Hydrocodone/chlorpheniramine (By mouth)

Chlorpheniramine (klor-fen-IR-a-meen), Hydrocodone (hye-droe-KOE-done)

Treats cough and other symptoms of a cold or allergies. This medicine contains an opioid.

Brand Name(s):

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to hydrocodone or chlorpheniramine, or if you have severe lung or breathing problems, or stomach or bowel blockage (including paralytic ileus).

How to Use This Medicine:

Long Acting Capsule, Liquid

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
• An overdose can be life-threatening. Follow directions carefully so you do not get too much medicine at one time. Your doctor may also give naloxone to treat an overdose. Naloxone is a medicine that temporarily reverses the effects of an overdose. If you have been prescribed naloxone, make sure household members know how to use this on you in the event of an overdose or suspected overdose. Emergency medical attention is still needed after naloxone is used because the reversal effects are only temporary.
• Do not mix this medicine with other liquids or other medicines.
• Oral liquid: Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup. Shake the medicine well before you use it. Rinse the measuring device or dosing spoon after each use.
• Swallow the extended-release capsule whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.
• Drink plenty of liquids to help avoid constipation.
• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Drop off any unused opioid medicine at a drug take-back location right away. If you do not have a drug take-back location near you, flush any unused opioid medicine down the toilet. Check your local drug store and clinics for take-back locations. You can also check the DEA web site for locations. Here is the link to the FDA safe disposal of medicines website: www.fda.gov/drugs/resourcesforyou/consumers/buyingusingmedicinesafely/ensuringsafeuseofmedicine/safedisposalofmedicines/ucm186187.htm

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Do not use this medicine if you are using or have used an MAO inhibitor within the past 14 days.
• Some medicines can affect how hydrocodone/chlorpheniramine works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
  • Carbamazepine, digitalis, erythromycin, ketoconazole, phenytoin, rifampin, ritonavir
  • Diuretic (water pill)
  • Medicine to treat anxiety, depression, or mental health problems (including benzodiazepine medicine)
• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.
• Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol. Tell your doctor if you are also using butorphanol, nalbuphine, pentazocine, or a muscle relaxer.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, Addison disease, an enlarged prostate or trouble urinating, glaucoma, heart disease, high blood pressure, asthma, pancreas problems, stomach or bowel problems, or thyroid problems. Tell your doctor if you have a history of head injury, seizures, or drug or alcohol use disorder.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • High risk of overdose, which can lead to death
  • Respiratory depression (severe breathing problem)
  • Increased risk of seizures
  • Low blood pressure
  • Adrenal gland problems
• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
• This medicine can be habit-forming. Do not use more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor if you think your medicine is not working.
• This medicine may cause constipation, especially with long-term use. Ask your doctor if you should use a laxative to prevent and treat constipation.
• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.
• This medicine could cause infertility. Talk with your doctor before using this medicine if you plan to have children.
• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.
• Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments. Call your doctor if your cough does not improve or if it gets worse within 5 days.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blue lips, fingernails, or skin, trouble breathing
• Changes in skin color, dark freckles
• Extreme dizziness or weakness, shallow breathing, slow heartbeat, seizures, cold, clammy skin
• Lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting
• Severe constipation or stomach pain

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Drowsiness
• Dry mouth or throat
• Mild constipation, nausea, or vomiting

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024