uses
What is hydrocodone/chlorpheniramine used for?Hydrocodone/chlorpheniramine is a combination medicine commonly taken to help you stop coughing and for a runny nose, sneezing, a stuffy nose, and other symptoms from allergies or the common cold.Hydrocodone/chlorpheniramine may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.How does hydrocodone/chlorpheniramine work (mechanism of action)?Hydrocodone reduces the urge to cough by affecting the part of the brain that controls the cough reflex. Chlorpheniramine works by blocking certain histamine receptors in the body, which helps to ease a runny nose, sneezing, congestion, and other symptoms. How is hydrocodone/chlorpheniramine supplied (dosage forms)?Brands and other namesTussicapsTussionex PennkineticDosage forms and strengths10 mg/8 mg per 5 mL oral suspensionHow should I store hydrocodone/chlorpheniramine?Hydrocodone/chlorpheniramine should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when you’re transporting it. Store it in a cool, dry place, and protect it from light.Â
how to use
liquid that is swallowed
drug interactions
Does hydrocodone/chlorpheniramine interact with foods or drinks?There are no known interactions between hydrocodone/chlorpheniramine and foods or non-alcoholic drinks.Do not drink alcohol or use prescription or over-the-counter medicines that contain alcohol. The combination of alcohol and hydrocodone/chlorpheniramine can increase your risk of serious side effects, including death. Does hydrocodone/chlorpheniramine interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking hydrocodone/chlorpheniramine.Clarithromycin or erythromycin (Ery-Tab and others), which is a medicine used for bacterial infectionsA monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) within the past two weeks, which is a medicine usually used for depression or Parkinson’s diseaseAny medicine that affects serotonin in your body, such as medicines for depression, anxiety, or certain mental health conditions, some migraine medicines, and some medicines for nausea and vomiting. Ketoconazole, itraconazole (Sporanox, Tolsura), posaconazole (Noxafil), fluconazole (Diflucan), or voriconazole (Vfend), which is a medicine used for fungal infectionsA protease inhibitor, such as nelfinavir (Viracept) or ritonavir (Norvir), which is a medicine commonly used to treat HIVRifampin, which is a medicine commonly used to treat an infection called tuberculosisCarbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol, and others) or phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek, and others), which is a medicine commonly used to treat seizuresA diuretic, also called a water pill, which is a medicine used to reduce edema (fluid retention) and blood pressureAn anticholinergic medicine, which includes antihistamines and medicines commonly used for overactive bladder, Parkinson’s disease, or stomach problemsAny other medicine that causes dizziness and sleepiness, such as prescription pain medicines (including opioids), sleep medicines, muscle relaxants, and medicines for anxiety (including benzodiazepines)Many other medicines may alter the blood levels of hydrocodone/chlorpheniramine. Tell your health care provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with hydrocodone/chlorpheniramine. Always check with your health care provider.
