dexbrompheniramine, hydrocodone, and phenylephrine

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Pronunciation: DEX brom fen IR a meen, HYE dro KOE done, FEN il EFF rin

Brand: Cytuss-HC NR

What is the most important information I should know about dexbrompheniramine, hydrocodone, and phenylephrine?

You should not use this medicine if you have bladder obstruction or urination problems, uncontrolled high blood pressure, severe coronary artery disease, narrow-angle glaucoma, a stomach ulcer, or uncontrolled asthma.

Do not use this medicine if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, or tranylcypromine.

What is dexbrompheniramine, hydrocodone, and phenylephrine?

Dexbrompheniramine is an antihistamine that reduces the natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose.

Hydrocodone is a narcotic cough medicine.

Phenylephrine is a decongestant that shrinks blood vessels in the nasal passages. Dilated blood vessels can cause nasal congestion (stuffy nose).

Dexbrompheniramine, hydrocodone, and phenylephrine is a combination medicine used to treat sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, watery eyes, and cough caused by allergies or the common cold.

Dexbrompheniramine, hydrocodone, and phenylephrine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking dexbrompheniramine, hydrocodone, and phenylephrine?

Do not use this medicine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, and tranylcypromine.

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to dexbrompheniramine, hydrocodone, or phenylephrine, or if you have:

  • bladder obstruction or other urination problems;
  • uncontrolled high blood pressure;
  • severe coronary artery disease (hardened arteries);
  • narrow-angle glaucoma;
  • a stomach ulcer; or
  • uncontrolled asthma.

To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

  • blockage in your digestive tract (stomach or intestines);
  • heart disease;
  • glaucoma;
  • liver or kidney disease;
  • a head injury or brain tumor;
  • asthma, COPD, sleep apnea, or other breathing disorder;
  • a thyroid disorder;
  • diabetes; or
  • pheochromocytoma (tumor of the adrenal gland).

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. If you use hydrocodone while you are pregnant, your baby could become dependent on the drug. This can cause life-threatening withdrawal symptoms in the baby after it is born. Babies born dependent on habit-forming medicine may need medical treatment for several weeks. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Dexbrompheniramine, hydrocodone, and phenylephrine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

Dexbrompheniramine, hydrocodone, and phenylephrine is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

How should I take dexbrompheniramine, hydrocodone, and phenylephrine?

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Never take this medicine in larger amounts, or for longer than prescribed. Cough or cold medicine is usually taken only for a short time until your symptoms clear up.

Hydrocodone may be habit forming. Never share this medicine with another person, especially someone with a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it. Selling or giving away this medicine is against the law.

Measure liquid medicine with the dosing syringe provided, or with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Keep track of the amount of medicine used from each new bottle. Hydrocodone is a drug of abuse and you should be aware if anyone is using your medicine improperly or without a prescription.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since this medicine is used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are on a schedule, use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of hydrocodone can be fatal, especially in a child or other person using this medicine without a prescription.

Overdose symptoms may include extreme drowsiness, behavior changes, hallucinations, muscle weakness, pinpoint pupils, confusion, cold and clammy skin, blue-colored appearance, weak pulse, rapid heartbeats, shallow breathing, seizure (convulsions), fainting, or breathing that stops.

What should I avoid while taking dexbrompheniramine, hydrocodone, and phenylephrine?

This medication may cause blurred vision and may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert and able to see clearly.

Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of dexbrompheniramine, hydrocodone, and phenylephrine.

What are the possible side effects of dexbrompheniramine, hydrocodone, and phenylephrine?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:

  • pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest;
  • a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
  • severe anxiety, confusion, fear;
  • painful or difficult urination;
  • little or no urinating; or
  • dangerously high blood pressure --severe headache, blurred vision, pounding in your neck or ears, nosebleed, anxiety, severe chest pain, shortness of breath.

Side effects such as dry mouth, constipation, and confusion may be more likely in older adults.

Common side effects may include:

  • dizziness, drowsiness, mood changes;
  • feeling excited or irritable;
  • problems with thinking or memory;
  • flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling);
  • blurred vision; or
  • constipation, nausea, dry mouth.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect dexbrompheniramine, hydrocodone, and phenylephrine?

Taking this medicine with other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing can cause dangerous or life-threatening side effects. Ask your doctor before taking dexbrompheniramine, hydrocodone, and phenylephrine with a sleeping pill, narcotic pain medicine, muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety, depression, or seizures.

Other drugs may interact with dexbrompheniramine, hydrocodone, and phenylephrine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about dexbrompheniramine, hydrocodone, and phenylephrine.


Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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