11.29.2011

TUSSIONEX®

ABOUT COUGH AND
COUGH SUPPRESSANTS

Cough is an expiratory action the body takes to clear the air passages. Both upper respiratory and lower respiratory symptoms may contribute to cough. Cough due to upper respiratory symptoms (often the common cold or allergies) may be a result of irritation from postnasal drip or other irritants in the upper airway. Some other possible causes of cough include URI (including acute bronchitis), COPD exacerbation, pneumonia, and allergy.1

Combination cough preparations are common2 and may contain an antitussive, such as hydrocodone or codeine, and an antihistamine, such as chlorpheniramine.

TUSSIONEX® is indicated for relief of cough and upper respiratory symptoms associated with allergy or a cold in adults and children 6 years of age and older.

SEVERAL HYDROCODONE-CONTAINING COUGH MEDICATIONS REMAIN APPROVED BY THE FDA2,3

On October 1, 2007, the FDA announced enforcement action to halt the sales and distribution of nearly 200 unapproved prescription cough medications containing hydrocodone. The FDA initiated this action after receiving reports of medication errors associated with formulation changes in unapproved hydrocodone antitussive products and reports of confusion over the similarity of names of these products. The agency was particularly concerned with the improper pediatric labeling of and the risk of medication errors involving these unapproved products. Some of these unapproved products had labels stating dosing information for children under the age of 6, and as young as 2 years old, when no evidence has been shown that they are safe or effective in this population.3

Extended Release (dosed every 12 hours):
  • TUSSIONEX® Pennkinetic® (hydrocodone polistirex/chlorpheniramine polistirex) suspension
    • Hydrocodone polistirex/chlorpheniramine polistrirex
  • TussiCaps® (chlorpheniramine polistirex/hydrocodone polistirex) capsules
  • Hydrocodone polistirex/chlorpheniramine polistirex suspension (generic)
Long-acting products typically require twice-a-day dosing.

Immediate Release (dosed every 4-6 hours):

  • Mycodone™ (homatropine methylbromide/hydrocodone bitartrate) syrup
  • Tussigon® (homatropine methylbromide/hydrocodone bitartrate) tablets
  • Homatropine methylbromide/hydrocodone bitartrate syrup/tablet (generics available)
  • ReziraTM (hydrocodone bitartrate/pseudoephedrine hydrochloride) oral solution
  • ZutriproTM (hydrocodone bitartrate/chlorpheniramine maleate/pseudoephedrine hydrochloride) oral solution
Short-acting products may require multiple doses during the day and evening.
via tussionex.com

ABOUT COUGH AND COUGH SUPPRESSANTS Cough is an expiratory action the body takes to clear the air passages. Both upper respiratory and lower respiratory symptoms may contribute to cough. Cough due to upper respiratory symptoms (often the common cold or allergies) may be a result of irritation from po ...» more Dogmeat