FDA warns of deaths with hydrocodone cough syrup

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an alert about a brand of cough syrup containing hydrocodone, a potent narcotic that could be abused if not used correctly.

Tussionex Pennkinetic Extended-Release Suspension is a prescription product, indicated for adults and children 6 and older, once every six hours. FDA reported that serious adverse reactions, including death, have been reported in patients taking more than the indicated dose. Some patients even did so on their physician's advice.

FDA recommended that Tussionex be contraindicated for anyone younger than 6, that patients be told how often and in what quantity to take the medicine, and that they use a syringe instead of a teaspoon for dosing.

Tussionex's manufacturer, UCB, will update its labeling accordingly.