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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking dexbrompheniramine, hydrocodone, and phenylephrine (Cytuss-HC NR, H-C Tussive-NR, Histussin HC)?

Do not use this medication if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) within the past 14 days. Serious, life-threatening side effects can occur if you take a cough and cold medicine before the MAO inhibitor has cleared from your body.

You should not use dexbrompheniramine, hydrocodone, or phenylephrine, if you have ever had an allergic reaction to it, or if you have:

• severe or uncontrolled high blood pressure;
• coronary artery disease;
• an enlarged prostate;
• narrow-angle glaucoma;
• peptic ulcer;
• asthma;
• pheochromocytoma;
• if you are breast-feeding a baby; or
• if you are having an asthma attack.

If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take dexbrompheniramine, hydrocodone, and phenylephrine. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have:

• heart disease or high blood pressure;
• asthma, COPD, or other breathing disorder;
• diabetes;
• glaucoma;
• thyroid disorder;
• a history of head injury or brain tumor;
• enlarged prostate, urination problems.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Hydrocodone can cause breathing problems or addiction/withdrawal symptoms in a newborn. Do not take this medication while you are pregnant.

This medication can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not take this medication if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Hydrocodone may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. This medication should never be shared with another person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it.

Older adults may be more likely to have side effects from this medication.

How should I take dexbrompheniramine, hydrocodone, and phenylephrine (Cytuss-HC NR, H-C Tussive-NR, Histussin HC)?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Cold medicine is usually taken for only a short time until your symptoms clear up.

Take the medicine with a full glass of water.

Measure liquid medicine with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days of treatment, or if you have a fever with a headache or skin rash.

Store dexbrompheniramine, hydrocodone, and phenylephrine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Keep track of how much of this medicine has been used from the bottle. Hydrocodone is a drug of abuse and you should be aware if any person in the household is using this medicine improperly or without a prescription.

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