Tussionex

If you have a cough, runny nose, or other respiratory symptoms, you may benefit from Tussionex. This prescription medication is specifically designed for treating symptoms caused by allergies or the common cold. It comes in the form of a liquid and is taken twice daily. Some of the possible side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, and nausea.

Tussionex Medication Information

What Is Tussionex?

Tussionex^® Pennkinetic^® (hydrocodone polistirex/chlorpheniramine polistirex) is a prescription medication approved to treat coughing and other upper respiratory symptoms, such as a runny nose and sneezing, caused by allergies or the common cold. It is a combination medicine that contains an antihistamine and a narcotic cough suppressant.

(Click Tussionex Uses for more information on this topic, including possible off-label uses.)

Who Makes This Medication?

Tussionex is made by UCB Manufacturing, Inc., for UCB, Inc.

How Does Tussionex Work?

Tussionex contains two different medicines:

Hydrocodone -- a semi-synthetic narcotic cough suppressant
Chlorpheniramine -- an antihistamine.

Hydrocodone acts in a similar way as codeine. It is thought to work in the "cough center" of the brain, where it helps reduce the urge to cough.

Chlorpheniramine blocks a specific type of histamine receptor in the body known as H₁receptors. Allergy symptoms, such as a runny nose, sneezing, and watery eyes, are partly caused by histamine binding to these receptors. By preventing histamine from binding to H₁ receptors, chlorpheniramine helps relieve or prevent allergy symptoms.

Chlorpheniramine also blocks acetylcholine receptors, an action that produces some of the unpleasant side effects of the medication, such as dry mouth. However, blocking these specific receptors also helps to relieve a runny nose.

Tussionex is an extended-release product, which means the medication is slowly released into the body. As a result, this product works for a longer time and does not need to be taken as often to help relieve allergy and cold symptoms.

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