Chlorpheniramine and hydrocodone

Chlorpheniramine and hydrocodone are combination prescription medications used to treat runny noses, sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and cough caused by allergies, the common cold, or the flu. 

• Chlorpheniramine and hydrocodone are available under various brand names: Tussicaps, Tussionex pennkinetic

Common side effects of Chlorpheniramine and hydrocodone include:

• Trouble breathing.
• Drowsiness.
• Confusion.
• Nausea, vomiting; or
• Little or no urination.

Serious side effects of Chlorpheniramine and hydrocodone include:

• Hives. 
• Difficult breathing. 
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Severe drowsiness.
• Noisy breathing, sighing, shallow breathing.
• Severe constipation.
• A light-headed feeling,
• A slow heart rate or weak pulse.
• Confusion; or
• Adrenal gland problems--nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, dizziness, feeling weak or tired.
• Side effects such as dry mouth, constipation, and confusion may be more likely in older adults.

Rare side effects of Chlorpheniramine and hydrocodone include:

• None

Seek medical care or call 911 at once if you have the following serious side effects:

• Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, arm or leg weakness, trouble walking, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady, very stiff muscles, high fever, profuse sweating, or tremors.
• Serious eye symptoms such as sudden vision loss, blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights.
• Serious heart symptoms such as fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeats; fluttering in the chest; shortness of breath; sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, or passing out.

This is not a complete list of side effects and other serious side effects or health problems that may occur because of the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may report side effects or health problems to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

 Adult and pediatric dosage

Capsule extended release: Schedule II

• 4 mg/5 mg (tussicaps Half Strength)
• 8 mg/10 mg (tussicaps Full Strength)

Oral suspension extended release: Schedule II

• (8 mg/10 mg)/5 ml (Tussionex Pennkinetic)
• Oral solution: Schedule II
• (4 mg/5 mg)/5 ml (Vituz)

Cough and upper respiratory tract symptoms

Adult dosage

Extended-release:

• Capsules (hydrocodone 10 mg and chlorpheniramine 8 mg per capsule): 1 capsule every 12 hours; maximum: 2 capsules (hydrocodone 20 mg/chlorpheniramine 16 mg) per day
• Suspension (hydrocodone 10 mg and chlorpheniramine 8 mg per 5 ml): 5 ml every 12 hours; maximum: 10 ml (hydrocodone 20 mg/chlorpheniramine 16 mg) per day
• Immediate release: 
• Oral solution (hydrocodone 5 mg and chlorpheniramine 4 mg per 5 ml): 5 ml every 4 to 6 hours as needed; maximum: 20 ml (hydrocodone 20 mg/chlorpheniramine 16 mg) per day

Pediatric dosage

Extended-release capsules: Oral:

• Children 6 to below 12 years: Half-strength capsule (Hydrocodone 5 mg and chlorpheniramine 4 mg per capsule): One half-strength capsule every 12 hours; maximum daily dose: 2 capsules/24 hours
• Children above 12 years and Adolescents: Full-strength capsule (Hydrocodone 10 mg and chlorpheniramine 8 mg per capsule): One full-strength capsule every 12 hours; maximum daily dose: 2 capsules/24 hours

Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows: 

• See “Dosages”

If your medical doctor is using this medicine to treat your pain, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, health care provider, or pharmacist first

• Chlorpheniramine and hydrocodone have severe interactions with no other drugs.
  • Alvimopan
• Chlorpheniramine and hydrocodone have serious interactions with at least 133 other drugs.
• Chlorpheniramine and hydrocodone have moderate interactions with at least 311 other drugs.
• Chlorpheniramine and hydrocodone have minor interactions with no other drugs.
  • Ashwagandha
  • Brimonidine
  • Eucalyptus
  • Levoketoconazole
  • Nettle
  • Ribociclib
  • Sage
  • Siberian ginseng
  • Ziconotide

This information does not contain all possible interactions or adverse effects. Visit the RxList Drug Interaction Checker for any drug interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist about all your products. Keep a list of all your medications with you and share this information with your doctor and pharmacist. Check with your health care professional or doctor for additional medical advice, or if you have health questions or concerns.

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to chlorpheniramine or hydrocodone.
• Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 6 years old. Chlorpheniramine and hydrocodone are not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.
• Used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days

Effects of drug abuse

• Addiction,
• Overdose, OR 
• Death

Short-Term Effects

• See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Chlorpheniramine and hydrocodone?”

Long-Term Effects

• See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Chlorpheniramine and hydrocodone?”

Cautions

• Misuse of this medicine can cause addiction, overdose, or death. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it.
• Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 6 years old.
• Fatal side effects can occur if you use this medicine with alcohol, or with other drugs that cause drowsiness or slow your breathing.
• Do not drink alcohol. Dangerous side effects or death could occur.
• Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you. Dizziness or severe drowsiness can cause falls or other accidents.
• Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using other cough or cold medicines that may contain similar ingredients.

Pregnancy and Lactation

• If you use hydrocodone while you are pregnant, your baby could become dependent on the drug. This can cause life-threatening withdrawal symptoms in the baby after it is born. Babies born dependent on habit-forming medicine may need medical treatment for several weeks. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Lactation

• You should not breastfeed while using chlorpheniramine and hydrocodone.