Triprolidine, pseudoephedrine, and codeine (Oral)

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 6, 2022.

Pharmacologic Class: Antihistamine

Chemical Class: Alkylamine

Uses for triprolidine, pseudoephedrine, and codeine

Triprolidine, pseudoephedrine, and codeine combination is used to relieve cough, sneezing, itchy or runny nose, and nasal congestion (stuffy nose) caused by allergies or the common cold.

Triprolidine is an antihistamine that works by preventing the effects of a substance called histamine, which is produced by the body. Histamine can cause itching, sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes. Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant, which decreases nasal congestion by narrowing the blood vessels and reducing blood flow to the nasal passage. Codeine is a narcotic antitussive (cough suppressant). It acts directly on the cough center in the brain to relieve cough.

When codeine is used for a long time, it may become habit-forming, causing mental or physical dependence. However, people who have continuing cough and nasal congestion should not let the fear of dependence keep them from using narcotics to relieve their cough. Mental dependence (addiction) is not likely to occur when narcotics are used for this purpose. Physical dependence may lead to withdrawal side effects if treatment is stopped suddenly. However, severe withdrawal side effects can usually be prevented by gradually reducing the dose over a period of time before treatment is stopped completely.

Triprolidine, pseudoephedrine, and codeine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

Before using triprolidine, pseudoephedrine, and codeine

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For triprolidine, pseudoephedrine, and codeine, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to triprolidine, pseudoephedrine, and codeine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of triprolidine, pseudoephedrine, and codeine combination in children.

Triprolidine, pseudoephedrine, and codeine combination should not be used to relieve pain after surgery removal of tonsils or adenoids in children. Severe breathing problems and deaths have been reported in some children who received codeine after tonsil or adenoid surgery.

Geriatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of triprolidine, pseudoephedrine, and codeine combination in the elderly.

Breastfeeding

Studies in women breastfeeding have demonstrated harmful infant effects. An alternative to this medication should be prescribed or you should stop breastfeeding while using triprolidine, pseudoephedrine, and codeine.

Studies in women suggest that this medication poses minimal risk to the infant when used during breastfeeding.

Interactions with medicines

Although certain medicines s