Product Description

What is Hydromet syrup?

Hydromet syrup medication is used for the relief of a dry, recurring cough that can be caused by the common flu or other medical conditions. A cough can help you sleep better and rest more easily. Hydrocodone and homatropine are the two medications in this product. Hydrocodone, an opioid cough suppressant (antitussive), works by stopping the urge to cough. Homatropine is a member of the anticholinergics class.

This medication is usually used to treat short-term conditions. It should not be used if you have persistent coughs due to smoking, long-term breathing problems (e.g. asthma, emphysema) or if your doctor has directed you.

Children under 18 years old should not use opioid cough suppressants. Children are more at risk of serious side effects (and even death), especially breathing problems. Discuss the benefits and risks of this medication with your doctor.

USES Hydromet syrup

This medication is used to relieve a dry cough usually caused by the common cold or other conditions as prescribed by your doctor. Relieving a cough helps you get more rest and sleep. This product contains 2 medications, hydrocodone, and homatropine. Hydrocodone is an opioid cough suppressant (antitussive) that works on certain centers in the brain to stop the urge to cough. Homatropine belongs to a class of drugs known as anticholinergics.

This medication is generally used for short-term treatment. It should not be used for persistent coughs from smoking or long-term breathing problems (e.g., asthma, emphysema), or for coughs with a lot of mucus or fluids (productive coughs), unless directed by your doctor.

Opioid cough suppressants should not be used in children younger than 18 years. Children are at higher risk for serious (even fatal) side effects, especially breathing problems. Talk with the doctor about the risks and benefits of this medication.

cough-and-cold products do not cure colds. Cough due to a common cold often does not need to be treated with medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about other ways to relieve cough and cold symptoms, such as drinking enough fluids, using a humidifier, or saline nose drops/spray.

How to use Hydromet

Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking hydrocodone/homatropine and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually every 4 or 6 hours as needed or as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your age, medical condition, and response to therapy. Follow your doctor’s directions closely. The manufacturer recommends that adults should not take more than 6 tablets or 6 teaspoons (30 milliliters) daily.

If you are taking the syrup, carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose.

Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase.

This medication may cause withdrawal reactions, especially if it has been used regularly for a long time or in high doses. In such cases, withdrawal symptoms (such as restlessness, runny nose, watering eyes, trouble sleeping, severe abdominal/muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, rapid breathing, and fast heartbeat) may occur if you suddenly stop using this medication. To prevent withdrawal reactions, your doctor may reduce your dose gradually. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details, and report any withdrawal reactions right away.

Though it helps many people, this medication has a risk for abuse and may sometimes cause addiction. This risk may be higher if you have a substance use disorder (such as overuse of or addiction to drugs/alcohol). Take this medication exactly as prescribed to lower the risk of addiction. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

When taken for a long time, this medication may not work as well and may require different dosing. Tell your doctor if this medication stops working well.

Tell your doctor if your cough does not get better in 5 days.

Side Effects

See also Warning section.

Nausea commonly occurs with the use of hydrocodone and usually goes away after the first few doses. Consult your doctor or pharmacist about ways to decrease nausea (e.g., taking with food, lying down for 1-2 hours with as little head movement as possible).

Lightheadedness, dizziness, drowsiness, vomiting, and constipation may also occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

To prevent constipation, eat dietary fiber, drink enough water, and exercise. You may also need to take a laxative. Ask your pharmacist which type of laxative is right for you.

To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including stomach/abdominal pain, mental/mood changes (such as agitation, confusion, hallucinations), difficult/painful urination.

Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including eye pain/swelling/redness, vision changes (such as seeing rainbows around lights at night, blurred vision), slow/shallow/irregular breathing, severe drowsiness/difficulty waking up, seizure, fainting.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US –

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Precautions

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to hydrocodone; or to homatropine; or to other opioid medications (such as codeine, hydromorphone); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: brain disorders (such as head injury, tumor, seizures), breathing problems (such as asthma, sleep apnea, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease–COPD, intoxication with medications that can cause drowsiness or slow/shallow breathing), gallbladder disease, kidney disease, liver disease, mental/mood disorders (such as confusion, depression, thoughts of suicide, psychosis), personal or family history of a substance use disorder (such as overuse of or addiction to drugs/alcohol), stomach/intestinal problems (such as blockage, constipation, diarrhea due to infection, paralytic ileus), disease of the pancreas (pancreatitis), difficulty urinating (such as due to enlarged prostate), personal or family history of glaucoma (angle-closure type), adrenal gland problems (such as Addison’s disease), recent surgery, underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism).

This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy or blur your vision. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness or clear vision until you can do it safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially confusion, dizziness, drowsiness, and slow/shallow breathing.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant. During pregnancy, this product is not recommended. It may harm an unborn baby. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of this medication. See also Warning section.

This product passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant (such as unusual sleepiness, difficulty feeding, trouble breathing, or unusual limpness). Breast-feeding while using this product is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.