Monday, 30 July 2012

TussiCaps Extended Release Capsules


Pronunciation: KLOR-fen-IR-a-meen/hye-droe-KOE-done
Generic Name: Chlorpheniramine/Hydrocodone
Brand Name: TussiCaps


TussiCaps Extended Release Capsules are used for:

Treating symptoms of the common cold, hay fever, and other upper respiratory allergies such as cough, runny nose, sneezing, itching of the nose and throat, and itchy, watery eyes. TussiCaps Extended Release Capsules may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.


TussiCaps Extended Release Capsules are a narcotic antitussive (cough suppressant) and antihistamine combination. The antitussive (hydrocodone) works by suppressing the cough center in the brain. The antihistamine (chlorpheniramine) works by blocking the action of histamine, which reduces the symptoms of an allergic reaction such as itch, watery eyes and runny nose.


Do NOT use TussiCaps Extended Release Capsules if:


  • you are allergic to any ingredient in TussiCaps Extended Release Capsules or to any other codeine-related medicine (eg, morphine)

  • you have diarrhea caused by food poisoning, antibiotic use, or a bacterial infection (from eating or drinking contaminated food or water)

  • you are taking sodium oxybate (GHB)

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.



Before using TussiCaps Extended Release Capsules:


Some medical conditions may interact with TussiCaps Extended Release Capsules. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:


  • if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding

  • if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement

  • if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances

  • if you have or have ever had alcoholism, substance abuse, or narcotic dependence, or if you drink more than 3 alcoholic drinks per day

  • if you have a history of mental or mood problems or suicidal thoughts or attempts

  • if you have increased pressure in the eyes or glaucoma, or if you are are at risk for glaucoma

  • if you have a head injury, increased pressure in the head, a brain injury or tumor, epilepsy or seizures, or Reye syndrome

  • if you are having an asthma attack or have lung or breathing problems, including shortness of breath or sleep apnea

  • if you have a stomach or intestinal problem; chronic inflammation and ulceration of the bowel; chronic constipation; difficulty urinating; enlargement of the prostate gland; heart problems, including heart failure; low blood pressure; liver problems; kidney problems; Parkinson disease; the blood disease porphyria; stomach, intestinal, or urinary blockage; or thyroid problems

  • if you have recently had surgery

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with TussiCaps Extended Release Capsules. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:


  • Anticholinergics (eg, scopolamine) because an intestinal problem (paralytic ileus) may occur

  • Barbiturate anesthetics (eg, thiopental), cimetidine, ketorolac, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) (eg, phenelzine), naltrexone, sodium oxybate (GHB), or tricyclic antidepressants (eg, amitriptyline) because they may increase the risk of TussiCaps Extended Release Capsules's side effects, including dangerous sleepiness and a decrease in the ability to breathe

  • Rifampin or risperidone because they may decrease TussiCaps Extended Release Capsules's effectiveness

  • Hydantoins (eg, phenytoin) because the risk of their side effects may be increased by TussiCaps Extended Release Capsules

  • Mexiletine because its effectiveness may be decreased by TussiCaps Extended Release Capsules

  • Naltrexone because TussiCaps Extended Release Capsules's effectiveness will be decreased and withdrawal symptoms may occur in patients who have become physically dependent on opioids. You must not take naltrexone until you have stopped taking TussiCaps Extended Release Capsules for 7 to 10 days and after a naloxone challenge test is negative

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if TussiCaps Extended Release Capsules may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.


How to use TussiCaps Extended Release Capsules:


Use TussiCaps Extended Release Capsules as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.


  • Take TussiCaps Extended Release Capsules by mouth with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, take with food to reduce stomach irritation.

  • Swallow TussiCaps Extended Release Capsules whole. Do not, break, crush, chew, open, or dissolve before swallowing.

  • If you miss a dose of TussiCaps Extended Release Capsules, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once. Do not take more than 2 capsules in 24 hours.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use TussiCaps Extended Release Capsules.



Important safety information:


  • TussiCaps Extended Release Capsules may cause drowsiness or dizziness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use TussiCaps Extended Release Capsules with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.

  • Do not drink alcohol while you are using TussiCaps Extended Release Capsules.

  • Check with your doctor before you use medicines that may cause drowsiness (eg, sleep aids, muscle relaxers) while you are using TussiCaps Extended Release Capsules; it may add to their effects. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness.

  • Do not take more than the recommended dose or use for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor.

  • If your symptoms do not get better within 7 days or if you develop a high fever or persistent headache, check with your doctor.

  • Tell your doctor or dentist that you take TussiCaps Extended Release Capsules before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.

  • Use TussiCaps Extended Release Capsules with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially possible breathing problems and drowsiness.

  • TussiCaps Extended Release Capsules should not be used in CHILDREN younger than 6 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.

  • PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: TussiCaps Extended Release Capsules has been shown to cause harm to the fetus, especially during the last 3 months of pregnancy. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using TussiCaps Extended Release Capsules while you are pregnant. TussiCaps Extended Release Capsules are found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking TussiCaps Extended Release Capsules.

When used for long periods of time or at high doses, TussiCaps Extended Release Capsules may not work as well and may require higher doses to obtain the same effect as when originally taken. This is known as TOLERANCE. Talk with your doctor if TussiCaps Extended Release Capsules stops working well. Do not take more than prescribed.


Some people who use TussiCaps Extended Release Capsules for a long time without a break may develop a physical need to continue taking it. This is known as physical DEPENDENCE. The early sign of addiction is medicine ineffectiveness. Dependence is not an issue in terminal illness in which pain relief is more important. If using TussiCaps Extended Release Capsules for an extended period of time, do not suddenly stop taking TussiCaps Extended Release Capsules without your doctor's approval. If you suddenly stop taking TussiCaps Extended Release Capsules, you may experience WITHDRAWAL symptoms, including anxiety; diarrhea; fever; runny nose or sneezing; goose bumps and abnormal skin sensations; nausea and vomiting; pain; rigid muscles; seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there; shivering or tremors; sweating; and trouble sleeping. Contact your doctor if you notice any of these symptoms after stopping this medication.



Possible side effects of TussiCaps Extended Release Capsules:


All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:



Constipation; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth, throat, or nose; excitement; nausea; stomach upset; thickening or mucus in nose or throat.



Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); difficulty urinating; flushing or redness of face; mental or mood changes; rapid or pounding heartbeat; severe drowsiness or dizziness; shortness of breath.



This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.


See also: TussiCaps side effects (in more detail)


If OVERDOSE is suspected:


Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include agitation; coma; confusion; deep sleep or loss of consciousness; difficulty breathing; diminished mental alertness; hallucinations; hot or cold skin; large and unchanging pupils; sedation; seizures; shaking; sleeplessness; slow heartbeat; slowed breathing.


Proper storage of TussiCaps Extended Release Capsules:

Store TussiCaps Extended Release Capsules at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep TussiCaps Extended Release Capsules out of the reach of children and away from pets.


General information:


  • If you have any questions about TussiCaps Extended Release Capsules, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

  • TussiCaps Extended Release Capsules are to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.

  • If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

  • Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about TussiCaps Extended Release Capsules. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.



Issue Date: February 1, 2012

Database Edition 12.1.1.002

Copyright © 2012 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.

More TussiCaps resources


  • TussiCaps Side Effects (in more detail)
  • TussiCaps Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
  • Drug Images
  • TussiCaps Drug Interactions
  • TussiCaps Support Group
  • 5 Reviews for TussiCaps - Add your own review/rating


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