SymTanOral - Drug Information and Side Effects on Drug3k.com


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Overview

Photos

How To Use

Side Effects

Precautions

Missed Dose

Drug Interactions

SymTan

Uses
This medication is used for the temporary relief of cough and congestion caused by the common cold, flu, allergies, hay fever, bronchitis, and sinusitis. This product contains two medications, pseudoephedrine and hydrocodone. Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant and works by decreasing swelling in the ears, nose, and throat. Hydrocodone is a narcotic cough suppressant that works on certain centers in the brain to stop the urge to cough, and it may also have a drying effect on body fluids.This medication is generally used for short-term treatment, not for persistent coughs from smoking, chronic breathing problems such as asthma or emphysema, or coughs with lots of mucus or fluids (productive coughs).Do not use this medication in children younger than 2 years unless specifically directed by the doctor. To decrease the risk for serious side effects, carefully follow all of the doctor's dosage directions. Do not give other cough and cold medication that might contain the same or similar ingredients (see also Drug Interactions section). Ask your doctor or pharmacist about other ways to relieve cough and cold symptoms (e.g., saline nose drops/spray, using a humidifier or infant nasal suction bulb).
Notes

Do not share this medication with others.
It is against the law.This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only.
Do not use it later for another condition unless told to do so by your doctor.
A different medication may be necessary in those cases.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture.
Do not store in the bathroom.
Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Overdose

Symptoms of overdose may include: slow/shallow breathing, slow/fast/irregular heartbeat, hallucinations, loss of consciousness, seizures.

How To Use

Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually up to 4 times a day as needed or as directed by your doctor.
The dosage is based on your age, medical condition, and response to therapy.
Follow your doctor's directions closely.
If you are using the liquid form, measure the dose carefully using a special measuring device or spoon.
Do not use a household spoon.This medication may cause dependence, especially if it is used regularly for a long time or if it is used in high doses.
In such cases, if you suddenly stop this drug, withdrawal reactions may occur.
Such reactions can include runny nose, restlessness, watering eyes, trouble sleeping, severe abdominal/muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, rapid breathing, and fast heartbeat.
Report any such reactions to your doctor immediately.
When stopping long-term, regular treatment with this drug, gradually reducing the dosage as directed will help prevent withdrawal reactions.
Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.Though it is very unlikely to occur, this medication can also be habit-forming and may result in abnormal drug-seeking behavior (addiction).
Do not increase your dose, take it more frequently, or use it for a longer time than prescribed.
Properly stop the medication when so directed.
This will lessen the chances of becoming addicted.When used for a long time, this medication may not work as well and may require different dosing.
Talk with your doctor if this medication stops working well.Inform your doctor if your symptoms persist or worsen.

Side Effects

Nausea commonly occurs with the use of hydrocodone and usually goes away after the first few doses.
Consult your doctor or pharmacist about ways to decrease nausea (e.g., antihistamines, taking with food, lying down for 1-2 hours with as little head movement as possible).Lightheadedness, dizziness, dry mouth, drowsiness, headache, trouble sleeping, nervousness, and constipation may also occur.
If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.To prevent constipation, maintain a diet adequate in fiber, drink plenty of water, and exercise.
If you become constipated while using this drug, consult your pharmacist for help in selecting a laxative (e.g., stimulant-type with stool softener).Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects.
Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: severe stomach/abdominal pain, difficulty staying awake, severe dizziness/fainting, mental/mood changes (e.g., agitation, confusion, restlessness), difficult/painful urination, vision changes.Stop taking this medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: slow/shallow breathing, chest pain, slow/fast/irregular/pounding heartbeat, shakiness (tremor), seizures.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs.
Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching, swelling, hives, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic or sensitive to pseudoephedrine; or to hydrocodone; or to other sympathomimetics (e.g., ephedrine, phenylephrine); or to other narcotic medications (e.g., morphine, codeine); or if you have any other allergies.This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions.
Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: certain eye problem (closed-angle glaucoma), severe high blood pressure, severe heart problems (e.g., chest pain/angina, heart attack, heart failure, irregular heartbeat), slow/shallow breathing, extreme sleepiness (e.g., due to intoxication with alcohol or tranquilizers/sedatives), difficulty urinating (e.g., due to enlarged prostate).Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: abdominal problems (e.g., gallbladder disease, pancreatitis, chronic constipation, ileus, ulcerative colitis), adrenal gland problems (e.g., Addison's disease), certain blood vessel problems (e.g., Raynaud's disease, peripheral vascular disease), breathing problems (e.g., asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-COPD, hypoxia, emphysema), brain disorders (e.g., seizure, stroke, decreased blood flow, head injury, tumor, increased intracranial pressure), diabetes, severe infectious diarrhea (e.g., pseudomembranous colitis), high blood pressure, kidney disease, liver disease, personal or family history of regular drug/alcohol abuse, mental/mood disorders (e.g., anxiety, bipolar disorder, psychosis), a certain spinal problem (kyphoscoliosis), recent surgery, thyroid problems.This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy.
Use caution while engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery.
Avoid alcoholic beverages because they may increase the risk of this drug's side effects.To minimize dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication.Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially slow/shallow breathing, drowsiness, dizziness, and difficulty urinating.Caution is advised when using this product in children because they may be more sensitive to its side effects, especially slow/shallow breathing, trouble sleeping, and nervousness.This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy.
It is not recommended for use for long periods or in high doses near the expected delivery date because of the potential for harm to your unborn baby.
Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
Infants born to mothers who have been using this medication for a long time may have withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, abnormal/persistent crying, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Tell the doctor immediately if you notice any of these symptoms in your newborn.This drug passes into breast milk.
While there have been no reports of harm to nursing infants, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember.
If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.
Doses should be at least 4 hours apart.
Do not double the dose to catch up.

Drug Interactions

Your healthcare professionals (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for it.
Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.This drug should not be used with the following medications because very serious interactions may occur: narcotic antagonists (e.g., naltrexone, naloxone), MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, isocarboxazid, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, selegiline, tranylcypromine).Avoid taking MAO inhibitors within 2 weeks before, during, and after treatment with this medication.
In some cases a serious (possibly fatal) drug interaction may occur.If you are currently using any of these medications listed above, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting this medication.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: anticholinergics (e.g., belladonna alkaloids, benztropine), other narcotic medications (e.g., narcotic agonists/antagonists such as butorphanol/nalbuphine), other decongestants/stimulants (e.g., phenylephrine, ephedra/ma huang), digoxin, certain medications to treat high blood pressure (e.g., beta blockers such as propranolol, mecamylamine, guanethidine, methyldopa, reserpine), migraine medications (e.g., ergotamine), tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., imipramine, nortriptyline), cimetidine.Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you also take drugs that cause drowsiness such as: certain antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine), anti-seizure drugs (e.g., carbamazepine), medicine for sleep/anxiety (e.g., alprazolam, diazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants, narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), psychiatric medicines (e.g., chlorpromazine, risperidone, amitriptyline, trazodone).Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., allergy, cough-and-cold products, diet aids) because they may contain decongestants, stimulants or drowsiness-causing ingredients.
Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of those products.Avoid drinking large amounts of beverages containing caffeine (coffee, tea, colas) or eating large amounts of chocolate.
Caffeine can increase the side effects of this medication.This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests (including amylase and lipase tests), possibly causing false test results.
Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.

CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgement of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.