homatropine and hydrocodone Health Article

Generic name(s):

homatropine and hydrocodone

Brand name(s):

homatropine-hydrocodone, Hycodan, Hydromet, Tussigon

What is the most important information I should know about homatropine and hydrocodone?

Before using homatropine and hydrocodone, tell your doctor if you have a history of drug or alcohol abuse, a brain injury, liver disease or kidney disease, asthma, glaucoma, prostate or urination problems, or a history of seizures.

Do not take more than 3 doses of this medicine in one day (24 hours). This medication may be habit-forming. You may have withdrawal symptoms when you stop using homatropine and hydrocodone after using it over a long period of time. Do not stop using this medication suddenly without first talking to your doctor. You may need to gradually reduce the dose. Avoid drinking alcohol, which can increase some of the side effects of homatropine and hydrocodone.

Avoid using other medicines that make you sleepy (such as cold medicine, pain medication, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression or anxiety). They can add to sleepiness caused by homatropine and hydrocodone.

Homatropine and hydrocodone can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.

What is homatropine and hydrocodone?

Hydrocodone is a narcotic cough medicine.

Homatropine is a drug that works against the narcotic to prevent an overdose of this medication.

The homatropine and hydrocodone combination is used to treat cough.

Homatropine and hydrocodone may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before taking homatropine and hydrocodone?

Before using homatropine and hydrocodone, tell your doctor if you have:

• a history of drug or alcohol dependence or abuse;

• a history of head injury or brain tumor;

• liver disease;

• kidney disease;

• underactive thyroid;

• Addison's disease;

• prostate enlargement;

• glaucoma;

• urination problems; or

• asthma.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take homatropine and hydrocodone.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether homatropine and hydrocodone passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take homatropine and hydrocodone?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor.

Take this medicine with a full glass of water. Drink plenty of water to prevent constipation that may be caused by homatropine and hydrocodone.

Measure the liquid form of this medication with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.

Do not take more than 3 doses of this medicine in one day (24 hours). This medication may be habit-forming. You may have withdrawal symptoms when you stop using homatropine and hydrocodone after using it over a long period of time. Do not stop using this medication suddenly without first talking to your doctor. You may need to gradually reduce the dose. Store the drops at room temperature away from heat and moisture. Do not allow the liquid medicine to freeze.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.