Hydrocodone and chlorpheniramine

FDA label, Cranbury Pharmaceuticals, LLC, oral, effective 2024-07-30. Full label on DailyMed

Patient handout

Looking up MedlinePlus…

From MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine

Quoted from the FDA label. Product labels differ by manufacturer and change over time; confirm against the label for the product you are using.

Boxed warning

WARNING: ADDICTION, ABUSE, AND MISUSE; LIFE-THREATENING RESPIRATORY DEPRESSION; ACCIDENTAL INGESTION; MEDICATION ERRORS; CYTOCHROME P450 3A4 INTERACTION; CONCOMITANT USE WITH BENZODIAZEPINES OR OTHER CNS DEPRESSANTS; INTERACTION WITH ALCOHOL; NEONATAL OPIOID WITHDRAWAL SYNDROME WARNING: ADDICTION, ABUSE, AND MISUSE; LIFE-THREATENING RESPIRATORY DEPRESSION; ACCIDENTAL INGESTION; MEDICATION ERRORS; CYTOCHROME P450 3A4 INTERACTION; CONCOMITANT USE WITH BENZODIAZEPINES OR OTHER CNS DEPRESSANTS; INTERACTION WITH ALCOHOL; NEONATAL OPIOID WITHDRAWAL SYNDROME Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse Hydrocodone Polistirex and Chlorpheniramine Polistirex exposes patients and other users to the risks of opioid addiction, abuse, and misuse, which can lead to overdose and death. Reserve Hydrocodone Polistirex and Chlorpheniramine Polistirex for use in adult patients for whom the benefits of cough suppression are expected to outweigh the risks, and in whom an adequate assessment of the etiology of the cough has been made. Assess each patient’s risk prior to prescribing Hydrocodone Polistirex and Chlorpheniramine Polistirex, prescribe Hydrocodone Polistirex and Chlorpheniramine Polistirex for the shortest duration that is consistent with individual patient treatment goals, monitor all patients regularly for the development of addition or abuse, and refill only after reevaluation of the need for continued treatment. [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression Serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression may occur with use of Hydrocodone Polistirex and Chlorpheniramine Polistirex. Monitor for respiratory depression, especially during initiation of Hydrocodone Polistirex and Chlorpheniramine Polistirex therapy or when used in patients at higher risk [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.2 ) ]. Accidental Ingestion Accidental ingestion of even one dose of Hydrocodone Polistirex and Chlorpheniramine Polistirex, especially by children, can result in a fatal overdose of hydrocodone [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.2 ) ]. Risk of Medication Errors Ensure accuracy when prescribing, dispensing, and administering Hydrocodone Polistirex and Chlorpheniramine Polistirex. Dosing errors can result in accidental overdose and death. Always use an accurate milliliter measuring device when measuring and administering Hydrocodone Polistirex and Chlorpheniramine Polistirex [ see Dosage and Administration (2.1) , Warnings and Precautions (5.5 ) ]. Cytochrome P450 3A4 Interaction The concomitant use of Hydrocodone Polistirex and Chlorpheniramine Polistirex…

Dosing in kidney impairment

Renal Impairment The pharmacokinetics of Hydrocodone Polistirex and Chlorpheniramine Polistirex has not been characterized in patients with renal impairment. Patients with renal impairment may have higher plasma concentrations than those with normal function [ see Clinical Pharmacology ]. Chlorpheniramine is cleared substantially by the kidney.

As such, impaired renal function could potentially lead to the risk of decreased clearance and thereby increased retention or systemic levels of chlorpheniramine. Therefore, Hydrocodone Polistirex and Chlorpheniramine Polistirex should be used with caution in patients with severe impairment of renal function, and patients should be monitored closely for signs of hydrocodone toxicity (respiratory depression, sedation, and hypotension) and chlorpheniramine toxicity.

Dosing in liver impairment

Hepatic Impairment The pharmacokinetics of Hydrocodone Polistirex and Chlorpheniramine Polistirex has not been characterized in patients with hepatic impairment. Patients with severe hepatic impairment may have higher plasma concentrations than those with normal hepatic function [ see Clinical Pharmacology ]. Chlorpheniramine is extensively metabolized by liver before elimination from the body.

