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FLOWTUSS
(hydrocodone bitartrate and guaifenesin) Oral Solution
WARNING
RISKS FROM CONCOMITANT USE WITH BENZODIAZEPINES OR OTHER CNS DEPRESSANTS
Concomitant use of opioids with benzodiazepines or other central nervous system (CNS) depressants, including alcohol, may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, DRUG INTERACTIONS]. Avoid use of opioid cough medications in patients taking benzodiazepines, other CNS depressants, or alcohol.
FLOWTUSS (hydrocodone bitartrate and guaifenesin) oral solution contains hydrocodone bitartrate (a centrally-acting opioid antitussive) and guaifenesin (an expectorant).
Each 5 mL dose of FLOWTUSS contains: hydrocodone bitartrate, USP, 2.5 mg; and guaifenesin, USP, 200 mg.
FLOWTUSS also contains: black raspberry flavor, citric acid, D&C Red #33, FD&C Blue #1, glycerin, methylparaben, polyethylene glycol, propylparaben, purified water, saccharin sodium, sodium citrate, and sorbitol.
Hydrocodone bitartrate is a centrally-acting opioid antitussive and analgesic. It is affected by light and occurs as fine white crystals or crystalline powder which is derived from the opium alkaloid, thebaine. Its chemical name is morphinan-6-one, 4,5-epoxy-3-methoxy-17-methyl-, (5α)-, [R-(R*,R*)]-2,3- dihydroxybutanedioate (1:1), hydrate (2:5). It is also known as 4,5α-Epoxy-3-methoxy-17- methylmorphinan-6-one tartrate (1:1) hydrate (2:5); and may be represented by the following structural formula:
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Guaifenesin is an expectorant and occurs as a white powder. Its chemical name is 3-(2- methoxyphenoxy)-1,2-propanediol, and may be represented by the following structural formula:
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FLOWTUSS is indicated for symptomatic relief of cough and to loosen mucus associated with the common cold.
Not indicated for pediatric patients under 18 years of age [see Use in Specific Populations].
Adults and adolescents 18 years of age and older: 10 mL every 4 to 6 hours, not to exceed 6 doses (60 mL) in 24 hours.
Administer FLOWTUSS by the oral route only. Measure FLOWTUSS with an accurate milliliter measuring device. Do not use a household teaspoon to measure the dose [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Oral solution: Each 5 mL contains hydrocodone bitartrate, USP, 2.5 mg; and guaifenesin, USP, 200 mg [see DESCRIPTION].
FLOWTUSS (hydrocodone bitartrate and guaifenesin) oral solution is supplied as a violet-colored, black raspberry flavored liquid containing 2.5 mg hydrocodone bitartrate and 200 mg guaifenesin in each 5 mL. It is available in:
White HDPE bottles of 16 fl. oz. (473 mL): NDC
24470-916-16
White HDPE bottles of 4 fl. oz. (118 mL): NDC
24470-916-04
Store solution at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F). [See USP Controlled Room Temperature.]
Dispense in a tight, light-resistant container, as defined in the USP, with a child-resistant closure.
Manufactured for: MISSION PHARMACAL COMPANY San Antonio, TX 78230 1355. Revised: Jan 2017
Use of hydrocodone bitartrate is associated with the following:
Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice.
The most common adverse reactions experienced by subjects taking a single dose of FLOWTUSS in the clinical setting include the following: Central Nervous System: headache, dizziness, sedation (somnolence); Gastrointestinal System: nausea, diarrhea; Cardiovascular System: decreased blood pressure; Vascular System: hot flush.
No specific interaction studies have been conducted with HYCOFENIX.
The use of benzodiazepines, opioids, antihistamines, antipsychotics, anti-anxiety agents, or other CNS depressants (including alcohol) concomitantly with FLOWTUSS may cause an additive CNS depressant effect, profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death and should be avoided [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Do not prescribe FLOWTUSS if the patient is taking a prescription MAOI (i.e., certain drugs used for depression, psychiatric or emotional conditions, or Parkinson's disease), or for 2 weeks after stopping an MAOI drug. The use of MAOIs or tricyclic antidepressants with hydrocodone preparations may increase the effect of either the antidepressant or hydrocodone [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Hydrocodone should be administered cautiously to persons receiving anticholinergic drugs in order to avoid paralytic ileus and excessive anticholinergic effects [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
FLOWTUSS is a Schedule II controlled prescription containing hydrocodone bitartrate and should be prescribed and administered with caution.
Hydrocodone can produce drug dependence of the morphine type and therefore, has the potential for being abused. Psychic dependence, physical dependence, and tolerance may develop upon repeated administration of FLOWTUSS, and it should be prescribed and administered with the same degree of caution appropriate to the use of other opioid drugs.
Abuse of guaifenesin has been linked to the formation of kidney stones composed of the major metabolite β-(2-methoxyphenoxy) lactic acid.
