Brand names: DroTuss, ZTuss™ Expectorant
Chemical formula:
- Drug Forms:
- Chlorpheniramine; Guaifenesin; Hydrocodone; Pseudoephedrine elixir (below)
- Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Guaifenesin, Hydrocodone Bitartrate, Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride Oral solution
- Español:
- Elixir de clorfeniramina; guaifenesina; hidrocodona; seudoefedrina
- Maleato de clorfeniramina; Guaifenesina; Bitartrato de hidrocodona; Clorhidrato de seudoefedrina, Solución oral
Chlorpheniramine; Guaifenesin; Hydrocodone; Pseudoephedrine elixir
What is chlorpheniramine; guaifenesin; hydrocodone; pseudoephedrine elixir?
CHLORPHENIRAMINE; GUAIFENESIN; HYDROCODONE; PSEUDOEPHEDRINE (Ztuss® Expectorant) are used together to relieve cough and congestion due to colds, respiratory infections like bronchitis and hay fever, and may help to relieve sneezing and itching associated with hay fever. Federal law prohibits transfer to any person other than the patient for whom it was prescribed. Do not share this medicine with anyone else. Generic elixirs are not available.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• asthma or lung disease
• diabetes mellitus
• glaucoma
• high blood pressure or heart disease
• intestinal problems
• kidney or liver disease
• pain or difficulty passing urine
• prostate trouble
• thyroid disease
• vision problems
• an unusual or allergic reaction to chlorpheniramine, codeine, guaifenesin, hydrocodone, morphine, pseudoephedrine, other medicines, foods, dyes or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Use a specially marked spoon or container to measure your medicine. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one; household spoons are not always accurate. Take with food or milk if this medicine upsets your stomach. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Do not share this medicine with anyone.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose (less than 2 hours), take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.What drug(s) may interact with chlorpheniramine; guaifenesin; hydrocodone; pseudoephedrine?
• caffeine
• cocaine
• doxercalciferol
• linezolid
• medicines for chest pain, heart disease, high blood pressure, or heart rhythm problems
• medicine for diabetes
• medicines known as MAO inhibitors, such as phenelzine (Nardil®), tranylcypromine (Parnate®), or isocarboxazid (Marplan®)
• medicines for mental depression
• medicines for mental problems and psychotic disturbances
• medicines for movement abnormalities as in Parkinson's disease, or for gastrointestinal problems
• medicines for weight loss
• St. John's wort
• thyroid hormones
Because this product can cause drowsiness, other medicines that also cause drowsiness may increase this effect. Some medicines that cause drowsiness are:
• alcohol and alcohol-containing medicines
• barbiturates such as phenobarbital
• certain antidepressants or tranquilizers
• certain antihistamines used in cold medicines
• medicines for anxiety or sleeping problems, such as diazepam or temazepam
• muscle relaxers
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines that you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking chlorpheniramine; guaifenesin; hydrocodone; pseudoephedrine?
Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve in 5 days or if you have a high fever.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Be careful taking other medicines that may also make you tired. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol may increase dizziness and drowsiness. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
You may experience dry eyes and blurred vision. If you wear contact lenses you may feel some discomfort. Lubricating drops may help. See your ophthalmologist if the problem does not go away or is severe.
What side effects may I notice from taking chlorpheniramine; guaifenesin; hydrocodone; pseudoephedrine?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• agitation, anxiety, nervousness, excitability, not able to sleep
• chest pain
• confusion
• diarrhea
• difficulty breathing, wheezing, shortness of breath
• dizziness or fainting spells
• fast or irregular heartbeat, palpitations
• high blood pressure
• numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
• pain or difficulty passing urine
• rash
• severe, persistent, or worsening headache
• side pain or back pain that extends to the groin (signs of kidney stones)
• swelling of the face, tongue, throat, hands or feet
• tremor or muscle contractions
• vision problems
• vomiting
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• constipation
• difficulty sleeping
• drowsiness or tiredness
• dry eyes
• headache (mild)
• itching
• mood changes
• restlessness
• stomach upset or pain, nausea
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Store at room temperature, between 15—30 degrees C (59—86 degrees F); do not freeze. Keep container tightly closed. Keep away from heat and light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Last updated: 7/1/2002
Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.
