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 is marketed as Tussionex Pennkinetic Extended-Release Suspension, a combination of the narcotic hydrocodone and the antihistamine chlorpheniramine, which is approved for adults and for children over the age of 6 years. It should not be given more frequently than every 12 hours and is contraindicated in children under age 6, according to the FDA advisory issued last month.
The FDA has ...