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Gastrointestinal Disorders

Nausea and vomiting may occur; they are more frequent in ambulatory than in recumbent patients. Prolonged administration of TUSSIONEX (hydrocodone and chlorpheniramine) Pennkinetic Extended-Release Suspension may produce constipation.

General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions

Death

Nervous System Disorders

Sedation, drowsiness, mental clouding, lethargy, impairment of mental and physical performance, anxiety, fear, dysphoria, euphoria, dizziness, psychic dependence, mood changes.

Renal and Urinary Disorders

Ureteral spasm, spasm of vesical sphincters, and urinary retention have been reported with opiates.

Respiratory, Thoracic and Mediastinal Disorders

Dryness of the pharynx, occasional tightness of the chest, and respiratory depression (see CONTRAINDICATIONS).

TUSSIONEX (hydrocodone and chlorpheniramine) Pennkinetic Extended-Release Suspension may produce dose-related respiratory depression by acting directly on brain stem respiratory centers (see OVERDOSAGE). Use of TUSSIONEX (hydrocodone and chlorpheniramine) Pennkinetic Extended-Release Suspension in children less than 6 years of age has been associated with fatal respiratory depression. Overdose with TUSSIONEX (hydrocodone and chlorpheniramine) Pennkinetic Extended-Release Suspension in children 6 years of age and older, in adolescents, and in adults has been associated with fatal respiratory depression.

Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders

Rash, pruritus.

DRUG ABUSE AND DEPENDENCE

TUSSIONEX (hydrocodone and chlorpheniramine) Pennkinetic Extended-Release Suspension is a Schedule III narcotic. Psychic dependence, physical dependence and tolerance may develop upon repeated administration of narcotics; therefore, TUSSIONEX (hydrocodone and chlorpheniramine) Pennkinetic Extended-Release Suspension should be prescribed and administered with caution. However, psychic dependence is unlikely to develop when TUSSIONEX (hydrocodone and chlorpheniramine) Pennkinetic Extended-Release Suspension is used for a short time for the treatment of cough. Physical dependence, the condition in which continued administration of the drug is required to prevent the appearance of a withdrawal syndrome, assumes clinically significant proportions only after several weeks of continued oral narcotic use, although some mild degree of physical dependence may develop after a few days of narcotic therapy.

Patients receiving narcotics, antihistaminics, antipsychotics, antianxiety agents, or other CNS depressants (including alcohol) concomitantly with TUSSIONEX (hydrocodone and chlorpheniramine) Pennkinetic Extended-Release Suspension may exhibit an additive CNS depression. When combined therapy is contemplated, the dose of one or both agents should be reduced.

The use of MAO inhibitors or tricyclic antidepressants with hydrocodone preparations may increase the effect of either the antidepressant or hydrocodone.

The concurrent use of other anticholinergics with hydrocodone may produce paralytic ileus.

Last reviewed on RxList: 3/19/2008
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.