Tussionex PennKinetic and Zanamivir Inhalation, oral/nebulization

• Generic Name: chlorpheniramine / hydrocodone
• Dosage Forms: suspension, extended release
• Other Brand Names: Tussionex PennKinetic, TussiCaps, S-T Forte 2, HyTan, Novasus, Vituz

Tussionex PennKinetic is an extended release oral suspension containing a combination of of chlorpheniramine and hydrocodone.

Chlorpheniramine is an antihistamine that reduces the effects of natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose.

Hydrocodone is a narcotic cough suppressant. It affects the signals in the brain that trigger cough reflex.

Tussionex PennKinetic is used to treat runny nose, sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and cough caused by allergies, the common cold, or the flu.

• Generic Name: zanamivir
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Relenza

Zanamivir belongs to the family of medicines called antivirals, which are used to treat infections caused by viruses. Zanamivir is used in the treatment of the infection caused by the flu virus (influenza A and influenza B). Zanamivir may also be used to prevent and treat swine influenza A.

Zanamivir may reduce flu symptoms (weakness, headache, fever, cough, runny or stuffy nose, and sore throat) by 1 to 1.5 days. Zanamivir may also be used to prevent influenza infection if you have come into close contact with someone who has the flu.

Zanamivir must be started within 2 days of having flu symptoms. Zanamivir will not keep you from spreading the flu virus to other people. It may not work for everybody. Zanamivir may not be for you if you are severely sick or have a breathing problem (e.g., asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). If you receive the flu vaccine every year, continue to do so. Zanamivir is not a substitute for your yearly flu shot.

Zanamivir is available only with your doctor's prescription.