side effects
What are the most common side effects of hydrocodone/chlorpheniramine?The most common side effects of hydrocodone/chlorpheniramine are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.Drowsiness or lack of energyLightheadedness or dizzinessConfusion or not being able to think clearlyCoordination problems or not being able to be as physically active as usualHeadacheDry mouthNausea or vomitingConstipation (see below)There may be other side effects of hydrocodone/chlorpheniramine that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.What are the serious side effects of hydrocodone/chlorpheniramine?While less common, the most serious side effects of hydrocodone/chlorpheniramine are described below, along with what to do if they happen.Severe Allergic Reactions. Hydrocodone/chlorpheniramine may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking hydrocodone/chlorpheniramine and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.Breathing problems or wheezingRacing heartFever or general ill feelingSwollen lymph nodesSwelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throatTrouble swallowing or throat tightnessItching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hivesNausea or vomitingDizziness, feeling lightheaded, or faintingStomach crampsJoint painRisk of Misuse and Addiction. Misusing hydrocodone/chlorpheniramine can lead to serious side effects like a coma or death. Misuse means taking a medicine in a way other than how it was prescribed. Take hydrocodone/chlorpheniramine exactly as prescribed. Tell your health care provider if you feel that hydrocodone/chlorpheniramine is not working. Call your health care provider right away or go to the nearest emergency room if you have any of the following serious symptoms.Sudden confusion or feeling disorientedFeeling paranoidSuicidal thoughts or actionsSeizuresTrouble breathing Breathing Problems. Hydrocodone/chlorpheniramine may cause slow or shallow breathing, especially if you have breathing problems from another condition or take other medicines that can slow your breathing. Tell your health care provider if you get extremely sleepy or have trouble breathing, especially when you start hydrocodone/chlorpheniramine. Stop taking hydrocodone/chlorpheniramine and get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms.Changes in the color of your skin, including a bluish color to your lips and fingernailsConfusionShortness of breathFeeling dizzy, lightheaded, or faintingChanges in your heart rate or rhythm, such as a fast, slow, pounding, or skipping heartbeatSlow or shallow breathingExcessive sleepiness or trouble staying awakeSphincter of Oddi Spasm. The sphincter of Oddi is a muscular valve in your body that controls the flow of bile and digestive juices from the pancreas into the small intestine. When this valve spasms, it may feel like a tight muscle cramp, causing pain and blocking the flow of these juices, which can lead to discomfort and digestive problems. This is more likely to happen if you do not have a gallbladder. Stop taking hydrocodone/chlorpheniramine and get emergency help if you have new or worse stomach pain or pain in the upper right side of your stomach area that travels to your back or shoulder, with or without nausea and vomiting. Constipation. Some people taking hydrocodone/chlorpheniramine may get severe constipation or a blockage of the gut (bowel obstruction). Stop taking hydrocodone/chlorpheniramine and call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a blockage in your intestines.Nausea or vomitingStomach pain or bloatingLoss of appetite Unable to pass gasLow Blood Pressure (Hypotension). Hydrocodone/chlorpheniramine may cause low blood pressure. If you feel faint or dizzy, lie down. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of low blood pressure.Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or faintingConfusionFeeling weak or tiredReduced Adrenal Function. Long-term use of hydrocodone/chlorpheniramine can cause your body’s adrenal glands to stop making as much cortisol (the stress hormone). This is known as adrenal insufficiency. Adrenal insufficiency can get worse if your body is under stress because of a fever, surgery, or trauma. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following symptoms of adrenal insufficiency.Nausea and vomitingWeakness, tiredness, or lack of energyLow blood pressure
overdose and misseddose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much hydrocodone/chlorpheniramine?If you or someone else has taken too much hydrocodone/chlorpheniramine, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.What should I do if I miss a dose of hydrocodone/chlorpheniramine?Hydrocodone/chlorpheniramine is meant to be taken only when needed. Take it as your health care provider recommends. Do not take double or extra doses. Do not take more than your prescribed dose. If you have any questions about missed doses, contact your health care provider.
