Hydrocodone and homatropine (oral route)


    Brand Name

    US Brand Name

    Hycodan

    Hydromet

    Tussigon


    Description

    Hydrocodone and homatropine combination is used to treat cough. Hydrocodone is an opioid antitussive (cough suppressant). It acts directly on the cough center in the brain to relieve cough.

    When hydrocodone is used for a long time, it may become habit-forming, causing mental or physical dependence. However, people who have continuing cough and nasal congestion should not let the fear of dependence keep them from using opioids to relieve their cough. Mental dependence (addiction) is less likely to occur when opioids are used for this purpose. Physical dependence may lead to withdrawal symptoms if treatment is stopped suddenly. However, severe withdrawal symptoms can usually be prevented by gradually reducing the dose over a period of time before treatment is stopped completely.

    This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

    This product is available in the following dosage forms:

    • Syrup
    • Solution
    • Tablet

    Before Using

    In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:

    Allergies

    Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

    Pediatric

    Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of hydrocodone and homatropine combination oral liquid and tablets in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established. This medicine should not be given to children younger than 6 years of age.

    Geriatric

    Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of hydrocodone and homatropine combination in the elderly. However, elderly patients are more likely to have confusion and drowsiness, and age-related lung, liver, kidney, or heart problems, which may require caution and an adjustment in the dose for patients receiving hydrocodone and homatropine combination.

    Breastfeeding

    There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

    Drug Interactions

    Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

    Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

    • Naltrexone
    • Potassium Citrate
    • Safinamide
    • Samidorphan

    Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

    • Abametapir
    • Acepromazine
    • Aclidinium
    • Alfentanil
    • Almotriptan
    • Alprazolam
    • Amantadine
    • Amifampridine
    • Amiloride
    • Amineptine
    • Amiodarone
    • Amitriptyline
    • Amitriptylinoxide
    • Amobarbital
    • Amoxapine
    • Amphetamine
    • Amprenavir
    • Anileridine
    • Apalutamide
    • Aprepitant
    • Aripiprazole
    • Aripiprazole Lauroxil
    • Armodafinil
    • Asenapine
    • Atazanavir
    • Atropine
    • Avacopan
    • Baclofen
    • Belladonna
    • Belzutifan
    • Bemetizide
    • Bendroflumethiazide
    • Benperidol
    • Bentazepam
    • Benzhydrocodone
    • Benzphetamine
    • Benzthiazide
    • Benztropine
    • Berotralstat
    • Biperiden

    Other Interactions

    Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

    Using this medicine with any of the following is usually not recommended, but may be unavoidable in some cases. If used together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use this medicine, or give you special instructions about the use of food, alcohol, or tobacco.

    • Ethanol
    • Grapefruit Juice

    Other Medical Problems

    The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

    • Acute pancreatitis (swelling of the pancreas) or
    • Addison's disease (adrenal gland problem) or
    • Alcohol use disorder, or history of or
    • Brain tumor, history of or
    • Drug use disorder or dependence, especially with opioids, or history of or
    • Enlarged prostate (eg, BPH, prostatic hypertrophy) or
    • Gallbladder disease or
    • Head injury, history of or
    • Increased pressure in the head or
    • Lung or breathing problems (eg, COPD) or
    • Narrow-angle glaucoma or
    • Problems with passing urine or
    • Thyroid disease or
    • Weakened physical condition—Use with caution. May increase risk for more serious side effects.
    • Asthma, acute or severe or
    • Lung or breathing problems (eg, respiratory depression), severe or
    • Stomach or bowel blockage (eg, paralytic ileus), known or suspected—Should not be used in patients with these conditions.
    • Hypotension (low blood pressure) or
    • Pancreatitis (swelling of the pancreas) or
    • Seizures, history of—Use with caution. May make these conditions worse.
    • Kidney disease, severe or
    • Liver disease, severe—Use with caution. The effects may be increased because of slower removal of the medicine from the body.

    Proper Use

    Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. If too much of this medicine is taken for a long time, it may become habit-forming (causing mental or physical dependence) or cause an overdose.

    This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Read and follow the instructions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

    Swallow the tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.