Psychic dependence, physical dependence, and tolerance may develop upon repeated administration of opioids; therefore, FLOWTUSS should be prescribed and administered with caution [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Physical dependence, the condition in which continued administration of the drug is required to prevent the appearance of a withdrawal syndrome, assumes clinically significant proportions only after several weeks of continued oral opioid use, although some mild degree of physical dependence may develop after a few days of opioid therapy.
Included as part of the PRECAUTIONS section.
Concomitant use of opioids, including FLOWTUSS, with benzodiazepines, or other CNS depressants, including alcohol, may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death. Because of these risks, avoid use of opioid cough medications in patients taking benzodiazepines, other CNS depressants, or alcohol [see DRUG INTERACTIONS].
Observational studies have demonstrated that concomitant use of opioid analgesics and benzodiazepines increases the risk of drug-related mortality compared to use of opioids alone. Because of similar pharmacologic properties, it is reasonable to expect similar risk with concomitant use of opioid cough medications and benzodiazepines, other CNS depressants, or alcohol.
Advise both patients and caregivers about the risks of respiratory depression and sedation if FLOWTUSS is used with benzodiazepines, alcohol, or other CNS depressants [see PATIENT INFORMATION].
Hydrocodone bitartrate, one of the active ingredients in FLOWTUSS, produces dose-related respiratory depression by directly acting on brain stem respiratory centers. Overdose of hydrocodone bitartrate in adults has been associated with fatal respiratory depression, and the use of hydrocodone bitartrate in children less than 6 years of age has been associated with fatal respiratory depression. Exercise caution when administering FLOWTUSS because of the potential for respiratory depression. If respiratory depression occurs, it may be antagonized by the use of naloxone hydrochloride and other supportive measures when indicated [see OVERDOSAGE].
Hydrocodone can produce drug dependence of the morphine type and therefore, has the potential for being abused. Psychic dependence, physical dependence, and tolerance may develop upon repeated administration of FLOWTUSS. Prescribe and administer FLOWTUSS with the same degree of caution appropriate to the use of other opioid drugs [see Drug Abuse and Dependence].
The respiratory depression effects of opioids and their capacity to elevate cerebrospinal fluid pressure may be markedly exaggerated in the presence of head injury, other intracranial lesions, or a pre-existing increase in intracranial pressure. Furthermore, opioids produce adverse reactions which may obscure the clinical course of patients with head injuries. The use of FLOWTUSS should be avoided in these patients.
Hydrocodone bitartrate, one of the active ingredients in FLOWTUSS, may produce marked drowsiness and impair the mental and/or physical abilities required for the performance of potentially hazardous tasks such as driving a car or operating machinery. Advise patients to avoid engaging in hazardous tasks requiring mental alertness and motor coordination after ingestion of FLOWTUSS. Concurrent use of FLOWTUSS with alcohol or other central nervous system depressants should be avoided because additional impairment of central nervous system performance may occur.
FLOWTUSS should be used with caution in patients with acute abdominal conditions since the administration of hydrocodone may obscure the diagnosis or clinical course of patients with acute abdominal conditions. The concurrent use of other anticholinergics with hydrocodone may produce paralytic ileus [see DRUG INTERACTIONS].
The concurrent use of anticholinergics with hydrocodone may produce paralytic ileus. Exercise caution when using FLOWTUSS in patients taking anticholinergic medications [see DRUG INTERACTIONS].
FLOWTUSS should not be used in patients receiving monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) therapy or within 14 days of stopping such therapy. The use of MAOIs or tricyclic antidepressants with hydrocodone bitartrate may increase the effect of either the antidepressant or hydrocodone [see CONTRAINDICATIONS and DRUG INTERACTIONS].
FLOWTUSS should not be used in patients with a persistent or chronic cough such as occurs with smoking, asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema, or where cough is accompanied by excessive phlegm (mucus).
Patients should be advised to measure FLOWTUSS with an accurate milliliter measuring device. Patients should be informed that a household teaspoon is not an accurate measuring device and could lead to overdosage, which can result in serious adverse reactions [see OVERDOSAGE]. Patients should be advised to ask their pharmacist to recommend an appropriate measuring device and for instructions for measuring the correct dose.
FLOWTUSS should be used with caution in patients with diabetes, thyroid disease, Addison's disease, prostatic hypertrophy or urethral stricture, and asthma.
FLOWTUSS should be used with caution in patients with severe renal impairment [see Use in Specific Populations].
FLOWTUSS should be used with caution in patients with severe hepatic impairment [see Use in Specific Populations].
Advise patients not to increase the dose or dosing frequency of FLOWTUSS because serious adverse events such as respiratory depression may occur with overdosage [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and OVERDOSAGE].
