Duro-Tuss Dry Cough Liquid plus Nasal Decongestant

Generic Name: Pholcodine, Pseudoephedrine
Product Name: Duro-Tuss Dry Cough Liquid plus Nasal Decongestant

Indication

Duro-Tuss Dry Cough Liquid plus Nasal Decongestant is a medicine used to relieve irritating non-productive (dry) coughs and nasal congestion associated with upper respiratory tract infections such as the common cold and influenza.

Action

Duro-Tuss Dry Cough Liquid plus Nasal Decongestant contains the active ingredients pholcodine and pseudoephedrine.

Pholcodine is a cough suppressant that works in the part of the nervous system involved in controlling the cough reflex. The cough reflex is designed to protect the body by clearing foreign material and excess mucous. However, sometimes the cough reflex does not serve any useful purpose, and causes irritation and sleep deprivation in the patient. Pholcodine helps to reduce the intensity and frequency of the cough reflex.

Pseudoephedrine is a nasal decongestant that works to constrict (narrow) blood vessels in the respiratory tract that have become dilated (widened) and leaky. Blood vessels can become dilated 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

• Do not use in productive ‘chesty’ coughs (i.e. a cough that raises mucous from the respiratory tract).
• 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 Dry 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 Dry 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 use.
• May enhance the effects of alcohol – do not drive or operate machinery if affected.
• 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 about any of the below side effects.

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

• Nausea and vomiting
• Insomnia
• Dizziness
• Nervousness or excitability
• Increase in blood pressure

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

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

Uncommon side effects

Very rarely, Duro-Tuss Dry Cough Liquid plus Nasal Decongestant may cause life hreatening 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 Dry Cough Liquid plus Nasal Decongestant is suitable for you. If you experience  difficulty breathing or develop swelling of the face, lips or tongue following use of Duro-Tuss Dry Cough Liquid plus Nasal Decongestant, 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.