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Cough Syrup Caused Deaths, Warning Issued
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findingDulcinea Staff
The FDA says the improper use of a prescription cough medication called Tussionex has resulted in the death of patients, including children.
30-Second Summary
Earlier this year, the FDA said children under the age of two should not take over-the-counter cough or cold medication because they can cause dangerous side effects.
Now the FDA has issued a new alert, this one about a prescription cough medication called Tussionex Pennkinetic Extended-Release Suspension. The FDA says that the drug should not be given to children under the age of six, and that adults need to be conscientious about taking the drug only as its labeling stipulates.
The drug regulator states that there have been “numerous reports of adverse events—including death—associated with the misuse and inappropriate use” of the syrup.
Because Tussionex contains a strong narcotic called hydrocodone, “there is a real and serious risk for overdosing,” said Dr. Curtis Rosebraugh, director of the FDA’s Office of Drug Evaluation II.
Grace Ibay, who blogs about health, says the Tussionex warning reinforces the need for doctors and parents to be careful about prescription and dose amounts.
Drug Digest explains how to take Tussionex, which drugs usually interact with it, its side effects, and what to look for while taking it. Drinking alcohol while taking Tussionex, for example, can “increase drowsiness, dizziness, confusion and affect your breathing,” according to the site.
Learn more about the different types of drugs and how to take them safely with the findingDulcinea Medication Web Guide.
FindingDulcinea also provides a Cold and Flu Web Guide with information on the sicknesses and how to treat them.
Now the FDA has issued a new alert, this one about a prescription cough medication called Tussionex Pennkinetic Extended-Release Suspension. The FDA says that the drug should not be given to children under the age of six, and that adults need to be conscientious about taking the drug only as its labeling stipulates.
The drug regulator states that there have been “numerous reports of adverse events—including death—associated with the misuse and inappropriate use” of the syrup.
Because Tussionex contains a strong narcotic called hydrocodone, “there is a real and serious risk for overdosing,” said Dr. Curtis Rosebraugh, director of the FDA’s Office of Drug Evaluation II.
Grace Ibay, who blogs about health, says the Tussionex warning reinforces the need for doctors and parents to be careful about prescription and dose amounts.
Drug Digest explains how to take Tussionex, which drugs usually interact with it, its side effects, and what to look for while taking it. Drinking alcohol while taking Tussionex, for example, can “increase drowsiness, dizziness, confusion and affect your breathing,” according to the site.
Learn more about the different types of drugs and how to take them safely with the findingDulcinea Medication Web Guide.
FindingDulcinea also provides a Cold and Flu Web Guide with information on the sicknesses and how to treat them.
Headline Links: FDA releases alert about Tussionex
The FDA reports that patients have become extremely ill and even died because of improperly taking Tussionex, saying that the prescription cough medicine shouldn’t be prescribed to children six and younger. When taking Tussionex, the FDA suggests using a syringe marked with dosage amounts instead of a household spoon because the utensils are not of uniform size.
Source: FDA Newsroom
Over-the-counter cold and cough medication should not be given to children under the age of two, according to an FDA warning issued in January. “There are a wide variety of rare, serious adverse events reported with cough and cold products. They include death, convulsions, rapid heart rates, and decreased levels of consciousness,” according to the administration. The FDA is also reviewing the effects of such medications on children aged 2 to 11.
Source: FDA Newsroom
Reaction: ‘Prescription Cough Medicine Linked to Deaths in Young Children’
Grace Ibay, a blogger for the company b5 Media, says the FDA’s warning means health care providers and parents must be extra careful in following warnings and prescription directions.
Source: Kids Health Notes
Reference: Tussionex Pennkinetic Suspension
Tussionex is used to treat cough symptoms in people suffering from a cold or allergies. Like other medications, it can cause a number of side effects, including vomiting, a rash, and vision problems, according to Drug Digest, a medication reference Web site.
Source: Drug Digest
Related Topics: Medications, colds and the flu
Medications can be dangerous if not taken properly. Side effects can lead to accidents, and different drugs can interact with each other, resulting in serious illness or death. Even over-the-counter medications or herbal supplements can cause harm if taken incorrectly, or with the wrong substance. Sort out the different types of medication and learn how to use them safely with findingDulcinea’s Medication Web Guide.
Source: findingDulcinea
Though spring has officially begun, colds and influenza are still wreaking havoc for some. Learn about colds and the flu, their symptoms, how to differentiate between them and what to do about them with findingDulcinea’s Cold and Flu Web Guide.
Source: findingDulcinea
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