Hydrocodone; Homatropine Solution

What is this medication?

HYDROCODONE; HOMATROPINE (hye droe KOE done; hoe MA troe peen) is used to relieve cough. It works by calming your cough reflex. It is combination of an opioid cough suppressant and an anticholinergic.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Hycodan, Hydromet, Hydropane, Mycodone

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Addison's disease.
• Brain tumor.
• Gallbladder disease.
• Glaucoma.
• Head injury.
• Heart disease.
• History of irregular heartbeat.
• History of substance use disorder.
• If you frequently drink alcohol.
• Kidney disease.
• Liver disease.
• Low blood pressure.
• Lung or breathing disease, like asthma.
• Mental health condition.
• Pancreatic disease.
• Seizures.
• Stomach or intestine problems.
• Thyroid disease.
• Trouble passing urine.
• An unusual or allergic reaction to hydrocodone, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives.
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
• Breastfeeding.

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Use a specially marked spoon or container to measure each dose. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate. Do not to overfill. Rinse the measuring device with water after each use. Take your medication at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. This medication is not approved for use in children.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• Alcohol.
• Antihistamines for allergy, cough and cold.
• Certain medications for anxiety or sleep.
• Certain medications for depression like amitriptyline, fluoxetine, sertraline.
• Certain medications for seizures like carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone.
• General anesthetics like halothane, isoflurane, methoxyflurane, propofol.
• Local anesthetics like lidocaine, pramoxine, tetracaine.
• MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate.
• Other narcotic medications (opiates) for pain or cough.
• Phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine.

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Antiviral medications for HIV and AIDS.
• Atropine.
• Certain antibiotics like clarithromycin, erythromycin.
• Certain medications for bladder problems like oxybutynin, tolterodine.
• Certain medications for fungal infections like ketoconazole and itraconazole.
• Certain medications for Parkinson disease like benztropine, trihexyphenidyl.
• Certain medications for stomach problems like dicyclomine, hyoscyamine.
• Certain medications for travel sickness like scopolamine.
• Ipratropium.
• Rifampin.

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Use exactly as directed by your care team. Do not take more than the recommended dose. You may develop tolerance to this medication if you take it for a long time. Tolerance means that you will get less cough relief with time. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

If you have been taking this medication for a long time, do not suddenly stop taking it because you may develop a severe reaction. Your body becomes used to the medication. This does NOT mean you are addicted. Addiction is a behavior related to getting and using a medication for a nonmedical reason. If your care team wants you to stop the medication, the dose will be slowly lowered over time to avoid any side effects.

There are different types of narcotic medications (opiates). If you take more than one type at the same time or if you are taking another medication that also causes drowsiness, you may have more side effects. Give your care team a list of all medications you use. Your care team will tell you how much medication to take. Do not take more medication than directed. Call emergency services for help if you have problems breathing or unusual sleepiness.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medication affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medication. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

This medication will cause constipation. Try to have a bowel movement at least every 2 to 3 days. If you do not have a bowel movement for 3 days, call your care team.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your care team if the problem does not go away or is severe.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• CNS depression—slow or shallow breathing, shortness of breath, feeling faint, dizziness, confusion, trouble staying awake.
• Low adrenal gland function—nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, unusual weakness or fatigue, dizziness.
• Low blood pressure—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, blurry vision.

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Confusion.
• Constipation.
• Dizziness.
• Drowsiness.
• Dry mouth.
• Headache.
• Nausea.
• Vomiting.

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets. This medication can be abused. Keep your medication in a safe place to protect it from theft. Do not share this medication with anyone. Selling or giving away this medication is dangerous and against the law.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light.

This medication may cause harm and death if taken by other adults, children, or pets. It is important to get rid of the medication as soon as you no longer need it or it is expired. You can do this in two ways:

• Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put in the trash, take the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

What is Hycodan?

Hycodan® is a brand name of a prescription medication that suppresses your cough by calming your cough reflex. Hycodan contains hydrocodone and homatropine. These are two different medicines that work together to help you stop coughing. Hycodan is an example of a combination medication, or a drug that contains two or more active ingredients.

Hydrocodone is an opioid, which has a high likelihood of leading to addiction. Your provider will only prescribe Hycodan or a similar medication if:

• The benefits of the medication outweigh the risks (including addiction).
• It won’t interact with any other medications or supplements you’re taking.
• It won’t cause harmful effects due to a medical condition you have.

As with any medication, it’s important to follow your provider’s instructions and ask if there’s anything you don’t understand.

How should I measure Hycodan solution?

Never use a household spoon to measure Hycodan or any other liquid medication. Instead, use the measuring device that comes with your prescription. Regular spoons aren’t accurate and will give you the wrong amount of medication. This can make the medication less effective (if you take too little) or lead to an overdose (if you take too much).

An opioid overdose is a life-threatening medical emergency. It causes respiratory depression (ineffective breathing), which can lead to respiratory failure and ultimately death. Warning signs include shallow, slowed or stopped breathing and blue lips or fingernails. Seek immediate medical care for yourself or anyone else who may be experiencing an opioid overdose.

What is the generic for Hycodan?

The generic name of Hycodan is “hydrocodone bitartrate and homatropine methylbromide.” You might also see it simply as “hydrocodone and homatropine.”

Does Hycodan have codeine in it?

No, but it does contain hydrocodone, which is another type of opioid. Both hydrocodone and codeine are opioids that can lead to addiction and opioid use disorder. It’s important to use these medications under the careful guidance of a healthcare provider.

If you feel you’re developing a dependence (psychological and/or physical) on Hycodan or any other medication, call a healthcare provider as soon as possible. Psychological dependence means the medication is a major focus of your thoughts, emotions and daily activities. You may crave the medication or feel compelled to use it. Physical dependence means you have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking the medication.

In either case, your provider will help you get support and treatment.

Is Hycodan better than codeine for cough?

Some research shows that hydrocodone (an active ingredient in Hycodan) is the same or better than codeine for stopping a cough. But what’s best for you depends on many factors, including your medical history and other medications you’re taking. Your healthcare provider will tell you which cough suppressants are likely to help you while also being safe for you.

Keep in mind that both hydrocodone and codeine are unsafe for children under age 18. They can lead to serious adverse effects like slowed breathing or trouble breathing. They can also lead to misuse, addiction, overdose or death. Because of these risks, in 2018, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an announcement warning against the use of these medications in children.

Hydrocodone and codeine also carry risks for adults, and those risks can vary according to your age and underlying conditions. This is why healthcare providers only prescribe opioids in select situations, like when other medications aren’t helping. They’ll also prescribe them at the lowest dose possible for the shortest possible length of time.

A note from Cleveland Clinic

Hydrocodone (an opioid) and homatropine are combined in some prescription medications, like Hycodan, to suppress your cough. It’s understandable to want the strongest option possible to treat a cough, especially when the cough isn’t letting you have any peace (or sleep). But in many cases, over-the-counter medications or home remedies can relieve your cough without all the risks that come with opioids.

If your healthcare provider feels a prescription cough medicine is right for you, be sure to follow their instructions on how to take it and when. Let your provider know if you have any side effects or any concerns about how the medicine is making you feel. 

Note: Intro and FAQ sections written and reviewed by Cleveland Clinic professionals.