May 31, 2007 - 12:05am
Hello Ladies and Gents!
So the south is on fire, smoke is everywhere, even here in a neighboring state miles from the active fires.Upper respiratory ailments are running just as rampant. Being the sensitive critter I am (a mere match strike can irritate my nasal and mucosal passages),I was prescribed a strange medication today for allergy/cough-one I had never heard of before...something called Novasus-kinda makes me think of Napoleon Dynamite and his Pegasus drawings...anywho I had no clue what it was and was hesitant to fill it.When the pharmacist gave it to me complete with patient info I realized it wasn't anything that unusual: a hydrocodone and chlorpheniramine combination.However, the word tannate follows each ingredient. I know it has something to do with the extended release quality of the suspension, but my questions are:
What is the difference, if any, in hydrocodone tannate and any "regular" hydrocodones?
(Remember,I'm not a nurse in reality though I usually keep up to speed on these things!)
I guess I have waaay too much time on my hands since it is summer, but I was thinking about it, and wondered how would 5 mg of Hydrocodone spread out over 12hrs, control coughs as effectively as immediate release 5 mg of hydro every 6 hrs, which equals twice the first dose by the end of the 12 hr frame? Less is more somehow I guess but the number and strengths don't make sense... unless tannate makes it stronger?
Thoughts?
As far as I can tell,this stuff works just as well as immediate release ...
May 31, 2007 - 8:31am
#2
Hydrocodone tannate is yet
Hydrocodone tannate is yet another salt of hydrocodone (like hydrocodone HCl and hydrocodone terapthalate).
Generally people do not need very much hydrocodone for cough suppression. I think most of the liquid antitussives have 2.5 mg per 5ml and dosing is every 6 hours, so 5mg of a longer acting formulation every 12 hours would be the equivalent of the 'usual' antitussive dose of hydrocodone.
June 1, 2007 - 6:03pm
#3
Hydrocodone content
According to the definition Gtrplayer found, sounds like tannate might be an additive to extend the effects of the hydrocodone and chlorpheniramine in the suspension. And I guess tannate is not exclusive to hyrdocodone...anywho
As far as weaker cough syrups,the numbers are pretty similar now on how many liquid antitussives are 2.5 and 2.5 and higher. There are about as many of one as there are another.Believe me, I know. I've had almost every one that has been manufactured at some point.The Novasus was a new one that I had not previously taken. I'm a "cough syrup connoisseur" I guess thanks to allergies and what drs think is cough variant asthma.In fact the majority of the other immediate release cough syrups I have been given have 4mg and 5 mg of hydrocodone in them/5ml (Notuss, Notuss PD, etc. ) That way I only have to take 1 tsp instead of 2. On rare occassions am I "demoted" to 2.5 mg/5ml.That is a very small dose probably more for pediatric use or for folks who rarely take anything. There are some suspensions with higher doses but I have yet to be prescribed those. Anywhere from 3mg-5mg/5ml usually keeps my symptoms under control without knocking me out.
June 1, 2007 - 6:00pm
#4
where I am
Don't know if you really want to be here where I am...It's hot and DRY! That's why I get the cough syrup and nose spray treatment again. 
Feels like the desert or maybe an outer realm of ???$*!
June 1, 2007 - 6:09pm
#5
Tussionex
Hi NurseBuffy,
Have you ever taken Tussionex? According to the prescribing info, it has hydrocodone that's formulated to last 12 hours. It's also combined with an antihistamine. Sounds ideal since you can take it before going to bed and get a good night's rest. But I've heard it's very expensive.
But if you cough at night, a good night's sleep is probably worth the cost. I've never had it but have coughed all night. Anything is worth not being awakened with hacking. I've only had short-acting hydrocodone with antihistamines, and it means relief for about four hours. Then you awaken, start coughing again and have to take another dose. A good night's sleep is priceless as far as I'm concerned.
I'm not a pharmacist or a medical doctor. This message is not medical advice nor is it an offer to provide medical advice. All drug identifications should be validated by a licensed MD or pharmacist.
June 2, 2007 - 10:17am
#6
Wow, you are a cough
Wow, you are a cough suppressant connaissour!
I usually give hydrocodone/apap tablets for chronic cough or cough that requires more than 2.5 or 5mg. I know there are higher concentration hydrocodone suspensions, but didn't think they were formulated especially for cough (except for Tussionex which, as stated earlier, is also a 12 hour formulation).
June 2, 2007 - 11:08am
#7
Hycodan, Hycotuss
my doc always prescribed me Hycodan or Hycotuss for a cough or cold. it is 5mg per mL and works great. one bad thing is it is also a drug of frequent abuse in this area, go figure LOL. it works great for a bad cough though and is prescribed fairly frequently from urgent care clinics and the er. it might be prescribed so often because it is dirt cheap, like less than ten bucks for eight ounces at just about all pharms around here
June 2, 2007 - 12:34pm
#8
I thought the homatropine
I thought the homatropine that they put in Hycodan was supposed to prevent overuse! But withdrawl must be worse.
June 2, 2007 - 1:12pm
#9
Dr. Lois, you are the second
Dr. Lois, you are the second person that I can think of off hand that has stated homatropine was added to prevent abuse of the cough medicine. Can you please point me to where I can find that information? I was always under the impression that homatropine was added to help dry watery/scratchy eyes, and prevent a nasal drip by drying everything up.
Please let me know where I can find the information as it pertains to homatropine's use as an ant-abuse agent.
Thanks in advance,
Gtrplayer
June 2, 2007 - 3:13pm
#10
Unless it comes from
According to the PDR Hycodan Syrup - "Homatropine methylbromide is included in a subtherapuetic level to discourage deliberate overdose".
Also Im sure everyone has already read it, but Hydrocodone Tannate is made by adding Tannic Acid to Pure Hydrocodone Base.
tan·nate (t
n
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I wish I were wherever you are. It's still spring up here in Indiana.
Gtrplayer