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Drug Safety-related Labeling Changes (SrLC)

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TUXARIN ER (NDA-206323)

(CHLORPHENIRAMINE MALEATE; CODEINE PHOSPHATE)

Safety-related Labeling Changes Approved by FDA Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER)

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07/10/2026 (SUPPL-9)

Approved Drug Label (PDF)

5 Warnings and Precautions

5.1 Addictions, Abuse, and Misuse

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The risk of opioid-related overdose or overdose-related death is increased with higher opioid doses, and this risk persists over the course of therapy. In postmarketing studies, addiction, abuse, misuse, and fatal and non-fatal opioid overdose were observed in patients with long-term opioid use [see Adverse Reactions (6)].

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5.2 Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression

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Management of respiratory depression includes discontinuation of TUXARIN ER, close observation, supportive measures, and use of opioid overdose reversal agents (e.g., naloxone or nalmefene), depending on the patient’s clinical status [see Overdosage (10)]. Carbon dioxide (CO2) retention from opioid-induced respiratory depression can exacerbate the sedating effects of opioids.’

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5.9 Risks from Concomitant Use with Benzodiazepines or other CNS Depressants

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Concomitant use of opioids, including TUXARIN ER, with benzodiazepines, or other CNS depressants, including alcohol, may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death. Because of these risks, avoid use of opioid cough medications in patients taking benzodiazepines, gabapentinoids (gabapentin or pregabalin), other CNS depressants, or alcohol [see Drug Interactions (7.5)].

Observational studies have demonstrated that concomitant use of opioid analgesics and benzodiazepines increases the risk of drug-related mortality compared to use of opioids alone. Because of similar pharmacologic properties, it is reasonable to expect similar risk with concomitant use of opioid cough medications and benzodiazepines, gabapentinoids (gabapentin or pregabalin), other CNS depressants, or alcohol.

Advise both patients and caregivers about the risks of respiratory depression and sedation if TUXARIN ER is used with benzodiazepines, gabapentinoids (gabapentin or pregabalin), alcohol, or other CNS depressants [see Patient Counseling Information (17)].

 

5.10 Risks of Gastrointestinal Complications

Subsection title revised

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Cases of opioid-induced esophageal dysfunction (OIED) have been reported in patients taking opioids. The risk of OIED may increase as the dose and/or duration of opioids increases. Regularly evaluate patients for signs and symptoms of OIED (e.g., dysphagia, regurgitation, non-cardiac chest pain) and, if necessary, adjust opioid therapy as clinically appropriate [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2)].

6 Adverse Reactions

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Opioid-induced esophageal dysfunction (OIED): Cases of OIED have been reported in patients taking opioids and may occur more frequently in patients taking higher doses of opioids, and/or in patients taking opioids longer term.

7 Drug Interactions

7.5 Benzodiazepines and Other CNS Depressants

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Due to additive pharmacologic effect, the concomitant use of benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants, including alcohol, other sedatives/hypnotics, anxiolytics, tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, general anesthetics, antipsychotics, gabapentinoids (gabapentin or pregabalin), and other opioids, can increase the risk of hypotension, respiratory depression, profound sedation, coma, and death. Avoid the use of TUXARIN ER in patients who are taking benzodiazepines, gabapentinoids (gabapentin or pregabalin), or other CNS depressants. [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9)].

 

7.8 Muscle Relaxants

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Codeine may enhance the neuromuscular blocking action of skeletal muscle relaxants (e.g., cyclobenzaprine, metaxalone) and produce an increased degree of respiratory depression. Avoid the use of TUXARIN ER in patients taking muscle relaxants. If concomitant use is necessary, monitor patients for signs of respiratory depression that may be greater than otherwise expected.

8 Use in Specific Populations

8.1 Pregnancy

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Labor or Delivery

Opioids cross the placenta and may produce respiratory depression and psycho-physiologic effects in neonates. An opioid overdose reversal agent, such as naloxone or nalmefene, must be available for reversal of opioid-induced respiratory depression in the neonate.

 

PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION

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Interactions with Benzodiazepines and Other Central Nervous System Depressants, Including Alcohol

Inform patients and caregivers that potentially fatal additive effects may occur if TUXARIN ER is used with benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants, including alcohol (e.g., non-benzodiazepine sedative/hypnotics, anxiolytics, tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, general anesthetics, antipsychotics, gabapentinoids [gabapentin or pregabalin], and other opioids). Advise patients to avoid concomitant use of TUXARIN ER with benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants and to not use alcohol while taking TUXARIN ER [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9), Drug Interactions (7.5)].

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8.1 Pregnancy

Additions and/or revisions underlined:

. . .

Labor or Delivery

Opioids cross the placenta and may produce respiratory depression and psycho-physiologic effects in neonates. An opioid overdose reversal agent, such as naloxone or nalmefene, must be available for reversal of opioid-induced respiratory depression in the neonate.

17 PCI/PI/MG (Patient Counseling Information/Patient Information/Medication Guide)

PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION

Additions and/or revisions underlined:

. . .

Interactions with Benzodiazepines and Other Central Nervous System Depressants, Including Alcohol

Inform patients and caregivers that potentially fatal additive effects may occur if TUXARIN ER is used with benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants, including alcohol (e.g., non-benzodiazepine sedative/hypnotics, anxiolytics, tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, general anesthetics, antipsychotics, gabapentinoids [gabapentin or pregabalin], and other opioids). Advise patients to avoid concomitant use of TUXARIN ER with benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants and to not use alcohol while taking TUXARIN ER [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9), Drug Interactions (7.5)].

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MEDICATION GUIDE

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TUXARIN ER can cause serious side effects, including:

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  • Severe drowsiness, breathing problems (respiratory depression), coma, and death can happen in adults and children who take TUXARIN ER with benzodiazepines, gabapentinoids (gabapentin or pregabalin), or other central nervous system depressants, including alcohol.

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12/15/2023 (SUPPL-8)

Approved Drug Label (PDF)

6 Adverse Reactions

(Additions and/or revisions underlined)

The following serious adverse reactions are described, or described in greater detail, in other sections:

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Other: Drug abuse, drug dependence, opioid withdrawal syndrome.

Hypoglycemia: Cases of hypoglycemia have been reported in patients taking opioids. Most reports were in patients with at least one predisposing risk factor (e.g., diabetes).