Brompheniramine; Guaifenesin; Hydrocodone oral solution

What is brompheniramine; guaifenesin; hydrocodone oral solution?

BROMPHENIRAMINE; GUAIFENESIN; HYDROCODONE (Tusnel® HC) is used to decrease symptoms caused by colds or allergies. Brompheniramine is an antihistamine that relieves runny nose, sneezing, and watery eyes. Hydrocodone helps to stop coughing. Guaifenesin is an expectorant that helps loosen phlegm or mucus in the lungs. This product is not intended to treat chronic cough caused by smoking, asthma, emphysema, heart failure, or problems in which there is a large amount of phlegm. Federal law prohibits transfer to any person other than the patient for whom it was prescribed. Do not share this medicine with anyone else. Generic brompheniramine; guaifenesin; hydrocodone products are not available.

What should my health care professional know before I take brompheniramine; guaifenesin; hydrocodone?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• asthma or lung disease

• diabetes mellitus

• glaucoma

• head injury

• heart problems

• high blood pressure or heart disease

• intestinal problems

• kidney or liver disease

• systemic lupus erythematosus

• pain or difficulty passing urine

• prostate trouble

• vision problems

• an unusual or allergic reaction to brompheniramine, codeine, guaifenesin, hydrocodone, morphine, other pain medicines, foods, dyes or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Take brompheniramine; guaifenesin; hydrocodone elixir by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Use a specially marked spoon or container to measure your medicine. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one; household spoons are not always accurate. Take with food or milk if this medicine upsets your stomach. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Do not share this medicine with anyone.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double doses. Each dose of this cough medicine should be taken at least 4 hours apart from the previous dose. Do not take more frequently than how it was prescribed by your health care professional.

What drug(s) may interact with brompheniramine; guaifenesin; hydrocodone?

• cimetidine

• medicines for diarrhea

• medicines for mental depression

• medicines for mental problems and psychotic disturbances

• medicines for movement abnormalities as in Parkinson's disease, or for gastrointestinal problems

Because this product can cause drowsiness, other medicines that also cause drowsiness may increase this effect. Some medicines that cause drowsiness are:

• alcohol and alcohol-containing medicines

• barbiturates such as phenobarbital

• certain antidepressants or tranquilizers

• certain antihistamines used in cold medicines

• medicines for anxiety or sleeping problems, such as diazepam or temazepam

• muscle relaxers

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines that you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking brompheniramine; guaifenesin; hydrocodone?

Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve in 1 to 2 days or if you have a high fever.

Brompheniramine; guaifenesin; hydrocodone can cause constipation. Make sure to take a laxative and/or a stool softener. Try to have a bowel movement at least every 2—3 days. If you do not have a bowel movement for 3 days or more call your prescriber or health care professional. They may recommend using an enema or suppository to help you move your bowels.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Be careful taking other medicines that may also make you tired; they can increase drowsiness or dizziness. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol can increase drowsiness, dizziness, confusion and affect your breathing. Avoid alcoholic drinks while taking this cough medicine.

This medicine may cause dry eyes and blurred vision. If you wear contact lenses you may feel some discomfort. Lubricating drops may help. See your ophthalmologist if the problem does not go away or is severe.

Use exactly as directed by your prescriber or health care professional. Do not take more than the recommended dose.

What side effects may I notice from taking brompheniramine; guaifenesin; hydrocodone?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• agitation, nervousness, excitability, not able to sleep (these are more likely in children)

• difficulty breathing, wheezing, shortness of breath

• irregular heartbeat, palpitations, or chest pain

• pain or difficulty passing urine

• rash

• swelling of the face, tongue, throat, hands or feet

• vision problems

• vomiting

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• anxiety

• constipation

• dizziness

• drowsiness

• dry eyes

• mood changes

• nausea

• itching

• stomach upset

• tiredness

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature, between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F); do not freeze. Keep container tightly closed. Keep away from heat and light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.