HYDROCODONE/HOMATROPINE - ORAL

HYDROCODONE/HOMATROPINE - ORAL

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (HYE-droe-KOE-done/hoe-MAT-roe-peen)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Hycodan, Tussigon

GENERIC NAME(S): hydrocodone bitartrate/homatropine methylbromide

Uses

USES: This medication is used to relieve a dry cough usually caused by the common cold or other conditions as prescribed by your doctor. Relieving a cough helps you get more rest and sleep. This product contains 2 medications, hydrocodone and homatropine. Hydrocodone is an opioid cough suppressant (antitussive) that works on certain centers in the brain to stop the urge to cough. Homatropine belongs to a class of drugs known as anticholinergics. This medication is generally used for short-term treatment. It should not be used for persistent coughs from smoking or long-term breathing problems (e.g., asthma, emphysema), or for coughs with a lot of mucus or fluids (productive coughs), unless directed by your doctor. Do not use this product in children younger than 18 years. There is a risk of serious (rarely fatal) side effects, such as breathing problems. Cough-and-cold products do not cure colds. Cough due to a common cold often does not need to be treated with medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about other ways to relieve cough and cold symptoms, such as drinking enough fluids, using a humidifier, or saline nose drops/spray.


How to use HYDROCODONE/HOMATROPINE - ORAL

HOW TO USE: Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking hydrocodone/homatropine and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually every 4 or 6 hours as needed or as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your age, medical condition, and response to therapy. Follow your doctor's directions closely. The manufacturer recommends that adults should not take more than 6 tablets or 6 teaspoons (30 milliliters) daily. If you are taking the syrup, measure the dose carefully using a special measuring device or spoon. Do not use a household spoon. Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase. This medication may cause withdrawal reactions, especially if it has been used regularly for a long time or in high doses. In such cases, withdrawal symptoms (such as restlessness, runny nose, watering eyes, trouble sleeping, severe abdominal/muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, rapid breathing, and fast heartbeat) may occur if you suddenly stop using this medication. To prevent withdrawal reactions, your doctor may reduce your dose gradually. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details, and report any withdrawal reactions right away. Though it helps many people, this medication has a risk for abuse and may sometimes cause addiction. This risk may be higher if you have a substance use disorder (such as overuse of or addiction to drugs/alcohol). Take this medication exactly as prescribed to lower the risk of addiction. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details. When taken for a long time, this medication may not work as well and may require different dosing. Tell your doctor if this medication stops working well. Inform your doctor if your symptoms persist or worsen.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: See also Warning section. Nausea commonly occurs with the use of hydrocodone and usually goes away after the first few doses. Consult your doctor or pharmacist about ways to decrease nausea (e.g., taking with food, lying down for 1-2 hours with as little head movement as possible). Lightheadedness, dizziness, drowsiness, vomiting, and constipation may also occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. To prevent constipation, eat a diet adequate in fiber, drink plenty of water, and exercise. Consult your pharmacist for help in selecting a laxative (such as a stimulant type with stool softener). To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: stomach/abdominal pain, mental/mood changes (such as agitation, confusion, hallucinations), difficult/painful urination. Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: eye pain/swelling/redness, vision changes (such as seeing rainbows around lights at night, blurred vision), slow/shallow/irregular breathing, severe drowsiness/difficulty waking up, seizure, fainting. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to hydrocodone; or to homatropine; or to other opioid medications (such as codeine, hydromorphone); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: brain disorders (such as head injury, tumor, seizures), breathing problems (such as asthma, sleep apnea, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-COPD, intoxication with medications that can cause drowsiness or slow/shallow breathing), gallbladder disease, kidney disease, liver disease, mental/mood disorders (such as confusion, depression, thoughts of suicide, psychosis), personal or family history of a substance use disorder (such as overuse of or addiction to drugs/alcohol), stomach/intestinal problems (such as blockage, constipation, diarrhea due to infection, paralytic ileus), disease of the pancreas (pancreatitis), difficulty urinating (such as due to enlarged prostate), personal or family history of glaucoma (angle-closure type), adrenal gland problems (such as Addison's disease), recent surgery, underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy or blur your vision. Alcohol or marijuana can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness or clear vision until you can do it safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially confusion, dizziness, drowsiness, and slow/shallow breathing. Before using this medication, women of childbearing age should talk with their doctor(s) about the risks and benefits. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or if you plan to become pregnant. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. It may slightly increase the risk of birth defects if used during the first two months of pregnancy. Also, using it for a long time or in high doses near the expected delivery date may harm the unborn baby. To lessen the risk, take the smallest effective dose for the shortest possible time. Tell the doctor right away if you notice any symptoms in your newborn baby such as slow/shallow breathing, irritability, abnormal/persistent crying, vomiting, or diarrhea. This drug passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Tell the doctor right away if your baby develops unusual sleepiness, difficulty feeding, or trouble breathing. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: See also Warning section. Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Some products that may interact with this drug include: other anticholinergic drugs (e.g., belladonna alkaloids, benztropine), naltrexone, certain pain medications (mixed opioid agonist-antagonists such as pentazocine, nalbuphine, butorphanol), potassium tablets/capsules, pramlintide. The risk of serious side effects (such as slow/shallow breathing, severe drowsiness/dizziness) may be increased if this medication is taken with other products that may also cause drowsiness or breathing problems. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other products such as other opioid pain or cough relievers (such as codeine, hydromorphone), alcohol, marijuana, drugs for sleep or anxiety (such as alprazolam, lorazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants (such as carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine), or antihistamines (such as cetirizine, diphenhydramine). Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely. Other medications can affect the removal of hydrocodone/homatropine from your body, which may affect how hydrocodone/homatropine works. Examples include azole antifungals (such as ketoconazole), macrolide antibiotics (such as erythromycin), HIV medications (such as ritonavir), rifamycins (such as rifabutin, rifampin), certain drugs used to treat seizures (such as carbamazepine, phenytoin), among others. This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests (including amylase/lipase levels), possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.

