$Unique_ID{BRK02091}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{PHENYLPROPANOLAMINE AND CARAMIPHEN COMBINATION}
$Subject{Detuss (various manufacturers)
Tussadon (Rugby)
Tuss-Allergine Modified T.D. (Rugby)
Tuss-Genade Modified Capsules (Goldline)
Tussogest (Major)
Tuss-Ornade (Smith Kline & French)}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


PHENYLPROPANOLAMINE AND CARAMIPHEN COMBINATION
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BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers):
     Detuss (various manufacturers)
     Tussadon (Rugby)
     Tuss-Allergine Modified T.D. (Rugby)
     Tuss-Genade Modified Capsules (Goldline)
     Tussogest (Major)
     Tuss-Ornade (Smith Kline & French)
TYPE OF DRUG:
     Adrenergic (decongestant) and cough suppressant
INGREDIENTS:
     phenylpropanolamine and caramiphen
DOSAGE FORMS:
     Sustained-release capsules (75 mg phenylpropanolamine and 40 mg
       caramiphen)
     Oral liquid (12.5 mg phenylpropanolamine and 6.7 mg caramiphen per 5-ml
       spoonful, with 5% alcohol)
STORAGE:
     Phenylpropanolamine and caramiphen combination capsules or oral liquid
       should be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed container.
       This medication should never be frozen.

USES

     This drug combination is used to relieve the coughing and congestion
associated with the common cold.
     Phenylpropanolamine belongs to a group of drugs known as adrenergic
agents (decongestants).  They act by constricting (narrowing) blood vessels in
the nasal passages, thereby reducing swelling and congestion.
     Caramiphen is a nonnarcotic cough suppressant that acts at the cough
center in the brain.

TREATMENT

     In order to avoid stomach upset during treatment, you can take
phenylpropanolamine and caramiphen combination with food or with a full glass
of milk or water (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise).  The
sustained-release capsules should be swallowed whole.  Breaking, chewing, or
crushing these capsules destroys their sustained-release activity and may
increase the side effects.
     The oral liquid form should be measured carefully with a specially
designed 5-ml measuring spoon.  An ordinary kitchen teaspoon is not accurate
enough.
     If you miss a dose of this medication, take the missed dose as soon as
possible, unless it is almost time for your next dose.  In that case, do not
take the missed dose at all; just return to your regular dosing schedule.  Do
not double the next dose.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Blurred vision, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, heartburn, insomnia,
irritability, loss of appetite, nasal congestion, nausea, nervousness,
restlessness, upset stomach, or vomiting.  These side effects should disappear
as your body adjusts to the medication.
     If you are constipated, increase the amount of fiber in your diet (fresh
fruits and vegetables, salads, bran, and whole-grain breads), exercise, and
drink more water (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise).
     Chew sugarless gum or suck on ice chips or a piece of hard candy to
reduce mouth dryness.
     If you feel dizzy or light-headed, sit or lie down for a while; get up
slowly from a sitting or reclining position, and be careful on stairs.
     In order to avoid difficulty in falling asleep, take the last dose of
this medication several hours before bedtime.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
chest pain, difficult or painful urination, fainting, headaches, nosebleeds,
palpitations, or uncoordinated body movements.

INTERACTIONS

     Phenylpropanolamine and caramiphen combination interacts with several
other types of medications:
     1. Monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors (isocarboxazid, pargyline,
phenelzine, tranylcypromine) can increase the side effects of this medication.
At least 14 days should separate the use of this drug and the use of an MAO
inhibitor.
     2. The blood-pressure-lowering effects of guanethidine may be decreased
by this medication.
     3. The side effects of phenylpropanolamine may be increased by digoxin or
over-the-counter (nonprescription) diet, allergy, asthma, cough, cold, or
sinus preparations.
     BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently
taking, especially any of those listed above.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications, especially to caramiphen or phenylpropanolamine or to other
adrenergic agents (such as albuterol, amphetamines, ephedrine, epinephrine,
isoproterenol, metaproterenol, norepinephrine, pseudoephedrine, and
terbutaline).
     * Tell your doctor if you now have or if you have ever had asthma,
diabetes mellitus, glaucoma, heart or blood vessel disease, high blood
pressure, an enlarged prostate gland, or thyroid disease.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  The effects of this
medication during pregnancy have not been thoroughly studied in humans.  Also,
tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant.  Small amounts of this
medication may pass into breast milk.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
