Dosing Dilemma

Recent information suggests that patients do not always recognize the importance of accurate dosing. Consider the following:

In a recent Harris Interactive^® poll of 932 adult prescription cough syrup users, 35% reported drinking a dose of syrup directly from the bottle without measuring.*

Oral liquid medications are difficult to administer correctly at home, regardless of what measuring instrument is used. ⁴

• The measured capacity of household teaspoons is highly variable, ranging from 1.5 mL to 9 mL ^5,6
• In a 2008 dosing accuracy study, consisting of predominantly highly educated female caregivers ⁷:
  • 85% measured an excessive dose when using a dosing cup

Excessively dosed, hydrocodone can result in respiratory depression, and its normal use may impair motor skills and judgment. The availability of numerous measuring devices amplifies the potential for medication errors.⁸

*Survey conducted online by Harris Interactive for Covidien between July 30 and August 1, 2008, among 932 US adults. No estimates of theoretical sampling error can be calculated; a full methodology is available.

Harris Interactive is a registered trademark of Harris Interactive, Inc.

IMPORTANT RISK INFORMATION
TussiCaps^® (hydrocodone polistirex and chlorpheniramine polistirex) extended-release capsules are indicated for relief of cough and upper respiratory symptoms associated with allergy or cold in adults and children 6 years of age and older.

TussiCaps^® is contraindicated in the presence of known allergy or sensitivity to hydrocodone or chlorpheniramine. The most common adverse reactions associated with TussiCaps^® are sedation, drowsiness, and mental clouding, which may impair the mental and/or physical abilities required for potentially hazardous tasks. Overdose with hydrocodone-containing products has been associated with fatal respiratory depression.