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Overview: Hydrocodone/homatropine is a combination medicine taken to help you stop coughing. Common side effects include drowsiness or lack of energy, headache, dizziness, and dry mouth. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how hydrocodone/homatropine affects you. Get emergency help if you have trouble breathing or confusion.

Uses

What is hydrocodone/homatropine used for?

Hydrocodone/homatropine is a combination medicine commonly taken to help you stop coughing.

Hydrocodone/homatropine may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does hydrocodone/homatropine work (mechanism of action)?

Hydrocodone reduces the urge to cough by affecting the part of the brain that controls the cough reflex. Homatropine works by blocking the effects of acetylcholine. It is added to discourage people from taking too much medicine on purpose because too much hydrocodone can be dangerous.

How is hydrocodone/homatropine supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Hycodan
  • Hydromet
  • Tussigon

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 5 mg/1.5 mg oral solution
  • 5 mg/1.5 mg oral tablets

How should I store hydrocodone/homatropine?

Hydrocodone/homatropine should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of hydrocodone/homatropine?

The most common side effects of hydrocodone/homatropine are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Drowsiness or lack of energy
  • Lightheadedness or dizziness
  • Confusion or inability to think clearly
  • Coordination problems or unable to be as physically active as usual
  • Headache
  • Dry mouth
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Constipation (see below)

There may be other side effects of hydrocodone/homatropine that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of hydrocodone/homatropine?

While less common, the most serious side effects of hydrocodone/homatropine are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Hydrocodone/homatropine may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking hydrocodone/homatropine and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Risk of Misuse and Addiction. Misusing hydrocodone/homatropine can lead to serious side effects like coma or death. Misuse means taking a medicine in a way other than how it was prescribed. Take hydrocodone/homatropine exactly as prescribed. Tell your health care provider if you feel that hydrocodone/homatropine is not working. Call your health care provider right away or go to the nearest emergency room if you have any of the following serious symptoms.

  • Sudden confusion or feeling disoriented
  • Feeling paranoid
  • Suicidal thoughts or actions
  • Seizures
  • Trouble breathing 

Breathing Problems. Hydrocodone/homatropine may cause slow or shallow breathing, especially if you have breathing problems from another condition or take other medicines that can slow your breathing. Tell your health care provider if you develop severe sleepiness or trouble breathing, especially when you start taking hydrocodone/homatropine. Stop taking hydrocodone/homatropine and get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Changes in the color of your skin, including a bluish color to your lips and fingernails
  • Confusion
  • Shortness of breath
  • Feeling dizzy, lightheaded, or fainting
  • Changes in your heart rate or rhythm, such as a fast, slow, pounding or skipping heartbeat
  • Slow or shallow breathing
  • Excessive sleepiness or trouble staying awake

Sphincter of Oddi Spasm. The sphincter of Oddi is a muscular valve in your body that controls the flow of bile and digestive juices from the pancreas into the small intestine. When this valve spasms, it may feel like a tight muscle cramp, causing pain and blocking the flow of these juices, which can lead to discomfort and digestive problems. This is more likely to happen if you do not have a gallbladder. Stop taking hydrocodone/homatropine and get emergency help if you have new or worse stomach pain or pain in the upper right side of your stomach area that travels to your back or shoulder, with or without nausea and vomiting. 

Constipation. Some people taking hydrocodone/homatropine may develop severe constipation or a blockage of the gut (bowel obstruction). Stop taking hydrocodone/homatropine and call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a blockage in your intestines.

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Stomach pain or bloating
  • Loss of appetite 
  • Unable to pass gas

Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension). Hydrocodone/homatropine may cause low blood pressure. If you feel faint or dizzy, lie down. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of low blood pressure.

  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Confusion
  • Feeling weak or tired

Reduced Adrenal Function. Long-term use of hydrocodone/homatropine can cause your body’s adrenal glands to stop making as much cortisol (the stress hormone). This is known as adrenal insufficiency. Adrenal insufficiency can worsen if your body is under stress because of fever, surgery, or trauma. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following symptoms of adrenal insufficiency.

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Weakness, tiredness, or lack of energy
  • Low blood pressure

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use hydrocodone/homatropine?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take hydrocodone/homatropine.

  • Homatropine
  • Hycodan
  • Hydrocodone
  • Hydromet
  • Tussigon
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific hydrocodone/homatropine products they stock.

Children. Hydrocodone/homatropine should not be taken by any child younger than 6 years old. Slow or shallow breathing that can lead to death may occur. 

Breathing Problems. Hydrocodone/homatropine should not be taken if you have severe asthma, trouble breathing, or other lung problems. Hydrocodone/homatropine can worsen these breathing problems or lead to death.

Gut Blockage. Hydrocodone/homatropine should not be taken if you have a blockage of your gut (bowel obstruction) or a narrowing of the stomach or intestines. Hydrocodone/homatropine can worsen these conditions. 

Slowed Gut Movement. Hydrocodone/homatropine should not be taken if you have a paralytic ileus. This is when your intestines are unable to move food through them. Hydrocodone/homatropine can worsen this.

What should I know about hydrocodone/homatropine before using it?

Do not take hydrocodone/homatropine unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share hydrocodone/homatropine with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep hydrocodone/homatropine out of the reach of children. Hydrocodone/homatropine is a controlled substance because it can be misused or lead to dependence. Store hydrocodone/homatropine in a safe place to protect it from theft. It is illegal to sell or give away this medicine.

