Duro-Tuss Dry Cough Liquid Regular

Generic Name: Pholcodine
Product Name: Duro-Tuss Dry Cough Liquid Regular

Indication: What Duro-Tuss is used for

Duro-Tuss Dry Cough Liquid Regular is a medicine used to relieve stubborn and irritating unproductive (dry)  coughs associated with upper respiratory tract infections, such as the common cold and influenza.

Action: How Duro-Tuss works

Duro-Tuss Dry Cough Liquid Regular contains the active ingredient pholcodine.

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.

Dose advice: How to use Duro-Tuss

• Avoid using Duro-Tuss Dry Cough Liquid Regular 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.
• Safe to use during  pregnancy (ADEC Category A). However, safety during breastfeeding has not been established and should not be used without medical advice.
• Tell your doctor if you have had any previous allergic reactions to medicines or preservatives before using Duro-Tuss Dry Cough Liquid Regular.
• Tell your doctor if you are taking any regular medication before using Duro-Tuss Dry Cough Liquid Regular.
• May enhance the effects of alcohol – do not drive or operate machinery if affected.
• May be taken with or without food.

Schedule of Duro-Tuss

Schedule 2

Side effects of Duro-Tuss

Common side effects

Duro-Tuss Dry Cough Liquid Regular is generally well tolerated.

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

• Nausea and vomiting

Consult your doctor if you experience any of the above symptoms, or any other unusual or abnormal symptoms that concern you.

Uncommon side effects

Very rarely, Duro-Tuss Dry Cough Liquid Regular 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 Dry Cough Liquid Regular 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 Regular, seek emergency medical attention.

References

1. MIMS Online. [Monograph online] MIMS Australia Pty Ltd 2003. [Cited January 14, 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.