Description
Hydrocodone bitartrate and hydrocodone polistirex are currently available for commercially only in combination products. Dosage of hydrocodone polistirex is expressed in terms of hydrocodone bitartrate.
Hydrocodone preparations should be given in the smallest effective dose and as infrequently as possible to minimize the development of tolerance and physical dependence. Reduced dosage is indicated in debilitated or poor-risk patients and in very old patients.
The recommended adult antitussive dosage of hydrocodone bitartrate conventional immediate-release preparations is 5 mg every 4–6 hours as needed, not to exceed 30 mg in a 24-hour period. However, recommended and maximum dosages in other drugs included in combination preparations must be considered and may further limit the maximum hydrocodone bitartrate dosage given in a 24-hour period.
In adults, the usual antitussive dosage of hydrocodone bitartrate using the extended-release oral suspension containing hydrocodone polistirex and chlorpheniramine polistirex, e.g Tussionex Pennkinetic) is 10 mg,5 mL, every 12 hours, the dosage should not exceed 20 mg (10 ML) daily.
Interaction With Alcohol; Instruct patients not to consume alcoholic beverages or use prescription or non-prescription products that contain alcohol while taking hydrocodone ER. may result in increased plasma levels and a potentially fatal overdose of hydrocodone.
