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hydrocodone / chlorpheniramine / pseudoephedrine

Generic Zutripro
Used for Nasal Congestion, Allergic Rhinitis, Cold Symptoms, Cough
Used for Nasal Congestion, Allergic Rhinitis, Cold Symptoms, Cough

Zutripro is an effective option for treating cough and cold symptoms, but it should only be used for a short period of time and might be more expensive than alternatives.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
James Ogbeide, PharmD
Last reviewed on July 26, 2021
Zutripro is a controlled substance, which means that it's more likely to be misused or cause dependence. There are federal and state laws that limit the amount of medication that can be prescribed or dispensed within a certain period of time.
basics-icon

What is Zutripro?

What is Zutripro used for?

  • Coughing, sneezing, and nasal congestion caused by allergies or the common cold

How Zutripro works

Zutripro is a combination of three medications that work together to relieve the nasal symptoms and coughing caused by allergies or the common cold. Hydrocodone (an opioid) works in your brain to lessen your urge to cough, chlorpheniramine (an antihistamine) lowers inflammation caused by allergies or the common cold, and pseudoephedrine (a decongestant) clears your sinuses.

Drug Facts

Common BrandsZutripro (brand no longer available)
Drug ClassOpioid / Antihistamine / Decongestant
Controlled Substance ClassificationSchedule II
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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Avg retail price
$833.29(save 0.00%)
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What are the risks and warnings for Zutripro?

Zutripro can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

risk-warning

POTENTIAL FOR ADDICTION, ABUSE, AND MISUSE

  • Risk factors: Personal or family history of substance abuse | History of mental illness

    Like other opioid-containing medications, Zutripro has a potential for abuse, misuse, or addiction, which can lead to complications such as overdose and death. This can happen even if you are using the medication at prescribed or recommended doses. It is recommended to use Zutripro at the lowest possible dose for the shortest period of time needed. If you are using this medication for 5 days and don't feel any better, contact your provider to discuss alternatives.

    risk-warning

    SLOWED BREATHING

    • Risk factors: Age 65 or greater | High doses of Zutripro | Taking more Zutripro than prescribed | History of lung problems like asthma | Taking other opioids, benzodiazepines, or sedatives | Alcohol use

      Taking high doses of Zutripro can cause irregular or slow breathing, which can be life-threatening. People over 65 years old and those with lung problems, such as asthma, are more at risk of this. Don't drink alcohol while taking Zutripro, as this also raises your risk of dangerously slow breathing. Check with your pharmacist to see if other medications you are taking can make these effects worse.

      risk-warning

      DANGEROUS FOR CHILDREN UNDER 6 YEARS OLD

      Zutripro is not safe for children under 6 years old. Using this medication for children that young can cause serious problems, including trouble breathing and even death. There are other medications available that are safer for young children. Speak to your child's provider or your pharmacist to discuss alternatives.

      risk-warning

      ACCIDENTAL OVERDOSE AND DANGEROUS INTERACTIONS

      • Risk factors: Using household teaspoons to measure out Zutripro | Taking other antihistamines or opioids while taking Zutripro | Medications that can make you drowsy or slow your actions | Alcohol use

        Taking too much Zutripro is very dangerous and can lead to seizures, a coma, or death. Only use medication dosing spoons, cups, or syringes to measure out this medication. Household spoons are not accurate and can easily cause you to take too much by accident. Zutripro also interacts with many medications, including antihistamines, benzodiazepines, opioids, and sleeping medications. These interactions can cause life-threatening problems, including dangerously slow breathing or loss of consciousness. Ask your pharmacist to check for interactions before taking any other cold or allergy products.

        risk-warning

        WITHDRAWAL IN NEWBORNS

        • Risk factors: Women who take Zutripro consistently during their pregnancies

          Zutripro is not safe to use during pregnancy. The hydrocodone in Zutripro can cause newborns to experience withdrawal symptoms, and this is life-threatening for infants. If you are pregnant, do not take this medication. There are safer alternatives.

          risk-warning

          SLEEPINESS AND TROUBLE FOCUSING

          • Risk factors: Taking with alcohol | Taking other medications that cause drowsiness

            Zutripro causes drowsiness and trouble concentrating for many people who take it. This can affect your ability to focus, think, and react. This side effect is more likely to happen or be more intense if you drink alcohol while taking this medication or take other medications that cause drowsiness (opioids, benzodiazepines, sleeping medications). Be careful and avoid activities that require you to be alert, such as driving a car or operating machinery, until you know how this medication affects you.

            risk-warning

            CONSTIPATION

            • Risk factors: Age 65 or greater | Medical conditions that make it difficult to have a bowel movement | Using Zutripro long-term | Taking other medications that cause constipation

              Zutripro can cause constipation by slowing your bowel movements. The longer you take this medication, the more likely it is you will experience it. This side effect is more severe if you have medical conditions or take other medications that cause constipation. Drink plenty of water, eat enough fiber in your diet, and get plenty of exercise to get things moving. Check with your pharmacist about using over-the-counter medications to help relieve constipation if needed while you are taking Zutripro.

              risk-warning

              SEIZURES

              • Risk factors: History of seizure conditions, such as epilepsy

                Zutripro can raise your risk of having a seizure. This is more likely to happen if you have a history of seizures. Make sure your provider knows about all medical conditions you have before starting Zutripro.

                risk-warning

                HEART AND NERVOUS SYSTEM PROBLEMS

                • Risk factors: High blood pressure | Heart problems

                  The psuedoephedrine in Zutripro can cause heart and nervous system problems, such as insomnia, dizziness, weakness, tremors, seizures, or heart beat problems (arrhythmias). Let your provider know if you have any heart problems, including high blood pressure, or seizures before starting Zutripro. This might not be the safest option for you.

                  basics-icon

                  What are the side effects of Zutripro?

