Duro-Tuss Sugar-Free Lozenges

Generic Name: Cetylpyridinium, Pholcodine
Product Name: Duro-Tuss Sugar-Free Lozenges

Indication: What Duro-Tuss Sugar-Free Lozenges is used for

Duro-Tuss Sugar-Free Lozenges can be used for the relief of sore throats and to suppress unproductive (dry) coughs.

Action: How Duro-Tuss Sugar-Free Lozenges works

Duro-Tuss Sugar-Free Lozenges contain the active ingredients cetylpyridinium and pholcodine.

Cetylpyridinium is an antibacterial agent designed to prevent the growth of bacteria in the throat and mouth. It may help to reduce the severity and duration of a sore throat.

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 Sugar-Free Lozenges

• The lozenges should not be chewed, but dissolved slowly in the mouth for optimal effect (see packaging for dose instructions);
• Do not use for more than 7 days without medical advice;
• If symptoms do not improve after a few days of treatment, consult your doctor as the condition may require treatment with antibiotics;
• The lozenges are safe to use during pregnancy (ADEC Category A). However, safety during breast-feeding has not been established and it should not be used without medical advice.
• The sugar-free lozenges contain the natural sugar substitute isomalt, which may have a laxative effect when consumed in excess;
• Tell your doctor if you are taking any regular medication before using this medicine.
• Duro-Tuss Sugar-Free Lozenges may enhance the effects of alcohol – do not drive or operate machinery if affected.

Schedule of Duro-Tuss Sugar-Free Lozenges

Schedule 2

Side effects of Duro-Tuss Sugar-Free Lozenges

Common side effects

Duro-Tuss Sugar-Free Lozenges are generally well tolerated. They may occasionally cause:

• Nausea and vomiting;
• Drowsiness (in large doses).

Uncommon side effects

Very rarely, it 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 the medication is suitable for you. If you experience difficulty breathing or develop swelling of the face, lips or tongue following use of the lozenges, seek emergency medical attention.

• Hypersensitivity reactions¹

For further information talk to your doctor.

References

• MIMS Online. [Monograph online] MIMS Australia Pty Ltd 2003. [Cited January 14, 2008] http://www.mims.com.au
• Electronic Australian Prescription Products Guide. Australian Pharmaceutical Publishing Company, 2007. [Cited January 14, 2008]
• Lazo, J, Gilman A, Brunton L et al. Goodman & Gilman’s The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 11th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill; 2006.