Benylin with Codeine is a medicine which is used to help relieve coughing and related congestion
symptoms in adults. The liquid contains diphenhydramine (an antihistamine) that helps relieve
coughing and dry secretions in the nose and levomenthol which helps you breathe more easily by
relieving congestion. It also contains ammonium chloride (an expectorant) that helps loosen
mucus so you can cough it up, and codeine (a cough suppressant).
Dosage
Adults 18 years and older: One to two medicine measures medicine measures (5 mL –
10 mL) every 4 hours.
Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration.
DO NOT USE FOR LONGER THAN 3 DAYS.
Precautions
Do not use Benylin with Codeine
• If you are hypersensitive (allergic) to diphenhydramine, codeine, ammonium chloride or any
of the other ingredients of Benylin with Codeine (see What Benylin with Codeine
contains).
• If you are taking or have taken within the last 2 weeks, monoamine oxidase inhibitors
(MAOIs) for depression.
• During an acute asthma attack.
• If you suffer from head injuries or increased pressure inside your skull (causing symptoms
such as headache, nausea, vomiting, confusion, double vision).
• If you have liver or kidney disease.
• If you are under the age of 18 years.
• If you know that you metabolise codeine very rapidly into morphine.
• If you are breastfeeding or if you are pregnant.
• No more than 4 doses in a day.
• DO NOT USE FOR LONGER THAN 3 DAYS.
Do not drink any alcohol while you are using Benylin with Codeine.
Caution:
Stop using Benylin with Codeine and tell your doctor immediately if you experience any of
the following:
• If you notice any of the following side effects, you must stop using Benylin with Codeine
and seek immediate medical advice: slow or shallow breathing, confusion, sleepiness.
• If you notice any of the following side effects, you must stop using Benylin with Codeine and
seek immediate medical advice: low libido (sex drive), loss of sexual ability in men, absence
of menstruation in women or infertility (signs of androgen deficiency).
• If you notice any of the following side effects, you must stop using Benylin with Codeine and
seek immediate medical advice: agitation, restlessness, confusion, rapid heart rate, high
blood pressure, dilated pupils (signs of serotonin syndrome).
