MEPERIDINE W/PROMETHAZINE

Drug Name: MEPERIDINE W/PROMETHAZINE

MEPERIDINE W/PROMETHAZINE DESCRIPTION:
PROMETHAZINE WITH MEPERIDINE - ORAL (pro-METH-uh-zeen WITH meh-PAIR-id-een)

COMMON MEPERIDINE W/PROMETHAZINE BRAND NAME(S):
Mepergan Fortis, Meprozine

MEPERIDINE W/PROMETHAZINE SIDE EFFECTS:
May cause constipation, lightheadedness, dizziness, drowsiness, stomach upset, nausea, or flushing the first few days as your body adjusts to the medication. If these symptoms persist or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop: irregular heartbeat, anxiety, tremors. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE MEPERIDINE W/PROMETHAZINE:
MEPERIDINE W/PROMETHAZINE: To prevent upset stomach, take this medication with food or milk. Pain medications work best in preventing pain before it occurs. Once the pain becomes intense, the medication is not as effective in relieving it. Take MEPERIDINE W/PROMETHAZINE exactly as prescribed. Do not increase your dose, take it more frequently or use it for a longer period of time than prescribed because MEPERIDINE W/PROMETHAZINE can be habit-forming. Also, if used for an extended period of time, do not suddenly stop using MEPERIDINE W/PROMETHAZINE without your doctor's approval. Over time, MEPERIDINE W/PROMETHAZINE may not work as well. Consult your doctor if MEPERIDINE W/PROMETHAZINE is not relieving the pain sufficiently.

MEPERIDINE W/PROMETHAZINE USES:
Promethazine is used to relieve nausea and vomiting. Meperidine is a narcotic pain reliever. This combination medicine is used to relieve moderate to severe pain.

MEPERIDINE W/PROMETHAZINE PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor if you have: heart disease, kidney disease, lung disease, asthma, ulcers, glaucoma, difficulty urinating, an enlarged prostate, seizures, drug dependency, any allergies (especially drug allergies). Use caution when engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving and using machinery because MEPERIDINE W/PROMETHAZINE may make you drowsy and/or dizzy. Limit alcohol intake so as not to increase the drowsiness/dizziness effect of MEPERIDINE W/PROMETHAZINE. MEPERIDINE W/PROMETHAZINE should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Promethazine is excreted into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on the nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

MEPERIDINE W/PROMETHAZINE DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may take including: sleeping pills, sedatives, tranquilizers, muscle relaxants; medication for depression; medication for seizures; other narcotic pain medication; cimetidine. Tell your doctor, in the last two weeks, if you have taken MAO inhibitors such as: furazolidone, phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine, linezolid, procarbazine, moclobemide. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

MEPERIDINE W/PROMETHAZINE OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include slow, shallow breathing; lack of feeling alert; loss of consciousness; weakness; cold, clammy skin; and slow heart rate.

MEPERIDINE W/PROMETHAZINE NOTES:
To prevent constipation, increase your intake of fiber, drink plenty of water and exercise. Stool softeners may be helpful. This is a strong medication which is to be used only as prescribed. It should not be used to treat a simple headache or any other painful conditions unless directed to do so by your doctor.

MISSED MEPERIDINE W/PROMETHAZINE DOSE:
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

MEPERIDINE W/PROMETHAZINE STORAGE:
Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom. Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information on enrollment call Medic Alert(TM) at 1-800-854-1166. In Canada call 1-800-668-1507.