizziness, fast or uneven heart rate, fainting, or seizure (convulsions).
What should I avoid while taking Ala-Hist AC (codeine and phenylephrine)?
This medication can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert. Avoid drinking alcohol while you are taking this medication. Do not use any other over-the-counter cold, allergy, or pain medication without first asking your doctor or pharmacist. Phenylephrine is contained in many medicines available over the counter. If you take certain products together you may accidentally take too much of this drug. Read the label of any other medicine you are using to see if it contains phenylephrine.
Ala-Hist AC (codeine and phenylephrine) side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
fast or pounding heartbeat;
feeling like you might pass out;
chest tightness or congestion;
easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness;
severe dizziness, anxiety, restless feeling, or nervousness;
seizure (convulsions); or
painful or difficult urination.
Less serious side effects may include:
dizziness, drowsiness, headache;
dry mouth, nose, or throat;
nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation;
increased sweating or urination;
feeling excited or restless;
sleep problems (insomnia);
blurred vision, dry eyes;
ringing in your ears; or
mild skin rash or itching.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect Ala-Hist AC (codeine and phenylephrine)?
Tell your doctor if you regularly use other medicines that make you sleepy (such as pain medication, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression or anxiety). They can add to sleepiness caused by codeine and phenylephrine.
Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially:
medicines to treat high blood pressure;
a beta-blocker such as atenolol (Tenormin), carteolol (Cartrol), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol), nadolol (Corgard), propranolol (Inderal), sotalol (Betapace), timolol (Blocadren), and others; or
an antidepressant such as amitriptyline (Elavil), clomipramine (Anafranil), imipramine (Janimine, Tofranil), and others.
This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with codeine and phenylephrine. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
More Ala-Hist AC resources
- Ala-Hist AC Side Effects (in more detail)
- Ala-Hist AC Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Ala-Hist AC Drug Interactions
- Ala-Hist AC Support Group
- 0 Reviews for Ala-Hist AC - Add your own review/rating
- Notuss-PE Liquid MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
Compare Ala-Hist AC with other medications
- Cold Symptoms
- Cough and Nasal Congestion
Where can I get more information?
- Your pharmacist can provide more information about codeine and phenylephrine.
See also: Ala-Hist AC side effects (in more detail)
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