hydrocodone / chlorpheniramine / pseudoephedrine

• 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.