FDA issues alert for Tussionex cough med

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an alert on the correct and safe use of Tussionex Pennkinetic Extended-Release Suspension. The FDA has received numerous reports of adverse reactions--including deaths--due to the misuse of Tussionex in children younger than age six, or because patients took the drug more frequently than every 12 hours. The potent cough medication, which combines the opioid hydrocodone and the antihistamine chlorpheniramine, is only approved for use in children and adults ages 6 and older and for use every 12 hours.  Read full story >