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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking hydrocodone and phenylephrine (Lortuss HC, Nalex-DH)?

Do not take hydrocodone and phenylephrine if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), tranylcypromine (Parnate), or selegiline (Eldepryl) in the last 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur, leading to serious side effects.

Before taking hydrocodone and phenylephrine, tell your doctor if you have

• epilepsy or another seizure disorder;
• been diagnosed with sleep apnea (periods of not breathing during sleep);
• thyroid problems;
• asthma;
• a head injury;
• Addison's disease;
• diabetes;
• glaucoma;
• bladder problems or difficulty urinating;
• an enlarged prostate;
• high blood pressure, irregular heartbeats, or any type of heart disease;
• kidney problems; or
• liver problems.

You may not be able to take hydrocodone and phenylephrine, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Hydrocodone and phenylephrine is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether hydrocodone and phenylephrine will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take hydrocodone and phenylephrine without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

Hydrocodone and phenylephrine passes into breast milk and may be harmful to a nursing baby. Do not take hydrocodone and phenylephrine without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

If you are over 65 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from hydrocodone and phenylephrine. Your doctor may prescribe a lower dose of this medication.

How should I take hydrocodone and phenylephrine (Lortuss HC, Nalex-DH)?

Take hydrocodone and phenylephrine exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand the directions on your prescription bottle, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain the instructions to you.

Hydrocodone and phenylephrine can be taken with or without food.

Take the oral tablets and capsules with a full glass of water.

To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the liquid form of hydrocodone and phenylephrine with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.

Do not take more of this medication or take it for longer than is recommended. If your symptoms do not improve, or if they worsen, talk to your doctor.

Hydrocodone is habit forming. It is possible become physically and/or psychologically dependent on the medication. Do not take more than the prescribed amount of medication or take it for longer than is directed by your doctor. Withdrawal effects may occur if hydrocodone and phenylephrine is stopped suddenly after several weeks of continuous use. Your doctor may recommend a gradual reduction in dose.

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

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