Drug Notes

Diphenhydramine/hydrocodone/phenylephrine (By mouth)

Diphenhydramine Tannate (dye-fen-HYE-dra-meen TAN-ate), Hydrocodone Tannate (hye-droe-KOE-done TAN-ate), Phenylephrine Tannate (fen-il-EF-rin TAN-ate)

Treats a cough, runny nose, and stuffy nose caused by a common cold, sinusitis, or upper respiratory tract infection.

Brand Name(s):

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Liquid

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
• Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
• This medicine is not for long-term use.
• Drink plenty of liquids to help avoid constipation.

If a dose is missed:

• Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are using a medicine to treat depression, such as amitriptyline, doxepin, nortriptyline, Elavil®, Pamelor®, Sinequan®, or an MAO inhibitor (Eldepryl®, Marplan®, Nardil®, or Parnate®). Tell your doctor if you are using a beta-blocker medicine such as atenolol (Tenormin®), metoprolol (Toprol®), or propranolol (Inderal®). Make sure your doctor knows if you are taking methyldopa (Aldomet®), mecamylamine (Inversine®), reserpine, or an anticholinergic medicine such as atropine (Sal-tropine®), scopolamine (Scopace®), or ipratropium bromide (Atrovent®).
• Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol.
• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have diabetes, thyroid problems, high blood pressure, heart disease, glaucoma, an enlarged prostate, or trouble urinating. Tell your doctor if you have kidney problems, liver problems, Addison's disease, or a history of asthma or any lung disease.
• Your doctor needs to know if you had a recent head injury or have any medical condition that causes increased pressure in your head. Tell your doctor if you have severe abdominal pain or problems with your digestive tract, such as stomach ulcers or blocked bowels.
• This medicine may contain phenylalanine (aspartame). Make sure your doctor knows if you have phenylketonuria (a problem with amino acids).
• This medicine can be habit-forming. Do not use more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor if you think your medicine is not working.
• Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
• 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 medicine may cause constipation, especially with long-term use. Ask your doctor if you should use a laxative to prevent and treat constipation.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

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

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Anxiety, mood changes, confusion, or seeing or hearing things which are not there.
• Fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat.
• Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting.
• Painful urination, or change in how much or how often you urinate.
• Seizures or tremors.
• Trouble breathing.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Blurred vision.
• Burning feeling in the chest or throat.
• Dry mouth.
• Headache.
• Muscle weakness.
• Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite.
• Pale skin, or skin rash.
• Trouble sleeping, restlessness, or nervousness.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 1/27/2017