April 25, 2008
FDA Issues Warning on Cough Medicine Used for Children
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning about health risks from misuse of Tussionex Pennkinetic Extended-Release Suspension, a prescription cough medicine. The medicine contains hydrocodone, a semi-synthetic opioid. The medication is approved for children older than 6 and in adults, but should not be administered more frequently than every 12 hours. The FDA says it has received reports of serious adverse effects, including death when the drug was given to children younger than 6 or adults who took more than the recommended dose. In some cases, doctors prescribed it for the younger children or told adults they could ignore the dosage warning. The FDA has ordered the label be changed to make the warning clear.
http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/infopage/hydrocodone/default.htm