    Measure the oral liquid with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup. The average household teaspoon may not hold the right amount of liquid. Ask your pharmacist for instructions for measuring the correct dose of this medicine.

    Dosing

    The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

    The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

    • For treatment of cough:
      • For oral dosage form (solution):
        • Adults—5 milliliters (mL) every 4 to 6 hours as needed. Do not take more than 30 mL in 24 hours.
        • Children—Use is not recommended.
      • For oral dosage form (Hydromet solution):
        • Adults—5 milliliters (mL) every 4 to 6 hours as needed. Do not take more than 30 mL in 24 hours.
        • Children 6 years of age and older—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
        • Children younger than 6 years of age—Use is not recommended.
      • For oral dosage form (tablets):
        • Adults—1 tablet every 4 to 6 hours as needed. Do not take more than 6 tablets in 24 hours.
        • Children—Use is not recommended.

    Missed Dose

    If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

    Storage

    Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

    Keep out of the reach of children.

    Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

    Drop off any unused opioid medicine at a drug take-back location right away. If you do not have a drug take-back location near you, flush any unused opioid medicine down the toilet. Check your local drug store and clinics for take-back locations. You can also check the DEA web site for locations. Here is the link to the FDA safe disposal of medicines website: www.fda.gov/drugs/resourcesforyou/consumers/buyingusingmedicinesafely/ensuringsafeuseofmedicine/safedisposalofmedicines/ucm186187.htm


    Precautions

    It is very important that your doctor check your progress while you are using this medicine. This will allow your doctor to see if the medicine is working properly and to decide if you should continue to take it. If your cough does not improve or if it gets worse within 5 days, call your doctor.

    Using this medicine could harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. Tell your doctor right away if you think you have become pregnant.

    Do not use this medicine if you are using or have used an MAO inhibitor (MAOI) such as Eldepryl®, Marplan®, Nardil®, or Parnate® within the past 14 days.

    This medicine will add to the effects of alcohol and other CNS depressants (medicines that can make you drowsy or less alert). Some examples of CNS depressants are antihistamines or medicine for allergies or colds, sedatives, tranquilizers, or sleeping medicine, other prescription pain medicine or opioids, medicine for seizures or barbiturates, muscle relaxants, or anesthetics, including some dental anesthetics. Check with your doctor before taking any of these medicines while you are using this medicine.

    This medicine may be habit-forming. If you feel that the medicine is not working as well, do not use more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor for instructions.

    This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

    If you think you or someone else may have taken an overdose of this medicine, get emergency help at once. Your doctor may also give naloxone and nalmefene to treat an overdose. Naloxone is a medicine that temporarily reverses the effects of an overdose. If you have been prescribed naloxone, make sure household members know how to use this on you in the event of an overdose or suspected overdose. Emergency medical attention is still needed after naloxone is used because the reversal effects are only temporary. Signs of an overdose include: cold, clammy skin, coughing that sometimes produces a pink frothy sputum, dark urine, difficult or trouble breathing, irregular, fast or slow, or shallow breathing, nausea, vomiting, pain in the upper stomach, pale or blue lips, fingernails, or skin, pinpoint pupils of the eyes, or yellow eyes or skin.

    Using opioids for a long time can cause severe constipation. To prevent this, your doctor may direct you to take laxatives, drink a lot of fluids, or increase the amount of fiber in your diet. Be sure to follow the directions carefully, because continuing constipation can lead to more serious problems.

    Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting may occur when you get up suddenly from a lying or sitting position. Getting up slowly may help lessen this problem. Also, lying down for a while may relieve the dizziness or lightheadedness.

    Using this medicine while you are pregnant may cause serious unwanted effects, including neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome in your newborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you think you are pregnant or if you plan to become pregnant while using this medicine.

    This medicine may cause adrenal gland problems. Check with your doctor right away if you have darkening of the skin, diarrhea, dizziness, fainting, loss of appetite, mental depression, nausea, skin rash, unusual tiredness or weakness, or vomiting.

