DrugindexOnline^{2nd edition}

Pronouncation: (HIGH-droe-KOE-dohn by-TAR-trate/klor-fen-AIR-uh-meen MAL-ee-ate)
Class: Antitussive combination

Trade Names:
S-T Forte 2
- Liquid 2.5 mg hydrocodone bitartrate and 2 mg chlorpheniramine maleate

Mechanism of Action

Pharmacology

Hydrocodone

Suppresses cough reflex; stimulates opiate receptors in the CNS and peripherally blocks pain impulse generation.

Chlorpheniramine

Competitively antagonizes histamine at H ₁ receptor sites.

Indications and Usage

Provides relief of cough and rhinorrhea; symptomatic relief of stubborn cough and runny nose caused by cold or allergy.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to any component of product.

Dosage and Administration

Adults

PO 1 tsp (5 mL) 3 or 4 times daily (max, 4 tsp [20 mL] in any 24 h).

Children 6 to 12 yr

PO ½ tsp (2.5 mL).

Children 1 to 3 yr

PO 20 drops.

Children 6 mo to 1 yr

PO 10 drops.

General Advice

Measure and administer prescribed dose using dosing syringe, dosing spoon, or dosing cup.

Storage/Stability

Store syrup at controlled room temperature (59° to 86°F). Keep tightly capped.

Drug Interactions

Alcohol, CNS depressants, narcotic analgesics, phenothiazines or other tranquilizers, sedative-hypnotics

Increased CNS depression (eg, drowsiness) may occur.

Laboratory Test Interactions

May interfere with diagnostic test results for skin tests using allergen extracts.

Adverse Reactions

CNS

Drowsiness.

GI

Nausea.

Precautions

Pregnancy

Consult health care provider before use.

Lactation

Consult health care provider before use.

Special Risk Patients

Use with caution in patients with hypertension, arteriosclerosis, or hyperthyroidism.

Hydrocodone

Excreted in breast milk.

Dependence

Hydrocodone has abuse potential; may be habit forming.

Overdosage

Symptoms

Respiratory and CNS depression, circulatory collapse, cardiopulmonary arrest, decreased mental alertness, ataxia, hallucinations, convulsions, death.

Patient Information

• Advise patient to take prescribed dose every 6 h as needed, up to 4 times daily.
• Advise caregiver to use dosing spoon or syringe when giving syrup to children.
• Advise patient to take with food or milk if GI upset occurs.
• Advise patient that if a dose is missed to take as soon as remembered unless it is nearing time for the next dose. Caution patient not to double the dose to catch up.
• Advise patient that if allergy symptoms are not controlled, not to increase the dose of medication but to inform their health care provider.
• Caution patient that drug may cause drowsiness and to use caution while driving or performing other tasks requiring mental alertness until tolerance is determined.
• Advise patient to avoid alcohol and other CNS depressants because of risk of excessive sedation.
• Caution patient not to take any OTC antihistamines or decongestants while taking this medication unless advised by health care provider.
• If patient is to have allergy skin testing, advise not to take the medication for at least 6 days before the skin testing.
• Instruct patient to stop taking drug and immediately report any of these symptoms to health care provider: persistent nausea or excessive drowsiness.