Precautions
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist:
- If you are allergic to any of its ingredients; or to narcotic pain relievers (e.g., morphine); or if you have any other allergies.
- Pregnant or Breastfeeding.
- Your medical history, especially of:
- Abdominal Problems (e.g., Chronic Constipation, Ileus, Pancreatitis)
- Gallbladder Disease
- Adrenal Gland Problem (e.g., Addison’s Disease)
- Blood or Immune System Problems (e.g., Bone Marrow Depression)
- Brain Disorders (e.g., Seizures, Head Injury, Tumor, Increased Intracranial Pressure)
- Breathing Problems (e.g., Asthma, Emphysema, Sleep Apnea)
- Diabetes
- Glaucoma
- Heart Problems (e.g., Angina, Irregular Heartbeat)
- High Blood Pressure
- Liver Disease
- Mental or Mood Problems (e.g., Depression, Psychosis)
- A Certain Spinal Problem (Kyphoscoliosis)
- Stomach/Intestinal Problems (e.g., Ulcers, Blockage)
- Thyroid Disease
- Trouble Urinating (e.g., Due To Enlarged Prostate or Urethral Stricture)
- Use, Abuse of Drugs or Alcohol
This drug may cause dizziness, drowsiness or blurred vision. Avoid activities requiring alertness or clear vision such as driving until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit the use of alcohol and certain other medications that cause drowsiness.
Older adults and children may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially dizziness, drowsiness, mental or mood changes, constipation, fast heartbeat, trouble urinating, or blood pressure changes.
Interactions
Drug interactions may either lessen the effectiveness of this drug or heighten the risk for severe side effects. It’s important to inform your doctor all the medication including prescription and non-prescription and herbal medicines you are taking or going to take.
Possible interactions with this drug are:
- Antihistamines Applied to the Skin (such as Diphenhydramine Cream, Ointment, Spray)
- Cimetidine
- Metoclopramide
- Narcotic Antagonists (e.g., Naltrexone, Naloxone)
- Quinidine
- Opioid Pain or Cough Relievers (such as Morphine, Hydrocodone)
- Alcohol
- Drugs for Sleep or Anxiety (such as Alprazolam, Lorazepam, Zolpidem)
- Muscle Relaxants (such as Carisoprodol, Cyclobenzaprine)
- Other Antihistamines (such as Cetirizine, Diphenhydramine)
- Azole Antifungals (such as Ketoconazole)
- Macrolide Antibiotics (such as Erythromycin)
- HIV Medications (such as Ritonavir)
- Rifamycins (such as Rifabutin, Rifampin)
- Certain Drugs Used to Treat Seizures (such as Carbamazepine, Phenytoin)
This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests such as some pregnancy tests, blood sugar tests and amylase or lipase levels. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug to avoid false results.