Respiratory Depression – As with all narcotics, TussiCaps® extended-release capsules produce dose-related respiratory depression by directly acting on brain stem respiratory centers. Hydrocodone affects the center that controls respiratory rhythm, and may produce irregular and periodic breathing. Caution should be exercised when TussiCaps® extended-release capsules are used postoperatively and in patients with pulmonary disease, or whenever ventilatory function is depressed. If respiratory depression occurs, it may be antagonized by the use of naloxone hydrochloride and other supportive measures when indicated (see OVERDOSAGE).
Head Injury and Increased Intracranial Pressure – The respiratory depressant effects of narcotics and their capacity to elevate cerebrospinal fluid pressure may be markedly exaggerated in the presence of head injury, other intracranial lesions, or a pre-existing increase in intracranial pressure. Furthermore, narcotics produce adverse reactions, which may obscure the clinical course of patients with head injuries.
Acute Abdominal Conditions – The administration of narcotics may obscure the diagnosis or clinical course of patients with acute abdominal conditions.
Obstructive Bowel Disease – Chronic use of narcotics may result in obstructive bowel disease especially in patients with underlying intestinal motility disorder.
Pediatric Use
The use of TussiCaps® extended-release capsules are contraindicated in children less than 6 years of age (see CONTRAINDICATIONS).
In pediatric patients, as well as adults, the respiratory center is sensitive to the depressant action of narcotic cough suppressants in a dose-dependent manner. Caution should be exercised when administering TussiCaps® extended-release capsules to pediatric patients 6 years of age and older. Overdose or concomitant administration of TussiCaps® extended-release capsules with other respiratory depressants may increase the risk of respiratory depression in pediatric patients. Benefit to risk ratio should be carefully considered, especially in pediatric patients with respiratory embarrassment (e.g., croup) (see PRECAUTIONS).
There is currently no manufacturer warning information available for this drug.
TussiCaps® (hydrocodone polistirex and chlorpheniramine polistirex) extended-release capsules are indicated for relief of cough and upper respiratory symptoms associated with allergy or a cold in adults and children 6 years of age and older.
Each full-strength TussiCaps® (hydrocodone polistirex and chlorpheniramine polistirex) extended-release capsule contains hydrocodone polistirex equivalent to 10 mg of hydrocodone bitartrate and chlorpheniramine polistirex equivalent to 8 mg of chlorpheniramine maleate. Each half-strength TussiCaps® (hydrocodone polistirex and chlorpheniramine polistirex) extended-release capsule contains hydrocodone polistirex equivalent to 5 mg of hydrocodone bitartrate and chlorpheniramine polistirex equivalent to 4 mg of chlorpheniramine maleate. TussiCaps® extended-release capsules provide up to 12-hour relief per dose. Hydrocodone is a centrally-acting narcotic antitussive. Chlorpheniramine is an antihistamine. TussiCaps® extended-release capsules are for oral use only.
Hydrocodone Polistirex: sulfonated styrene-divinylbenzene copolymer complex with 4,5α-epoxy-3-methoxy-17-methylmorphinan-6-one.
Chlorpheniramine Polistirex: sulfonated styrene-divinylbenzene copolymer complex with 2-[p-chloro-α-[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]-benzyl]pyridine.
Inactive Ingredients: Butyl alcohol, dehydrated alcohol, gelatin, iron oxide black JPE, isopropyl alcohol, microcrystalline cellulose, propylene glycol, purified water, SDA 3A alcohol (27 CFR), shellac, shellac glaze-45% in SD-45 alcohol, strong ammonia solution, titanium dioxide, D&C yellow #10, D&C yellow #10 aluminum lake, FD&C blue #1/brilliant blue FCF aluminum lake, FD&C blue #2 aluminum lake, FD&C blue #2/indigo carmine aluminum lake, and FD&C red #40/allura red AC aluminum lake.