Overdose

OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: slow breathing, slow heartbeat, cold/clammy skin, coma.

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Faq for HYDROCODONE/HOMATROPINE - ORAL

- Hydrocodone/homatropine is used to relieve coughs caused by the common cold or respiratory tract infections.

- Hydrocodone is an opioid cough suppressant that works in the brain to decrease the cough reflex. Homatropine is added to the medication to deter abuse, as high doses of hydrocodone can produce a euphoric effect.

- The most common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, dry mouth, constipation, and nausea.

- Yes, hydrocodone is an opioid and can be addictive. It should be used with caution and under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Misuse or long-term use of this medication can lead to dependence or addiction.

- Hydrocodone/homatropine should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Usually, it is taken every 4 to 6 hours as needed. It can be taken with or without food, but it's advisable to take it with food or milk to minimize stomach upset.

- Yes, hydrocodone/homatropine can interact with certain medications, including but not limited to sedatives, tranquilizers, other opioids, certain antidepressants, antihistamines, and muscle relaxants. It's important to inform your doctor about all the medications you are taking to avoid any potential interactions.

- Hydrocodone/homatropine is generally not recommended for children under the age of 6 unless specifically prescribed by a doctor. The dosage and safety guidelines for children can vary, so it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional.

- It is not advisable to drink alcohol while taking hydrocodone/homatropine. Alcohol can enhance the sedative effects of the medication and increase the risk of side effects, such as dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty breathing. Consult your doctor for specific guidance.

- If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.


Warning

WARNING: Taking hydrocodone/homatropine with other medications that may also cause drowsiness or breathing problems may increase your risk of very serious side effects, including death. To lower your risk, your doctor should have you take the smallest dose of hydrocodone/homatropine that works, and take it for the shortest possible time. See also Drug Interactions section. Get medical help right away if any of these very serious side effects occur: slow/shallow breathing, unusual lightheadedness, severe drowsiness/dizziness, difficulty waking up.


Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.