Tuesday, October 11, 2016

Vanacof CD


Pronunciation: FEN-il-EF-rin/DEX-klor-fen-IR-a-meen/KOE-deen
Generic Name: Phenylephrine/Dexchlorpheniramine/Codeine
Brand Name: Vanacof CD


Vanacof CD is used for:

Relieving symptoms of sinus congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and cough due to colds, upper respiratory infections, and allergies. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.


Vanacof CD is a decongestant, antihistamine, and cough suppressant combination. It works by constricting blood vessels and reducing swelling in the nasal passages. The antihistamine works by blocking the action of histamine, which helps reduce symptoms such as watery eyes and sneezing. The cough suppressant works in the brain to help decrease the cough reflex to reduce a dry cough.


Do NOT use Vanacof CD if:


  • you are allergic to any ingredient in Vanacof CD

  • you have severe high blood pressure, severe heart blood vessel disease, rapid heartbeat, severe heart problems, stomach ulcer, narrow-angle glaucoma, or difficulty urinating, or you are having an asthma attack

  • you are taking sodium oxybate (GHB) or you have taken furazolidone or a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) (eg, phenelzine) within the last 14 days

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.



Before using Vanacof CD:


Some medical conditions may interact with Vanacof CD. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:


  • if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding

  • if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement

  • if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances

  • if you have recent head injury, severe drowsiness, brain tumor, or increased pressure in the brain

  • if you have a history of adrenal gland problems (eg, adrenal gland tumor); heart problems (eg, cor pulmonale, fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; heart disease); high or low blood pressure; liver problems; low blood volume; diabetes; blood vessel problems; stroke; glaucoma or increased pressure in the eye; a blockage of your stomach, bladder, or intestines; recent stomach or bowel surgery or other stomach or bowel problems (eg, constipation, diarrhea due to antibiotic use, inflammation; ulcers); trouble urinating; an enlarged prostate or other prostate problems; seizures; mental or mood problems (eg, depression); pancreas problems (eg, pancreatitis); or thyroid problems

  • if you have history of asthma, sleep apnea, other breathing problems (eg, slow or irregular breathing), chronic cough, lung problems (eg, chronic bronchitis, emphysema), or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or if your cough occurs with large amounts of mucus

  • if you have a history of alcohol abuse, drug abuse, or suicidal thoughts or behavior; have trouble sleeping; or are in poor health or are very overweight

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Vanacof CD. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:


  • Anticholinergics (eg, scopolamine) because a serious bowel problem (paralytic ileus) may occur

  • Digoxin or droxidopa because the risk of irregular heartbeat or heart attack may be increased

  • Beta-blockers (eg, propranolol), catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitors (eg, tolcapone), cimetidine, furazolidone, HIV protease inhibitors (eg, ritonavir), MAOIs (eg, phenelzine), muscle relaxants (eg, cyclobenzaprine), opioid analgesics (eg, hydrocodone), phenothiazines (eg, chlorpromazine), sodium oxybate (GHB), or tricyclic antidepressants (eg, amitriptyline) because they may increase the risk of Vanacof CD's side effects

  • Naltrexone, quinidine, or rifamycins (eg, rifampin) because they may decrease Vanacof CD's effectiveness

  • Bromocriptine or hydantoins (eg, phenytoin) because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Vanacof CD

  • Guanadrel, guanethidine, mecamylamine, methyldopa, or reserpine because their effectiveness may be decreased by Vanacof CD

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Vanacof CD may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.


How to use Vanacof CD:


Use Vanacof CD as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.


  • Take Vanacof CD by mouth with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, take with food to reduce stomach irritation.

  • Use a measuring device marked for medicine dosing. Ask your pharmacist for help if you are unsure of how to measure your dose.

  • If you miss a dose of Vanacof CD, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Vanacof CD.



Important safety information:


  • Vanacof CD may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Vanacof CD with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.

  • Vanacof CD may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting; alcohol, hot weather, exercise, or fever may increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Sit or lie down at the first sign of any of these effects.

  • Do not drink alcohol or use medicines that may cause drowsiness (eg, sleep aids, muscle relaxers) while you are using Vanacof CD; it may add to their effects. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness.

  • Do not take diet or appetite control medicines while you take Vanacof CD without checking with your doctor.

  • Vanacof CD has phenylephrine in it. Before you start any new medicine, check the label to see if it has phenylephrine in it too. If it does or if you are not sure, check with your doctor or pharmacist.

  • Do not use Vanacof CD for a cough with a lot of mucus. Do not use it for a long-term cough (eg, caused by asthma, emphysema, smoking). However, you may use it for these conditions if your doctor tells you to.

  • Do NOT take more than the recommended dose or use for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor.

  • If your symptoms do not get better within 5 to 7 days or if they get worse, check with your doctor.

  • Vanacof CD may cause you to become sunburned more easily. Avoid the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Vanacof CD. Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for more than a short time.

  • Vanacof CD may interfere with skin allergy tests. If you are scheduled for a skin test, talk to your doctor. You may need to stop taking Vanacof CD for a few days before the tests.

  • Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Vanacof CD before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.

  • Use Vanacof CD with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects.

  • Caution is advised when using Vanacof CD in CHILDREN; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially excitability.

  • Vanacof CD should not be used in CHILDREN younger than 6 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.

  • PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: It is not known if Vanacof CD can cause harm to the fetus. If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Vanacof CD while you are pregnant. It is not known if Vanacof CD is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Vanacof CD.

Some people who use Vanacof CD for a long time may develop a need to continue taking it. People who take high doses are also at risk. This is known as DEPENDENCE or addiction.


If you stop taking Vanacof CD suddenly, you may have WITHDRAWAL symptoms. These may include anxiety, irregular heartbeat, irritability, restlessness, trouble sleeping, and unusual sweating.



Possible side effects of Vanacof CD:


All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:



Constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth, nose, or throat; excitability; headache; loss of appetite; nausea; nervousness or anxiety; trouble sleeping; upset stomach; vomiting; weakness.



Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); confusion; difficulty urinating or inability to urinate; fast or irregular heartbeat; hallucinations; mental or mood changes (eg, irritability); persistent trouble sleeping; restlessness; seizures; severe dizziness, lightheadedness, or headache; severe drowsiness; tremor; unusual bruising or bleeding; vision changes or blurred vision.



This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.


See also: Vanacof CD side effects (in more detail)


If OVERDOSE is suspected:


Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include blurred vision; cold and clammy skin; coma; confusion; hallucinations; seizures; severe dizziness, lightheadedness, or headache; severe drowsiness; unusually fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; vomiting.


Proper storage of Vanacof CD:

Store Vanacof CD at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Vanacof CD out of the reach of children and away from pets.


General information:


  • If you have any questions about Vanacof CD, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

  • Vanacof CD is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.

  • If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

  • Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Vanacof CD. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.



Issue Date: February 1, 2012

Database Edition 12.1.1.002

Copyright © 2012 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.

More Vanacof CD resources


  • Vanacof CD Side Effects (in more detail)
  • Vanacof CD Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
  • Vanacof CD Drug Interactions
  • Vanacof CD Support Group
  • 0 Reviews for Vanacof CD - Add your own review/rating


  • Vanacof CD Concise Consumer Information (Cerner Multum)



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