Tussionex and Levaquin for bronchitis

[solarino]

I took Tussionex for the first time at 11:00 pm after I took a Levaquin at 10:00 pm.   I have bronchitis.  I awoke suddenly from my sleep at 2:00 am and had no breath - and could not speak or call my husband although I was trying to say 'help'.  I got my breath back after a minute or so and was pretty shaken up by this.   I'm very tired but reluctant to go back to sleep if it happens again.   I was pretty shaken up.   Is this an allergic reaction or a side effect?  

[solarino]

Thank you for your comments, Dr.   It was only that one incident (thank goodness) - personally, I do think it was the Tussionex.   I am much better - except for the residual cough.   It's pretty much non-productive but hanging on.    Others who have had this cold say the same thing.   I've been taking honey and drinking lots of warm/hot liquids.   When I'm over the cold,  My doctor wants me to get the seasonal flu shot which has three parts to it - one is H1N1 - and I'm wondering how long after my cold symptoms go away that I could take it.   I'm still up in the air whether to take it or not.  There has been much controversy over it left over from last year.   How long should someone wait after a cold to get the seasonal flu shot?

[Dr Rajput]

Hi, welcome to the forum, your symptoms are suggestive of drug allergy and are mediated by release of histamine in the body. Your body is known to hypersensitive to quinolones to which levaquin belongs to. Tussionex contains hydrocodone which may also be responsible. But it is difficult to tell, which one is the offending drug.

The spectrum of these reactions can vary widely; reactions may present as typical allergic symptoms (eg, itching, urticaria, rash, edema) after a single dose, or may manifest as breathlessness due to bronchospasm.

If drug allergy is suspected you need to discontinue the drug and report to your doctor immediately. Treatment includes anti histaminic and glucocorticoids against prescription. I suggest you to consult your doctor. Take care and regards.

[bsmsl]

I am so glad you are feeling better.  

Some people experience the laryngeal spasms frequently.  If it is a big problem, they call it vocal cord dysfunction and may go through speach therapy to help manage it.  It can be quite scary when you have no idea what is going on.

[solarino]

Thank you for being so kind to answer.   You are right on.  After consulting with my doctor, he pretty much said what you did -- what I experienced was called a laryngospasm.  I had never heard of them or knew what they were.    The symptoms were the same as I described and once I relaxed, I was able to speak again.   The Levaquin may have brought it on and it is usually a result of acid reflux.   It is amazing to me the number of people who have experienced these spasms.  Expecially acid reflux sufferers.   Once I understood what it was, I did not experience it again, but would have been less afraid thinking my breathing had stopped.    And thank you for your get well wishes - the levaquin worked quickly and efficiently.  

[bsmsl]

Tussionex should not cause this type of a reaction.  It is possible that the Lavaquin did if you felt any kind of swelling of the throat.  You can call the prescribing doctor and/or the pharmacist to ask about symptoms of an allergic reaction.  

I would be more likely to think that it was acid reflux from the Levaquin.  Many antibioitics cause reflux.  Levaquin is a strong one and is known to cause problems.  I would recommend that you take the Levaquin with dinner tonight (it is supposed to be taken with food) and then enjoy the evening with your husband so you can both monitor your symptoms.  If you have the difficulty breathing again, you should go to an ER.

Also, if you are an asthmatic, you probably just need to use your inhaler on a regular basis while you get over this infection.  That will help open your airways so that you can breathe better.

Feel better.