    Do not change your dose or suddenly stop using this medicine without first checking with your doctor. Your doctor may want you to gradually reduce the amount you are using before stopping it completely. This may help prevent worsening of your condition and reduce the possibility of withdrawal symptoms, including stomach cramps, anxiety, fever, nausea, runny nose, sweating, tremors, or trouble with sleeping.

    Using too much of this medicine may cause infertility (unable to have children). Talk with your doctor before using this medicine if you plan to have children.

    Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect the results of certain medical tests.

    This medicine may cause serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. Call your doctor right away if you have a rash, itching, hoarseness, trouble breathing, trouble swallowing, or any swelling of your hands, face, or mouth while you are using this medicine.

    Check with your doctor right away if you have anxiety, restlessness, a fast heartbeat, fever, sweating, muscle spasms, twitching, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or see or hear things that are not there. These may be symptoms of a serious condition called serotonin syndrome. Your risk may be higher if you also take certain other medicines that affect serotonin levels in your body.

    Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.


    Side Effects

    Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

    Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

    More common

    • Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
    • unusual drowsiness, dullness, tiredness, weakness, or feeling of sluggishness

    Incidence not known

    • Agitation
    • bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet
    • blurred vision
    • change in the ability to see colors, especially blue or yellow
    • chest tightness
    • chills
    • confusion
    • constipation
    • constricted, pinpoint, or small pupils (black part of the eye)
    • cough
    • cough producing mucus
    • dark urine
    • decrease in the frequency of urination
    • decrease in urine volume
    • diarrhea
    • difficulty, painful, or trouble breathing
    • difficulty in passing urine (dribbling)
    • difficulty swallowing
    • discouragement
    • dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
    • double vision
    • feeling sad or empty
    • fever
    • general feeling of tiredness or weakness
    • headache
    • hives, itching, skin rash
    • hoarseness
    • indigestion
    • irregular, fast or slow, or shallow breathing
    • irritability
    • lack of appetite
    • loss of consciousness
    • loss of interest or pleasure
    • lower back or side pain
    • muscle aches
    • nausea
    • nervousness
    • overactive reflexes
    • pain or cramping in the stomach
    • painful urination
    • pains in the stomach, side, or abdomen, possibly radiating to the back
    • pale or blue lips, fingernails, or skin
    • poor coordination
    • pounding in the ears
    • puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
    • rapid weight gain
    • restlessness
    • seeing double
    • seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there
    • seizures
    • shakiness and unsteady walk
    • shivering
    • sore throat
    • sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
    • stuffy or runny nose
    • talking or acting with excitement you cannot control
    • tingling of the hands or feet
    • trembling or shaking
    • trouble concentrating
    • trouble sleeping
    • twitching
    • uncontrolled movements of the face
    • unsteadiness, trembling, or other problems with muscle control or coordination
    • unusual bleeding or bruising
    • unusual weight gain or loss
    • vomiting
    • yellow eyes or skin

    Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:

    Symptoms of overdose

    • Bloody or cloudy urine
    • change in consciousness
    • chest pain or discomfort
    • cold and clammy skin
    • coughing that sometimes produces a pink frothy sputum
    • decreased awareness or responsiveness
    • difficulty or trouble breathing
    • extreme drowsiness
    • general feeling of discomfort or illness
    • increased sweating
    • irregular, fast or slow, or shallow breathing
    • irregular heartbeat
    • lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
    • loss of consciousness
    • no blood pressure or pulse
    • no muscle tone or movement
    • not breathing
    • pale or blue lips, fingernails, or skin
    • severe sleepiness
    • slow or irregular heartbeat
    • stopping of heart
    • sudden decrease in the amount of urine
    • swelling in the legs and ankles
    • unpleasant breath odor

    Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

    More common

    • Dry mouth

    Incidence not known

    • Back pain
    • decreased appetite
    • difficulty in moving
    • drowsiness
    • false or unusual sense of well-being
    • fear or nervousness
    • feeling of warmth
    • increased sweating
    • joint pain
    • mood changes
    • muscle pain or stiffness
    • redness of the face, neck, arms and occasionally, upper chest
    • relaxed and calm
    • sleepiness
    • trouble getting pregnant

    Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

    Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.






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