Hydrocodone; Pseudoephedrine oral suspension

What is this medicine?

HYDROCODONE; PSEUDOEPHEDRINE (hye droe KOE done; soo doe e FED rin) is a combination of a cough suppressant with a decongestant. It is used to treat the cough and congestion of colds or respiratory infections.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Shake well before using. If this medicine upsets your stomach, take it with food. Use a specially marked spoon or container to measure each dose. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 6 years old for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Patients over 60 years old may have a stronger reaction to this medicine.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

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

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• breathing problems

• changes in vision

• confusion, excitability, or nervousness

• fast, irregular heartbeat

• feeling faint or lightheaded, falls

• high or low blood pressure

• seizure

• tremors

• trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine

• unusually weak or tired

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

• constipation

• dizziness

• headache

• nausea, vomiting

• stomach upset

• tiredness

• trouble sleeping

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• alcohol

• ergot alkaloids like dihydroergotamine, ergonovine, ergotamine, methylergonovine

• MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate

• stimulant medicines for attention disorders, weight loss, or to stay awake

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• antihistamines for allergy, cough and cold

• atropine

• barbiturates like phenobarbital

• certain medicines for bladder problems like oxybutynin, tolterodine

• certain medicines for Parkinson's disease like benztropine, trihexyphenidyl

• certain medicines for stomach problems like dicyclomine, hyoscyamine

• certain medicines for travel sickness like scopolamine

• ipratropium

• medicines for chest pain, heart disease, high blood pressure, or heart rhythm problems

• medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances

• medicines for sleep

• muscle relaxants

• naltrexone

• narcotic medicines (opiates) for pain

• phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine

• tramadol

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children. This drug can be abused. Keep this medicine in a safe place to protect it from theft. Do not share this medicine with anyone. Selling or giving away this medicine is dangerous and is against the law.

This medicine may cause accidental overdose and death if taken by other adults, children, or pets. Mix any unused medicine with a substance like cat littler or coffee grounds. Then throw the medicine away in a sealed container like a sealed bag or a coffee can with a lid. Do not use the medicine after the expiration date.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F).

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

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

• diabetes

• diarrhea

• drug abuse or addiction

• glaucoma

• head trauma

• heart disease

• high blood pressure

• if you have taken an MAOI like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, or Parnate in last 14 days

• lung or breathing disease, like asthma

• stomach or intestinal problems

• trouble passing urine

• an unusual or allergic reaction to codeine, hydrocodone, pseudoephedrine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

You may develop tolerance to this medicine if you take it for a long time. Tolerance means that you will get less cough relief with time. Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

Do not suddenly stop taking your medicine because you may develop a severe reaction. Your body becomes used to the medicine. This does NOT mean you are addicted. Addiction is a behavior related to getting and using a drug for a non-medical reason. If your doctor wants you to stop the medicine, the dose will be slowly lowered over time to avoid any side effects.

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. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

The medicine will cause constipation. Try to have a bowel movement at least every 2 to 3 days. If you do not have a bowel movement for 3 days, call your doctor or health care professional.