As such, impaired hepatic function could potentially lead to the risk of decreased metabolism and thereby increased systemic levels of chlorpheniramine. Therefore, Hydrocodone Polistirex and Chlorpheniramine Polistirex should be used with caution in patients with severe impairment of hepatic function, and patients should be monitored closely for signs of hydrocodone toxicity (respiratory depression, sedation, and hypotension) and chlorpheniramine toxicity.

Preparation and administration

Important Dosage and Administration Instructions Administer Hydrocodone Polistirex and Chlorpheniramine Polistirex Extended-Release Suspension by the oral route only. Hydrocodone Polistirex and Chlorpheniramine Polistirex Extended-Release Suspension can be taken with or without food. Shake well before using. Do not mix Hydrocodone Polistirex and Chlorpheniramine Polistirex Extended-Release Suspension with other liquids or medicines.

Mixing may change how Hydrocodone Polistirex and Chlorpheniramine Polistirex Extended-Release Suspension works. Always use an accurate milliliter measuring device when administering Hydrocodone Polistirex and Chlorpheniramine Polistirex Extended-Release Suspension to ensure that the dose is measured and administered accurately.

A household teaspoon is not an accurate measuring device and could lead to overdosage [ see Warnings and Precautions ]. The dosing cup is provided with the 3 oz (70 mL) and 4 oz (115 mL) packaged product. The dosing cup fills for 2.5 mL dose and for 5 mL dose. Instruct the patient to fill to the line that the dose has been prescribed.

Do not fill over the dose prescribed. Rinse the measuring cup with water after each use. For prescriptions where a measuring device is not provided, a pharmacist can provide an appropriate measuring device and can provide instructions for measuring the correct dose. Do not overfill. Rinse the measuring device with water after each use.

Advise patients not to increase the dose or dosing frequency of Hydrocodone Polistirex and Chlorpheniramine Polistirex Extended-Release Suspension because serious adverse events such as respiratory depression may occur with overdosage [ see Warnings and Precautions and Overdosage ]. The dosage of Hydrocodone Polistirex and Chlorpheniramine Polistirex Extended-Release Suspension should not be increased if cough fails to respond; an unresponsive cough should be reevaluated for possible underlying pathology [ see Dosage and Administration and Warnings and Precautions ] .

Drug interactions

Check hydrocodone and chlorpheniramine against a medication list
Label text (16 paragraphs)

No specific drug interaction studies have been conducted with Hydrocodone Polistirex and Chlorpheniramine Polistirex. Phenytoin : Avoid concomitant use; may increase phenytoin levels. ( 7.4 ) Serotonergic drugs : Concomitant use may result in serotonin syndrome. Discontinue if serotonin syndrome is suspected. ( 7.6 ) Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs): Can potentiate the effects of hydrocodone. Avoid concomitant use in patients receiving MAOIs or within 14 days of stopping an MAOI. ( 7.7 ) Muscle relaxants : Avoid concomitant use. ( 7.8 ) Diuretics : Hydrocodone may reduce the efficacy of diuretics. Monitor for reduced effect.

( 7.9 ) Anticholinergic drugs : Concomitant use may cause paralytic ileus. ( 5.9 , 7.10 )

7.1 Alcohol Concomitant use of alcohol with Hydrocodone Polistirex and Chlorpheniramine Polistirex can result in an increase of hydrocodone plasma levels and potentially fatal overdose of hydrocodone. Instruct patients not to consume alcoholic beverages or use prescription or nonprescription products containing alcohol while on Hydrocodone Polistirex and Chlorpheniramine Polistirex therapy [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) , Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ].

7.2 Inhibitors of CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 The concomitant use of Hydrocodone Polistirex and Chlorpheniramine Polistirex and CYP3A4 inhibitors, such as macrolide antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin), azole-antifungal agents (e.g. ketoconazole), or protease inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir), can increase the plasma concentration of hydrocodone, resulting in increased or prolonged opioid effects.

