home > drugs a-z list > tussionex (hydrocodone and chlorpheniramine) drug center > tussionex (hydrocodone and chlorpheniramine) drug - consumer side effects and precautions

To relieve dry mouth, suck (sugarless) hard candy or ice chips, chew (sugarless) gum, drink water, or use a saliva substitute. This medication can dry up and thicken mucus in your lungs, making it more difficult to breathe and clear your lungs. To help prevent this effect, drink plenty of fluids unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

To prevent constipation, eat a diet adequate in fiber, drink plenty of water, and exercise. If you become constipated while using this drug, consult your pharmacist for help in selecting a laxative (such as stimulant-type with stool softener).

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: slow/shallow breathing, mental/mood changes (such as depression, agitation), trouble urinating.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but serious side effects occur: seizures, fast/slow/irregular heartbeat.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to hydrocodone or chlorpheniramine; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: breathing problems (such as asthma, croup), certain brain disorders (such as seizures, head injury, tumor, increased intracranial pressure), stomach/intestinal problems ( such as blockage, ileus, chronic constipation, Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea), glaucoma (narrow-angle), difficulty urinating (such as due to enlarged prostate or urethral stricture), personal or family history of regular use/abuse of drugs/alcohol, kidney disease, liver disease, gallbladder disease, underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), adrenal gland problem (such as Addison's disease), disease of the pancreas (such as pancreatitis), mental/mood disorders (such as toxic psychosis), heart problems (such as irregular heartbeat), a certain spinal problem (kyphoscoliosis).

This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy or cause blurred vision. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness or clear vision until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages.

To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

This medication may contain sugar. If you have diabetes, ask your doctor or pharmacist how to use this product safely.

Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially dizziness, drowsiness, breathing problems, and trouble urinating.

Children may be more sensitive to the side effects of hydrocodone, especially breathing problems. Children may also be more sensitive to the effects of chlorpheniramine. In young children, antihistamines may cause agitation/excitement instead of drowsiness.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Using it during the last 3 months of pregnancy is not recommended because of possible harm to the unborn baby. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Infants born to mothers who have used this medication for an extended time may have withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, abnormal/persistent crying, vomiting, or diarrhea. Tell your doctor immediately if you notice any of these symptoms in your newborn.

It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk or may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Tell the doctor immediately if your baby develops unusual sleepiness, difficulty feeding, or trouble breathing. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.