warnings and Precautions
Who should not use hydrocodone/chlorpheniramine?Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take hydrocodone/chlorpheniramine.HydrocodoneChlorpheniramineTussicapsTussionex PennkineticAny of the ingredients in the specific product dispensedYour pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific hydrocodone/chlorpheniramine products they stock.Children. Hydrocodone/chlorpheniramine should not be taken by any child younger than 6 years old. Slow or shallow breathing that can lead to death may occur. Breathing Problems. Hydrocodone/chlorpheniramine should not be taken if you have severe asthma, trouble breathing, or other lung problems. Hydrocodone/chlorpheniramine can make breathing problems worse or lead to death.Gut Blockage. Hydrocodone/chlorpheniramine should not be taken if you have a blockage of your gut (bowel obstruction) or a narrowing of the stomach or intestines. Hydrocodone/chlorpheniramine can make these conditions worse. Slowed Gut Movement. Hydrocodone/chlorpheniramine should not be taken if you have a paralytic ileus. This is when your intestines are unable to move food through them. Hydrocodone/chlorpheniramine can make this worse.What should I know about hydrocodone/chlorpheniramine before using it?Do not take hydrocodone/chlorpheniramine unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as prescribed.Do not share hydrocodone/chlorpheniramine with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.Keep hydrocodone/chlorpheniramine out of the reach of children. Hydrocodone/chlorpheniramine is a controlled substance because it can be misused or lead to dependence. Store hydrocodone/chlorpheniramine in a safe place to protect it from theft. It is illegal to sell or give away this medicine.Shake hydrocodone/chlorpheniramine well before measuring a dose of your medicine. Use the measuring device that comes with your medicine to measure your dose. A household spoon is not an accurate measuring device and may cause you to take the wrong dose. Ask your pharmacist to recommend a good measuring device if one did not come with your medicine. Do not overfill the measuring device. This will help prevent you from taking too much medicine. Rinse out the measuring device after you take a dose of hydrocodone/chlorpheniramine to make sure all of the medicine is washed out.Do not mix hydrocodone/chlorpheniramine with other liquids or medicines. This could change how the medicine works.Hydrocodone/chlorpheniramine can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other things that require alertness or coordination until you know how hydrocodone/chlorpheniramine affects you.People who are 65 and older can be at greater risk for some side effects from hydrocodone/chlorpheniramine. Talk to your health care provider about your risks if you are in this age group.Long-term use of hydrocodone/chlorpheniramine may affect your ability to become pregnant or get a partner pregnant. Talk with your health care provider if you have any concerns.If you have been taking hydrocodone/chlorpheniramine on a regular basis, do not stop taking the medicine without talking to your health care provider. Stopping too quickly may cause serious side effects. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms. Feeling restlessWatery eyes or runny noseYawningSweating or chillsMuscle, joint, or back painDilated pupils Crankiness, anxiety, or trouble sleepingNausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetiteIncrease in blood pressure, breathing rate, or heart rateTell your health care provider if your cough does not get better after five days of taking hydrocodone/chlorpheniramine. They may need to check to see if something else is causing your cough. Throw away expired, unwanted, or unused hydrocodone/chlorpheniramine right away by taking your medicine to an authorized DEA-registered collector or drug take back program. If one is not available, you can mix the medicine with dirt, coffee grounds, or cat litter, then place the mixture in a sealed plastic bag and throw the bag in the trash. You can also flush hydrocodone/chlorpheniramine down the toilet. You can find out more on how to properly dispose of your medicines at www.fda.gov/drugdisposal.What should I tell my health care provider before using hydrocodone/chlorpheniramine?Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if hydrocodone/chlorpheniramine is right for you.In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following. Head injury or brain problems, such as brain tumors or increased pressure around the brainSeizuresLiver, kidney, or adrenal gland problemsStomach, bowel, pancreas, or gallbladder problems, including constipationBreathing problems, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)Problems peeing or prostate problems Low blood pressureMental health conditions, such as depressionUpcoming surgery Substance Use Disorder or Alcohol Use Disorder. Talk to your health care provider if you have ever had a problem with alcohol, prescription medicines, or street drugs or live with someone who has this problem. Hydrocodone/chlorpheniramine has a risk of being misused.Other Medicines and Supplements. Hydrocodone/chlorpheniramine may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking hydrocodone/chlorpheniramine, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.Pregnancy. Hydrocodone/chlorpheniramine may harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take hydrocodone/chlorpheniramine while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. If you take hydrocodone/chlorpheniramine on a regular basis during pregnancy, your baby may have withdrawal symptoms that can be life-threatening. Tell your health care provider if you took hydrocodone/chlorpheniramine during your pregnancy, especially near the end of your pregnancy.Breastfeeding. Hydrocodone/chlorpheniramine passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should stop breastfeeding or stop hydrocodone/chlorpheniramine.Â
about
Hydrocodone/chlorpheniramine is a combination medicine taken for coughing and other symptoms like a runny nose, sneezing, and a stuffy nose from allergies or the common cold. Common side effects include drowsiness or lack of energy, a headache, and dry mouth. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how hydrocodone/chlorpheniramine affects you. Get emergency help if you have trouble breathing or confusion.