These effects could be more pronounced with concomitant use of Hydrocodone Polistirex and Chlorpheniramine Polistirex and CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 inhibitors, particularly when an inhibitor is added after a stable dose of Hydrocodone Polistirex and Chlorpheniramine Polistirex is achieved [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.7 ) ]. After stopping a CYP3A4 inhibitor, as the effects of the inhibitor decline, the hydrocodone plasma concentration will decrease [ see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3 ) ], resulting in decreased opioid efficacy or a withdrawal syndrome in patients who had developed physical dependence to hydrocodone.

Avoid the use of Hydrocodone Polistirex and Chlorpheniramine Polistirex while taking a CYP3A4 or CYP2D6 inhibitor. If concomitant use is necessary, monitor patients for respiratory depression and sedation at frequent intervals.

7.3 CYP3A4 Inducers The concomitant use of Hydrocodone Polistirex and Chlorpheniramine Polistirex and CYP3A4 inducers such as rifampin, carbamazepine, or phenytoin, can decrease the plasma concentration of hydrocodone [ see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ], resulting in decreased efficacy or onset of a withdrawal syndrome in patients who have developed physical dependence to hydrocodone [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ].

After stopping a CYP3A4 inducer, as the effects of the inducer decline, the hydrocodone plasma concentration will increase [ see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ], which could increase or prolong both the therapeutic effects and adverse reactions, and may cause serious respiratory depression. Avoid the use of Hydrocodone Polistirex and Chlorpheniramine Polistirex in patients who are taking CYP3A4 inducers. If concomitant use of a CYP3A4 inducer is necessary, follow the patient for reduced efficacy.

7.4 Phenytoin Adverse event reports in the literature suggest a possible drug interaction involving increased serum phenytoin levels and phenytoin toxicity when chlorpheniramine and phenytoin are co-administered. The exact mechanism for this interaction is not known, however it is believed that chlorpheniramine may inhibit the hepatic metabolism of phenytoin. Avoid the use of Hydrocodone Polistirex and Chlorpheniramine Polistirex in patients who are taking phenytoin.

7.5 Benzodiazepines, and Other CNS Depressants Due to additive pharmacologic effect, the concomitant use of benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants, including alcohol, other sedatives/hypnotics, anxiolytics, tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, general anesthetics, antipsychotics, and other opioids, can increase the risk of hypotension, respiratory depression, profound sedation, coma, and death.

Avoid the use of Hydrocodone Polistirex and Chlorpheniramine Polistirex in patients who are taking benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ], and instruct patients to avoid consumption of alcohol while on Hydrocodone Polistirex and Chlorpheniramine Polistirex [ see Drug Interactions (7.1 ) , Patient Counseling Information (17) ].

7.6 Serotonergic Drugs The concomitant use of opioids with other drugs that affect the serotonergic neurotransmitter system has resulted in serotonin syndrome. If concomitant use is warranted, carefully observe the patient, particularly during treatment initiation. Discontinue Hydrocodone Polistirex and Chlorpheniramine Polistirex if serotonin syndrome is suspected.

7.7 Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) Avoid the use of Hydrocodone Polistirex and Chlorpheniramine Polistirex in patients who are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or have taken MAOIs within 14 days. The use of MAOIs or tricyclic antidepressants with hydrocodone, one of the active ingredients in Hydrocodone Polistirex and Chlorpheniramine Polistirex, may increase the effect of either the antidepressant or hydrocodone. MAOI interactions with opioids may manifest as serotonin syndrome or opioid toxicity (e.g., respiratory depression, coma).

7.8 Muscle Relaxants Hydrocodone may enhance the neuromuscular blocking action of skeletal muscle relaxants and produce an increased degree of respiratory depression. Avoid the use of Hydrocodone Polistirex and Chlorpheniramine Polistirex in patients taking muscle relaxants. If concomitant use is necessary, monitor patients for signs of respiratory depression that may be greater than otherwise expected.

7.9 Diuretics Opioids can reduce the efficacy of diuretics by inducing the release of antidiuretic hormone. Monitor patients for signs of diminished diuresis and/or effects on blood pressure and increase the dosage of the diuretic as needed.

