hydrocodone/homatropine (Tussigon; Hycodan)

Hydrocodone is an opioid narcotic pain-reliever cough suppressant that is similar to codeine, oxycodone, morphine, methadone, fentanyl, and other opioids.

Yes

Yes

Hydrocodone homatropine is prescribed for the treatment of cough in adults and in children 6 years of age and older.

The most common side effects of hydrocodone are:

• lightheadedness,
• dizziness,
• sedation,
• nausea,
• vomiting.

Other important side effects include

• drowsiness,
• constipation,
• spasm of the ureter, and
• difficulty in urinating.

Hydrocodone can impair thinking and the physical abilities required for driving or operating machinery. Hydrocodone can depress breathing, and should be used with caution in elderly, debilitated patients and in patients with serious lung disease. Hydrocodone is habit forming. Mental and physical dependence can occur when used long-term.

Homatropine can increase pressure inside the eye and this is dangerous for those with glaucoma.

• The dose for adults and children older than 12 years is one tablet (5 mg/1.5 mg) orally every 4 to 6 hours. The maximum dose is 30 mg/9 mg (6 tablets) in 24 hours.
• Children 6 to 12 years of age receive a 1/2 tablet (2.5 mg/0.75 mg) every 4 to 6 hours not to exceed 3 tablets (15 mg/4.5 mg)

Combining alcohol and other sedatives with hydrocodone can lead to increased sedation and even cause confusion. Hydrocodone should not be taken with any of the monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) class of antidepressants, for example, isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), tranylcypromine (Parnate), selegiline (Eldepryl), and procarbazine (Matulane) or other drugs that inhibit monoamine oxidase, for example, linezolid (Zyvox). Such combinations may lead to confusion, high blood pressure, tremor, hyperactivity, coma, and death.

Hydrocodone should not be administered within 14 days of stopping an MAOI.

There are no adequate studies of hydrocodone in pregnant women. Hydrocodone is excreted in breast milk, and, therefore, should be used cautiously by nursing mothers.

What preparations of hydrocodone homatropine are available?

How should I keep hydrocodone homatropine stored?

Hydrocodone homatropine should be stored at room temperature, between 15 C to 30 C (59 F to 86 F).

How does hydrocodone homatropine work?

• Hydrocodone, like other opioids, stimulates receptors on nerves in the brain to increase the threshold to pain (the amount of stimulation it takes to feel pain) and reduce the perception of pain (the perceived importance of the pain).
• It also works directly on the cough center in the brain to reduce cough.
• Homatropine blocks the action of acetylcholine, a chemical (neurotransmitter) that nerves use to communicate. It is added in low doses to discourage deliberate overdoses of hydrocodone.

When was hydrocodone homatropine approved by the FDA?

The FDA approved hydrocodone homatropine in July 1985.