Duro-Tuss Chesty Cough Liquid plus Nasal Decongestant

Generic Name: Bromhexine, Pseudoephedrine
Product Name: Duro-Tuss Chesty Cough Liquid plus Nasal Decongestant

Indication

Duro-Tuss Chesty Cough Liquid plus Nasal Decongestant is a cough mixture used to relieve irritating productive coughs (i.e. a cough that raises mucous/sputum from the respiratory tract) and nasal congestion associated with respiratory tract infections such as the common cold and influenza.

Action

Duro-Tuss Chesty Cough Liquid plus Nasal Decongestant contains the active ingredients bromhexine and pseudoephedrine.

Bromhexine works to break down thick mucous in the respiratory tract associated with respiratory infections, making it less viscous and more easily coughed up.

Pseudoephedrine is a nasal decongestant that works to narrow blood vessels in the respiratory tract that have become widened and leaky. Blood vessels can become widened due to the natural release of inflammatory chemicals such as histamine in response to viral illness or allergies. Pseudoephedrine helps to counteract this effect, resulting in a reduction in tissue swelling in the nasal passages and relief of nasal congestion.

Dose advice

• Not recommended in children under the age of 2 years without medical advice.
• Use only under medical advice in patients who are pregnant (ADEC Category B2) or breastfeeding.
• Tell your doctor if you have had any previous allergic reactions to medicines or preservatives before using Duro-Tuss Chesty Cough Liquid plus Nasal Decongestant.
• Do not use in patients with uncontrolled high blood pressure. Consult your doctor if you are unsure whether Duro-Tuss Chesty Cough Liquid plus Nasal Decongestant is suitable for you.
• Tell your doctor if you are taking any regular medication or suffer from any chronic medical conditions before using.
• May be taken with or without food.
• Avoid taking just before bed time as it may cause insomnia.

Schedule

Schedule 3

Common side effects

All medicines may cause side effects. Individuals will often react differently to various medicines. Contact your doctor if you experience or are concerned by any of the below side effects.

The following side effects may occur in 1% or more of those using Duro-Tuss Chesty Cough Liquid plus Nasal Decongestant:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhoea / laxative effect
• Stomach pain
• Indigestion or abdominal fullness
• Headache and dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Rash

The following side effects may occur in less than 1% of those using Duro-Tuss Chesty Cough Liquid plus Nasal Decongestant:

• Rapid heart rate or palpitations
• Sweating or flushing
• Tremor

Uncommon side effects

Very rarely, Duro-Tuss Chesty Cough Liquid Forte may cause life threatening allergic reactions.

If you have had any allergic reactions to medicines in the past, it is important to check with your doctor that Duro-Tuss Chesty Cough Liquid Forte is suitable for you. If you experience difficulty breathing or develop swelling of the face, lips or tongue following use of Duro-Tuss Chesty Cough Liquid Forte, seek emergency medical attention.

References

1. MIMS Online. [Monograph online] MIMS Australia Pty Ltd 2003. [Cited January 15, 2008] http://www.mims.com.au
2. Australian Medicines Handbook 2007, Adelaide, Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, 2007.
3. Lazo, J, Gilman A, Brunton L et al. Goodman & Gilman’s The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 11th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill; 2006.

For further information talk to your doctor.