Side Effects of Tussionex (chlorpheniramine and hydrocodone)

Tussionex (chlorpheniramine and hydrocodone) is a combination of an antihistamine that blocks allergic reactions, reduces mucus production, and relieves pain and cough. Tussionex is a liquid that slowly releases chlorpheniramine and hydrocodone after ingestion.

Common side effects of Tussionex include:

• lightheadedness,
• dizziness,
• sedation,
• nausea,
• vomiting,
• disturbed coordination,
• drying and thickening of oral and respiratory secretions,
• indigestion,
• constipation,
• difficulty urinating,
• palpitations,
• increased heart rate,
• confusion,
• drowsiness,
• anxiety,
• nervousness,
• irritability,
• blurred vision,
• double vision,
• tremor.

Serious side effects of Tussionex include:

• depressed breathing and impairment of thinking and physical abilities required for driving or operating machinery.

Hydrocodone may be habit forming. Mental and physical dependence can occur but are unlikely when used for short-term pain relief.

Drug interactions of Tussionex include alcohol and sedating drugs such as benzodiazepines, narcotics, tricyclic antidepressants, antipsychotics, and certain antihypertensive medications (e.g., clonidine, propranolol) because chlorpheniramine and hydrocodone can enhance the sedating effects of these drugs.

• Chlorpheniramine can intensify the drying effects of other medications with anticholinergic properties.

Antihistamines are not recommended during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester, due to the risk of seizures in the fetus. The risk of depressed breathing in newborns is highest in premature infants who are sensitive to hydrocodone.

• Physicians may prescribe Tussionex during pregnancy if the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the fetus and newborn.

Chlorpheniramine and hydrocodone are secreted in breast milk. Due to the risk of hyperexcitability and seizures in infants, especially in newborns and premature infants, Tussionex is not recommended for breastfeeding mothers.

What are the important side effects of Tussionex (chlorpheniramine and hydrocodone)?

The most frequent side effects of chlorpheniramine and hydrocodone include:

• lightheadedness,
• dizziness,
• sedation,
• nausea,
• vomiting,
• disturbed coordination,
• drying and thickening of oral and respiratory secretions.

Other important side effects include:

• indigestion,
• constipation,
• spasm of the ureter (leading to difficulty urinating),
• palpitations,
• increased heart rate,
• confusion,
• drowsiness,
• anxiety,
• nervousness,
• irritability,
• blurred vision,
• double vision,
• tremor.

Hydrocodone can depress breathing and should be used with caution in elderly patients, debilitated patients, and those with serious lung disease. It can impair thinking and physical abilities required for driving or operating machinery.

Hydrocodone may be habit forming. Mental and physical dependence can occur but are unlikely when used for short-term pain relief.

Tussionex (chlorpheniramine and hydrocodone) side effects list for healthcare professionals

Gastrointestinal Disorders

• Nausea and vomiting may occur, more frequently in ambulatory patients than in recumbent patients.
• Prolonged administration of Tussionex Pennkinetic Extended-Release Suspension may cause constipation.

General Disorders And Administration Site Conditions

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,
• urinary retention have been reported with opiates.

Respiratory, Thoracic And Mediastinal Disorders

• Dryness of the pharynx, occasional tightness of the chest, and respiratory depression.
• Tussionex Pennkinetic Extended-Release Suspension may cause dose-related respiratory depression by acting on brain stem respiratory centers.
• Use of Tussionex Pennkinetic Extended-Release Suspension in children under 6 years of age has been associated with fatal respiratory depression.
• Overdose with Tussionex Pennkinetic Extended-Release Suspension in children 6 years of age and older, adolescents, and adults has been associated with fatal respiratory depression.

Skin And Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders

What drugs interact with Tussionex (chlorpheniramine and hydrocodone)?

• Concomitant use of benzodiazepines, opioids, antihistamines, antipsychotics, anti-anxiety agents, or other CNS depressants (including alcohol) with Tussionex Pennkinetic Extended-Release Suspension may cause additive CNS depression, profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death. Avoid concomitant use.
• Concurrent use of MAO inhibitors or tricyclic antidepressants with hydrocodone preparations may increase the effects of either the antidepressant or hydrocodone.
• Concurrent use of other anticholinergics with hydrocodone may cause paralytic ileus.

Does Tussionex (chlorpheniramine and hydrocodone) cause addiction or withdrawal symptoms?

Drug Abuse And Dependence

• Tussionex Pennkinetic Extended-Release Suspension is a Schedule II narcotic.
• Psychic dependence, physical dependence, and tolerance may develop with repeated administration of narcotics. Use Tussionex Pennkinetic Extended-Release Suspension with caution.
• Psychic dependence is unlikely to develop when Tussionex Pennkinetic Extended-Release Suspension is used for short-term cough treatment.
• Physical dependence, requiring continued administration of the drug to prevent withdrawal syndrome, typically occurs after several weeks of oral narcotic use.

Summary

Tussionex (chlorpheniramine and hydrocodone) is a combination of an antihistamine that blocks allergic reactions, reduces mucus production, and relieves pain and cough. Common side effects of Tussionex include lightheadedness, dizziness, sedation, nausea, vomiting, disturbed coordination, drying and thickening of oral and respiratory secretions, indigestion, constipation, difficulty urinating, palpitations, increased heart rate, confusion, drowsiness, anxiety, nervousness, irritability, blurred vision, double vision, and tremor. Antihistamines are not recommended during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester, due to the risk of seizures in the fetus. Tussionex is not recommended for breastfeeding mothers.