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.
Coughing, sneezing, and nasal congestion caused by allergies or the common cold
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.
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 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 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.
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 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 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 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 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 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 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.
Source: DailyMed
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
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
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.
Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
---|---|---|---|
5mg/4mg/60mg/5ml | 473 ml | $833.29 | $1.76 |
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.
Coughing, sneezing, and nasal congestion caused by allergies or the common cold
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
Treatment of cough in adults
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