TussiCaps

Chlorpheniramine is an antihistamine that helps lessen the effects of a natural chemical called histamine in the body. Histamine can cause symptoms like sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and a runny nose.

Hydrocodone is a narcotic cough suppressant. It works on the brain signals that cause the cough reflex.

TussiCaps is a combination medicine used to treat a runny nose, sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and cough that are caused by allergies, the common cold, or the flu.

TussiCaps may also be used for other purposes that are not listed in this medication guide.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides. Never use this medicine in larger amounts, or for longer than prescribed.

Never share this medicine with another person, especially someone with a history of drug abuse or addiction. MISUSE CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH. Keep the medicine in a place where others cannot get to it. Selling or giving away TussiCaps is against the law.

Shake the oral suspension (liquid) before you measure a dose. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

Do not mix the oral suspension with any other liquids or medicines.

Do not crush, chew, break, or open an extended-release capsule. Swallow it whole.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 5 days of treatment, or if you have a fever with a headache or skin rash.

If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using TussiCaps.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze.

Keep track of your medicine. TussiCaps is a drug of abuse and you should be aware if anyone is using your medicine improperly or without a prescription.

Do not stop using this medicine suddenly after long-term use, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Ask your doctor how to safely stop using the medicine.

MISUSE OF THIS MEDICINE CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it.

Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 6 years old.

Fatal side effects can occur if you use this medicine with alcohol, or with other drugs that cause drowsiness or slow your breathing.

You should not use TussiCaps if you are allergic to chlorpheniramine or hydrocodone.

Do not use TussiCaps if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the last 14 days. A dangerous interaction could happen. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others.

Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 6 years old. TussiCaps is not approved for anyone younger than 18 years old.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• asthma or other breathing problems;
• seizures, or a head injury or brain tumor;
• a blockage in your digestive tract (stomach or intestines);
• enlarged prostate, urination problems;
• low blood pressure;
• liver or kidney disease;
• Addison's disease (an adrenal gland disorder);
• problems with your thyroid, gallbladder, or pancreas; or
• alcoholism or drug addiction.

If you use hydrocodone while you are pregnant, your baby could become dependent on the drug. This can cause life-threatening withdrawal symptoms in the baby after birth. Babies born dependent on habit-forming medicine may need medical treatment for several weeks. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

You should not breast-feed while using TussiCaps.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Like other narcotic medications, hydrocodone can slow your breathing. Death may occur if breathing becomes too weak.

A person caring for you should seek emergency medical attention if you have slow breathing with long pauses, blue colored lips, or if you are hard to wake up.

TussiCaps may cause serious side effects. Stop using TussiCaps and call your doctor right away if you have:

• severe drowsiness;
• noisy breathing, sighing, shallow breathing;
• severe constipation;
• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
• a slow heart rate or weak pulse;
• confusion; or
• adrenal gland problems--nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, dizziness, feeling weak or tired.

Side effects such as dry mouth, constipation, and confusion may be more likely in older adults.

Common side effects of TussiCaps may include:

• trouble breathing;
• drowsiness;
• confusion;
• nausea, vomiting; or
• little or no urination.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Take the medicine as soon as you remember, but skip the missed dose if it is nearly time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at the same time.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. A hydrocodone overdose can be fatal, especially in a child or anyone using the medicine without a prescription. Overdose symptoms may include slow breathing and heart rate, severe drowsiness, muscle weakness, cold and clammy skin, pinpoint pupils, and fainting.

Do not drink alcohol. Dangerous side effects or death could occur.

Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how TussiCaps will affect you. Dizziness or severe drowsiness can cause falls or other accidents.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using other cough or cold medicines that may contain similar ingredients.

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications together. Some drugs can change the levels of other drugs in your blood, which may increase side effects or reduce how well the medications work.

Using this medicine with other drugs that slow your breathing can lead to serious side effects or death. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.

Inform your doctor about all your other medications, especially:

• an antibiotic or antifungal medicine;
• antiviral medicine to treat hepatitis or HIV;
• asthma medication;
• bladder or urinary medicines;
• blood pressure medication;
• a diuretic or "water pill";
• medicine to treat a stomach ulcer, motion sickness, or irritable bowel syndrome;
• medicine to treat Parkinson's disease; or
• seizure medicine.

This list is not complete, and many other drugs may affect TussiCaps. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.