Advise patients to measure FLOWTUSS with an accurate milliliter measuring device. Patients should be informed that a household teaspoon is not an accurate measuring device and could lead to overdosage, especially when half a teaspoon is measured. Patients should be advised to ask their pharmacist to recommend an appropriate measuring device and for instructions for measuring the correct dose [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION and WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Inform patients and caregivers that potentially fatal additive effects may occur if FLOWTUSS is used with benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants, including alcohol. Because of this risk, patients should avoid concomitant use of FLOWTUSS with benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants, including alcohol [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and DRUG INTERACTIONS].
Advise patients to avoid engaging in hazardous tasks that require mental alertness and motor coordination such as operating machinery or driving a motor vehicle as FLOWTUSS may produce marked drowsiness [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Caution patients that FLOWTUSS contains hydrocodone bitartrate and can produce drug dependence [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, and reproductive studies have not been conducted with FLOWTUSS; however, published information is available for the individual active ingredients or related active ingredients.
Carcinogenicity studies were conducted with codeine, an opiate related to hydrocodone. In 2 year studies in F344/N rats and B6C3F1 mice, codeine showed no evidence of tumorigenicity at dietary doses up to 70 and 400 mg/kg/day, respectively (approximately 23 and 65 times, respectively, the MRHDD of hydrocodone on a mg/m² basis).
Carcinogenicity, genotoxicity, or reproductive toxicology studies have not been conducted with guaifenesin.
Pregnancy Category C.
There are no adequate and well controlled studies of FLOWTUSS in pregnant women. Reproductive toxicity studies have not been conducted with FLOWTUSS; however, studies are available with an individual active ingredient or related active ingredient. Hydrocodone was teratogenic in hamsters. Codeine, an opiate related to hydrocodone, increased resorptions and decreased fetal weight in rats. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, FLOWTUSS should be used during pregnancy only if the benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
Hydrocodone has been shown to be teratogenic in hamsters when given in a dose approximately 27 times the maximum recommended human daily dose (MRHDD) (on a mg/m² basis at a single subcutaneous dose of 102 mg/kg on gestation day 8). Reproductive toxicology studies were also conducted with codeine, an opiate related to hydrocodone. In a study in which pregnant rats were dosed throughout organogenesis, a dose of codeine approximately 40 times the MRHDD of hydrocodone (on a mg/m² basis at an oral dose of 120 mg/kg/day of codeine) increased resorptions and decreased fetal weight; however, these effects occurred in the presence of maternal toxicity. In studies in which rabbits and mice were dosed throughout organogenesis, doses of codeine up to approximately 20 and 100 times, respectively, the MRHDD of hydrocodone (on a mg/m² basis at oral doses of 30 and 600 mg/kg/day, respectively), produced no adverse developmental effects.
Babies born to mothers who have been taking opioids regularly prior to delivery will be physically dependent. The withdrawal signs include irritability and excessive crying, tremors, hyperactive reflexes, increased respiratory rate, increased stools, sneezing, yawning, vomiting, and fever. The intensity of the syndrome does not always correlate with the duration of maternal opioid use or dose.
As with all opioids, administration of FLOWTUSS to the mother shortly before delivery may result in some degree of respiratory depression in the newborn, especially if higher doses are used.
Caution should be exercised when FLOWTUSS is administered to nursing mothers. Hydrocodone is known to be excreted in human milk. No studies have been performed to determine if guaifenesin is excreted into breastmilk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk and because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from FLOWTUSS, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.
Safety and effectiveness of FLOWTUSS in pediatric patients under 18 years of age has not been established. The use of hydrocodone in children less than 6 years of age is associated with fatal respiratory depression [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Clinical studies have not been conducted with FLOWTUSS in geriatric populations. Other reported clinical experience with the individual active ingredients of FLOWTUSS has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and patients younger than 65 years of age. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be made with caution, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy.
FLOWTUSS should be given with caution in patients with severe impairment of renal function.
FLOWTUSS should be given with caution in patients with severe impairment of hepatic function.
No human overdosage data are available for FLOWTUSS.
Overdosage with hydrocodone is characterized by respiratory depression (a decrease in respiratory rate and/or tidal volume, Cheyne-Stokes respiration, cyanosis), extreme somnolence progressing to stupor or coma, skeletal muscle flaccidity, dizziness, ringing in the ears, confusion, blurred vision, eye problems, cold and clammy skin, and sometimes bradycardia and hypotension. In severe overdose, apnea, circulatory collapse, cardiac arrest and death may occur.
Overdosage with guaifenesin can cause depression of the central nervous system. While present in polypharmacy overdoses, one case of overdose with only significant levels of guaifenesin has been reported. Symptoms included slurred speech, shallow respirations, reduced heart rate with rhythm sinus bradycardia, followed by asystole.