                  The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

                  Common Side Effects

                  • Sleepiness
                  • Confusion and trouble focusing
                  • Lightheadedness
                  • Dizziness
                  • Headache
                  • Dry mouth
                  • Nausea
                  • Vomiting
                  • Constipation
                  • Fast heart rate
                  • Anxiety
                  • Restlessness
                  • Nervousness
                  • Tremors
                  • Irritability

                  Other Side Effects

                  • Tired feeling
                  • Upset stomach
                  • Heartburn
                  • Falls (more common with people over 65)
                  • Migraines
                  • Trouble sleeping
                  • Tinnitus (ringing in the ear)
                  • Stomach pain
                  • Blurry vision
                  • Physical dependence
                  • Muscle spasms
                  • High blood pressure
                  • Weakness
                  • Sore throat
                  • Fainting

                  Serious Side Effects

                  Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
                  • Serious allergic reactions: trouble breathing, hives, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat
                  • Overdose: seizures, hallucinations, and loss of consciousness
                  • Very low blood pressure: dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, blurry vision, fainting
                  • Excessive sleepiness or dizziness
                  • Changes in heartbeat (feels like it's racing)

                  Source: DailyMed

                  pros-and-cons

                  Pros and cons of Zutripro

                  thumbs-up

                  Pros

                  Starts working within an hour

                  Stronger than most other cough medications

                  Can be taken only when needed and still be effective

                  Easier to take a combination product instead of 2 or 3 separate medications to treat cold or allergy symptoms

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                  Cons

                  More expensive than similar alternatives

                  Not for long-term use — can be habit-forming

                  Can cause dizziness, drowsiness, and constipation

                  Not safe for pregnant women, children, people over 65 years old, people with glaucoma, or people with problems urinating

                  pharmacist-tips

                  Pharmacist tips for Zutripro

                  pharmacist
                  • Since Zutripro works right away, you only have to take it as needed when you are having symptoms. Most people continue to feel effects for about 4 to 6 hours after taking this medication.

                    • You can take Zutripro with or without food. If this medication upsets your stomach, try taking it with something to eat. Drink lots of water while taking Zutripro, unless you shouldn't drink extra fluid due to other medical conditions.

                      • Be sure to use a medication dose cup, spoon, or syringe to measure out your dose of Zutripro. Using household teaspoons might cause you to take the wrong amount of this medication.

                        • Zutripro causes dizziness and drowsiness. Avoid activities that require you to be alert (like driving) until you know how it affects you. These side effects are more intense if you are over 65 years old.

                          • Avoid drinking alcohol while you are taking Zutripro. Alcohol can make the side effects of the medication worse.

                            • Zutripro can be habit-forming and is only meant to be used for a short period of time. Long-term use of Zutripro can cause dependence. Take it exactly as your provider prescribes. If your symptoms don't get better after taking this medication for 5 days, contact your provider.

                              • There are certain medications that interact with Zutripro. Before you start taking it, ask your pharmacist if this medication is safe to take with your other medications.

                                • Zutripro is a Schedule II controlled substance, meaning there are very strict rules about how it can be prescribed and filled. You might be limited to a certain amount of medication, only have a certain number of days to fill your prescription, or have to show a form of identification when you pick it up from the pharmacy. Ask your pharmacist for more information about this, as these rules vary from state to state.

                                  faqs

                                  Frequently asked questions about Zutripro

                                  Can I drink alcohol with Zutripro?
                                  No, you shouldn't. Drinking alcohol while taking Zutripro raises your risk of side effects like drowsiness and dizziness. Sometimes, this combination can even be life-threatening, so it's best to wait until you are no longer taking Zutripro to have a drink.
                                  Can pregnant women use Zutripro?
                                  No, they shouldn't. Zutripro can harm unborn babies. Speak with your provider about safer medications for treating cold and allergy symptoms while you're pregnant.
                                  Is there a risk of abuse and reliance with Zutripro?
                                  Yes. The hydrocodone in Zutripro can cause you to become dependent on it, even if taken at prescribed doses. Because of this, you should only use the lowest dose possible for the shortest time needed. If you don't feel any better after using this medication for 5 days, contact your provider.
                                  Can Zutripro cause constipation?
                                  It can. The hydrocodone in Zutripro can cause constipation, especially if used for a long time. If you already have problems with constipation, this side effect is more likely to happen to you.
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                                  dosage

                                  Zutripro dosage forms

                                  The average cost for 473 ml of 5mg/4mg/60mg/5ml of Zutripro is $833.29 with a free GoodRx coupon.0
                                  ml of oral solution
                                  Ml of oral solution
                                  DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                                  5mg/4mg/60mg/5ml473 ml$833.29$1.76

                                  Typical dosing for Zutripro

                                  • Adults over 18 years old: Take 5 mL (1 teaspoonful) by mouth every 4 to 6 hours as needed. Do not take more than 20 mL (4 teaspoonfuls) in a 24 hour period.

                                  • Children under 18 years old: Do not use.

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                                  alternatives

                                  What are alternatives to Zutripro?

                                  There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Zutripro. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                                  Zutripro
                                  Used for:
                                  • Coughing, sneezing, and nasal congestion caused by allergies or the common cold

                                  $833.29 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                                  Used for:
                                  • Short-term relief of symptoms from allergies or the common cold (e.g., cough, runny nose, and sneezing) in people ages 18 years and older

                                  Used for:
                                  • Treatment of cough in adults

                                  $11.17 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices

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