Deaths and life-threatening side effects associated with the misuse of a long-acting prescription cough medicine that contains hydrocodone have prompted the Food and Drug Administration to issue a public health advisory about the dangers of the product when not used properly.
The product, marketed as Tussionex Pennkinetic Extended-Release Suspension, combines the narcotic hydrocodone and the antihistamine chlorpheniramine, which is approved for adults and for children over age 6. It should not be given more frequently than every 12 hours and is contraindicated in children under age 6, according to the FDA advisory.
The FDA has received "numerous" reports of deaths and ...