Treatment of overdosage consists of discontinuation of FLOWTUSS together with institution of appropriate therapy. Primary attention should be given to the reestablishment of adequate respiratory exchange through provision of a patent airway and the institution of assisted or controlled ventilation. The opioid antagonist naloxone hydrochloride is a specific antidote for respiratory depression which may result from overdosage or unusual sensitivity to opioids including hydrocodone. Therefore, an appropriate dose of naloxone hydrochloride should be administered, preferably by the intravenous route, simultaneously with efforts at respiratory resuscitation. For further information, see full prescribing information for naloxone hydrochloride. An antagonist should not be administered in the absence of clinically significant respiratory depression. Oxygen, intravenous fluids, vasopressors, and other supportive measures should be employed as indicated. Gastric emptying may be useful in removing unabsorbed drug.
FLOWTUSS is contraindicated in:
Hydrocodone is a semisynthetic narcotic antitussive and analgesic with multiple actions qualitatively similar to those of codeine. The precise mechanism of action of hydrocodone and other opiates is not known; however, hydrocodone is believed to act directly on the cough center. In excessive doses, hydrocodone will depress respiration. Hydrocodone can produce miosis, euphoria, and physical and physiological dependence.
Guaifenesin is an expectorant the action of which promotes or facilitates the removal of secretions from the respiratory tract. The precise mechanism of action of guaifenesin is not known; however, it is thought to act as an expectorant by increasing the volume and reducing the viscosity of secretions in the trachea and bronchi. In turn, this may increase the efficiency of the cough reflex and facilitate removal of the secretions.
Systemic exposure (in terms of peak plasma concentrations and area under plasma concentration versus time curve) of hydrocodone bitartrate and guaifenesin after a single 10 mL oral dose administration of 5 mg hydrocodone bitartrate and 400 mg guaifenesin are equivalent to the respective reference solutions of 5 mL hydrocodone bitartrate (5 mg/5 mL), and 10 mL guaifenesin (200 mg/5 mL).
Following a single 10 mL oral dose of 5 mg hydrocodone bitartrate and 400 mg guaifenesin administered to 37 healthy adults, the geometric mean Cmax and AUC0-inf for hydrocodone were 9.0 ng/mL and 61.2 ng•hr/mL, respectively. The median time to maximum concentration for hydrocodone was about 1.67 hours. Food has no significant effect on the extent of absorption of hydrocodone. The mean plasma half-life of hydrocodone is approximately 4 hours.
Following a single 10 mL oral dose of 5 mg hydrocodone bitartrate and 400 mg guaifenesin administered to 36 healthy adults, the geometric mean Cmax and AUC0-inf for guaifenesin were 2.0 mcg/mL and 2.6 mcg•hr/mL, respectively. The median time to maximum concentration was about 25 minutes. The effect of food on guaifenesin systemic exposure is not considered to be clinically meaningful. The mean plasma half-life of guaifenesin is approximately 1 hour.
When guaifenesin and hydrocodone were administered in combination, the pharmacokinetics for each component was similar to those observed when each component was administered separately.
Efficacy studies were not conducted with FLOWTUSS. Efficacy of FLOWTUSS is based on demonstration of bioequivalence to the individual comparator products [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
FLOWTUSS®
(floh-tus)
(hydrocodone bitartrate and guaifenesin) Oral Solution
What is the most important information I should know about FLOWTUSS?
What is FLOWTUSS?
FLOWTUSS is not for children under 18 years of age. It is not known if FLOWTUSS is safe and effective in children.
Who should not take FLOWTUSS?
Before you take FLOWTUSS, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements.
Taking FLOWTUSS with certain other medicines can cause side effects or affect how well FLOWTUSS or the other medicines work. Do not start or stop other medicines without talking to you healthcare provider.
Especially tell your healthcare provider if you:
Ask your healthcare provider if you are not sure if you take one of these medicines.
How should I take FLOWTUSS?
What should I avoid while taking FLOWTUSS?
What are the possible side effects of FLOWTUSS?
FLOWTUSS may cause serious side effects, including:
See “What is the most important information I should know about FLOWTUSS?”
The most common side effects of FLOWTUSS include:
These are not all the possible side effects of FLOWTUSS.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
How should I store FLOWTUSS?
Keep FLOWTUSS and all medicines out of the reach of children.
General information about the safe and effective use of FLOWTUSS.
Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Medication Guide. Do not use FLOWTUSS for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give FLOWTUSS to other people, even if they have the same symptoms that you have. It may harm them.
You can ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider for information about FLOWTUSS that is written for health professionals.
What are the ingredients in FLOWTUSS?
Active Ingredients: hydrocodone bitartrate and guaifenesin.
Inactive Ingredients: black raspberry flavor, citric acid, D&C Red #33, FD&C Blue #1, glycerin, methylparaben, polyethylene glycol, propylparaben, purified water, saccharin sodium, sodium citrate, and sorbitol.
