TUSSICAPS

TUSSICAPS — hydrocodone bitartrate and chlorpheniramine maleate capsule, extended release
Physicians Total Care, Inc.

DESCRIPTION

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.

Chemical Structure of Polistirex and Hydrocodone
(click image for full-size original)

Chlorpheniramine Polistirex: sulfonated styrene-divinylbenzene copolymer complex with 2-[p -chloro-α-[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]-benzyl]pyridine.

Chemical Structure of Polistirex and Chlorpheniramine
(click image for full-size original)

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.

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

Hydrocodone is a semisynthetic narcotic antitussive and analgesic with multiple actions qualitatively similar to those of codeine. The precise mechanism of action of hydrocodone and other opiates is not known; however, hydrocodone is believed to act directly on the cough center. In excessive doses, hydrocodone, like other opium derivatives, will depress respiration. The effects of hydrocodone in therapeutic doses on the cardiovascular system are insignificant. Hydrocodone can produce miosis, euphoria, and physical and psychological dependence.

Chlorpheniramine is an antihistamine drug (H1 receptor antagonist) that also possesses anticholinergic and sedative activity. It prevents released histamine from dilating capillaries and causing edema of the respiratory mucosa.

Hydrocodone and chlorpheniramine release from TussiCaps® extended-release capsules is controlled by use of an ion-exchange polymer matrix.

Following multiple dosing with hydrocodone polistirex and chlorpheniramine polistirex extended-release suspension, hydrocodone mean (S.D.) peak plasma concentrations of 22.8 (5.9) ng/mL occurred at 3.4 hours. Chlorpheniramine mean (S.D.) peak plasma concentrations of 58.4 (14.7) ng/mL occurred at 6.3 hours following multiple dosing. Peak plasma levels obtained with an immediate-release syrup occurred at approximately 1.5 hours for hydrocodone and 2.8 hours for chlorpheniramine. The plasma half-lives of hydrocodone and chlorpheniramine have been reported to be approximately 4 and 16 hours, respectively.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

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.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

TussiCaps® extended-release capsules are contraindicated in patients with a known allergy or sensitivity to hydrocodone or chlorpheniramine.

The use of TussiCaps® extended-release capsules are contraindicated in children less than 6 years of age due to the risk of fatal respiratory depression.

WARNINGS

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).

PRECAUTIONS

General

Caution is advised when prescribing this drug to patients with narrow-angle glaucoma, asthma, or prostatic hypertrophy.

Special Risk Patients – As with any narcotic agent, TussiCaps® extended-release capsules should be used with caution in elderly or debilitated patients and those with severe impairment of hepatic or renal function, hypothyroidism, Addison’s disease, prostatic hypertrophy, or urethral stricture. The usual precautions should be observed and the possibility of respiratory depression should be kept in mind.

Information for Patients

As with all narcotics, TussiCaps® extended-release capsules may produce marked drowsiness and impair the mental and/or physical abilities required for the performance of potentially hazardous tasks such as driving a car or operating machinery; patients should be cautioned accordingly. TussiCaps® extended-release capsules must not be diluted with fluids or mixed with other drugs as this may alter the resin-binding and change the absorption rate, possibly increasing the toxicity.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Cough Reflex – Hydrocodone suppresses the cough reflex; as with all narcotics, caution should be exercised when TussiCaps® extended-release capsules are used postoperatively, and in patients with pulmonary disease.

Page 1 of 3 1 2 3

All MedLibrary.org resources are included in as near-original form as possible, meaning that the information from the original provider has been rendered here with only typographical or stylistic modifications and not with any substantive alterations of content, meaning or intent.

This site is provided for educational and informational purposes only, in accordance with our Terms of Use, and is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a medical doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner or other qualified health professional.

Privacy Policy | Copyright © 2024. All Rights Reserved.