7.10 Anticholinergic Drugs The concomitant use of anticholinergic drugs with Hydrocodone Polistirex and Chlorpheniramine Polistirex may increase risk of urinary retention and/or severe constipation, which may lead to paralytic ileus [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) ].Monitor patients for signs of urinary retention or reduced gastric motility when Hydrocodone Polistirex and Chlorpheniramine Polistirex is used concomitantly with anticholinergic drugs. Additive adverse effects resulting from cholinergic blockade (e.g., xerostomia, blurred vision, or constipation) may occur when anticholinergic drugs are administered with chlorpheniramine.

Contraindications

Hydrocodone Polistirex and Chlorpheniramine Polistirex is contraindicated for: All children younger than 6 years of age [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.2 , 5.3 ), Use in Specific Populations (8.4) ]. Hydrocodone Polistirex and Chlorpheniramine Polistirex is also contraindicated in patients with: Significant respiratory depression [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ]. Acute or severe bronchial asthma in an unmonitored setting or in the absence of resuscitative equipment[ see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ]. Known or suspected gastrointestinal obstruction, including paralytic ileus [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) ].

Hypersensitivity to hydrocodone, chlorpheniramine, or any of the inactive ingredients in Hydrocodone Polistirex and Chlorpheniramine Polistirex [ see Adverse Reactions (6) ]. Children younger than 6 years of age. ( 4 ) Significant respiratory depression. ( 4 ) Acute or severe bronchial asthma in an unmonitored setting or in absence of resuscitative equipment. ( 4 ) Known or suspected gastrointestinal obstruction, including paralytic ileus.( 4 ) Hypersensitivity to hydrocodone, chlorpheniramine, or any of the inactive ingredients in Hydrocodone Polistirex and Chlorpheniramine Polistirex. ( 4 )

Pregnancy and lactation

Pregnancy

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Hydrocodone Polistirex and Chlorpheniramine Polistirex is not recommended for use in pregnant women, including during or immediately prior to labor. Prolonged use of opioids during pregnancy may cause neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.13) , Clinical Considerations ]. There are no available data with Hydrocodone Polistirex and Chlorpheniramine Polistirex use in pregnant women to inform a drug-associated risk for adverse developmental outcomes. Published studies with hydrocodone have reported inconsistent findings and have important methodological limitations ( see Data ).

Reproductive toxicity studies have not been conducted with Hydrocodone Polistirex and Chlorpheniramine Polistirex; however, studies are available with individual active ingredients or related active ingredients ( see Data ). In animal reproduction studies, hydrocodone administered by the subcutaneous route to pregnant hamsters during the period of organogenesis produced a teratogenic effect at a dose approximately 70 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) ( see Data ). Chlorpheniramine administered by the oral route to mice throughout pregnancy was embryo lethal at a dose approximately 9 times the MRHD and decreased postnatal survival when dosing was continued after parturition.

Chlorpheniramine administered by the oral route to male and female rats prior to mating produced embryolethality at a dose approximately 9 times the MRHD ( see Data ). Based on the animal data, advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively.

Clinical Considerations Fetal/Neonatal Adverse Reactions Prolonged use of opioid analgesics during pregnancy for medical or nonmedical purposes can result in physical dependence in the neonate and neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome shortly after birth. Neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome presents as irritability, hyperactivity and abnormal sleep pattern, high pitched cry, tremor, vomiting, diarrhea and failure to gain weight. The onset, duration, and severity of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome vary based on the specific opioid used, duration of use, timing and amount of last maternal use, and rate of elimination of the…

Lactation

8.3 Females and Males of Reproductive Potential Infertility Chronic use of opioids, such as hydrocodone, a component of Hydrocodone Polistirex and Chlorpheniramine Polistirex, may cause reduced fertility in females and males of reproductive potential. It is not known whether these effects on fertility are reversible [ see Adverse Reactions (6) , Clinical Pharmacology (12.2) ].

For breastfeeding, also see LactMed (National Library of Medicine), which summarizes milk levels and infant effects.

Supply and cost

Drug shortage status

Loading

Recalls (last 24 months)

Loading

Therapeutic equivalence (Orange Book)

Loading

Price ladder

Not the price at the counter
Loading

These are not what a patient pays at the pharmacy counter. They are what pharmacies, health plans, and government buyers pay, before manufacturer rebates. A patient's cost depends on their insurance (copay, coinsurance, or deductible) or the pharmacy's cash price.