Use an accurate measuring device to measure your dose of liquid hydrocodone/homatropine. A household spoon is not an accurate measuring device and may cause you to take the wrong dose. Ask your pharmacist to recommend an appropriate measuring device.

Do not overfill the measuring device. This will help prevent you from taking too much medicine. Rinse out the measuring device after you take a dose of hydrocodone/homatropine to make sure all of the medicine is washed out.

Hydrocodone/homatropine can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how hydrocodone/homatropine affects you.

People who are 65 and older can be at greater risk for some side effects from hydrocodone/homatropine. Talk to your health care provider about your risks if you are in this age group.

Long-term use of hydrocodone/homatropine may affect your ability to become pregnant or get a partner pregnant. Talk with your health care provider if you have any concerns.

If you have been taking hydrocodone/homatropine on a regular basis, do not stop taking the medicine without talking to your health care provider. Stopping too quickly may cause serious side effects. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms. 

  • Feeling restless
  • Watery eyes or runny nose
  • Yawning
  • Sweating or chills
  • Muscle, joint, or back pain
  • Dilated pupils 
  • Irritability, anxiety, or trouble sleeping
  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite
  • Increase in blood pressure, breathing rate, or heart rate

Tell your health care provider if your cough does not get better five days after taking hydrocodone/homatropine. They may need to check if something else is causing your cough. 

Throw away expired, unwanted, or unused hydrocodone/homatropine right away by taking your medicine to an authorized U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)-registered collector or a drug take-back program. If one is not available, you can mix the medicine with dirt, coffee grounds, or cat litter, then place the mixture in a sealed plastic bag, and throw the bag in the trash. You can also flush hydrocodone/homatropine down the toilet. You can find out more on how to properly dispose of your medicines at www.fda.gov/drugdisposal.

What should I tell my health care provider before using hydrocodone/homatropine?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if hydrocodone/homatropine is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following. 

  • Head injury or brain problems, such as brain tumors or increased pressure around the brain
  • Seizures
  • Liver, kidney, or adrenal gland problems
  • Stomach, bowel, pancreas, or gallbladder problems, including constipation
  • Breathing problems, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  • Problems peeing or prostate problems 
  • Low blood pressure
  • Glaucoma 
  • Diabetes
  • Mental health conditions, such as depression
  • Fever and coughing up mucus
  • Upcoming surgery 

Substance Use Disorder or Alcohol Use Disorder. Talk to your health care provider if you have ever had a problem with alcohol, prescription medicines, or street drugs or live with someone who has this problem. Hydrocodone/homatropine has a risk of being misused. 

Other Medicines and Supplements. Hydrocodone/homatropine may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking hydrocodone/homatropine, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using or stopping. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. Hydrocodone/homatropine may cause harm to an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will advise you if you should take hydrocodone/homatropine while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. If you take hydrocodone/homatropine on a regular basis during pregnancy, your baby may have withdrawal symptoms that can be life-threatening. Tell your health care provider if you took hydrocodone/homatropine during your pregnancy, especially near the end of your pregnancy.

Breastfeeding. Hydrocodone/homatropine passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will advise you if you should stop breastfeeding or stop hydrocodone/homatropine. 

Interactions

Does hydrocodone/homatropine interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between hydrocodone/homatropine and foods or nonalcoholic drinks.

Do not drink alcohol or use prescription or over-the-counter medicines that contain alcohol. The combination of alcohol and hydrocodone/homatropine can increase your risk of serious side effects, including death. 

Does hydrocodone/homatropine interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking hydrocodone/homatropine.

  • A macrolide antibiotic, such as clarithromycin or erythromycin (Ery-Tab and others), which is a medicine used for bacterial infections
  • A monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) within the past two weeks, which is a medicine usually used for depression or Parkinson’s disease
  • Any medicine that affects serotonin in your body, such as medicines for depression, anxiety, or certain mental health conditions, some migraine medicines, and some medicines for nausea and vomiting. 
  • Fluconazole (Diflucan), itraconazole (Sporanox, Tolsura), ketoconazole, posaconazole (Noxafil), or voriconazole (Vfend), which are medicines used for fungal infections
  • A protease inhibitor, such as nelfinavir (Viracept) or ritonavir (Norvir), which is a medicine commonly used to treat HIV
  • Rifampin, which is a medicine commonly used to treat an infection called tuberculosis
  • Carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol, and others) or phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek, and others), which are medicines commonly used to treat seizures
  • A diuretic, also called a water pill, which is a medicine used to reduce edema (fluid retention) and blood pressure
  • An anticholinergic medicine, which includes antihistamines and medicines commonly used for overactive bladder, Parkinson’s disease, or stomach problems
  • Any other medicine that causes dizziness and sleepiness, such as prescription pain medicines (including opioids), sleep medicines, muscle relaxants, and medicines for anxiety (including benzodiazepines)

Many other medicines may alter the blood levels of hydrocodone/homatropine. Tell your health care provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with hydrocodone/homatropine. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much hydrocodone/homatropine?

If you or someone else has taken too much hydrocodone/homatropine, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of hydrocodone/homatropine?

Hydrocodone/homatropine is meant to be taken only when needed. Take it as your health care provider recommends. Do not take double or extra doses. Do not take more than your prescribed dose. If you have any questions about missed doses, contact your health care provider.