Hycodan (Hydrocodone Bitartrate and Homatropine Methylbromide) Drug Overview of Side Effects and Precautions for Patients and Caregivers at RxList

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May 27, 2012

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The common cold is a self-limited contagious illness that can be caused by a number of different types of viruses. The common cold is medically referred to as a viral upper respiratory tract infection. Symptoms of the common cold may include cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, runny nose, and sneezing. More than 200 different types of viruses are known to cause the common cold, with rhinovirus causing approximately 30%-35% of all adult colds. Other commonly implicated viruses include coronavirus, adenovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, and parainfluenza virus. Because so many different viruses can cause a cold and because new cold viruses constantly develop, the body never builds up resistance against all of them. For this reason, colds are a frequent and recurring problem. In fact, children in preschool and elementary school can have six to 12 colds per year while adolescents and adults typically have two...

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Hycodan Consumer (continued)

SIDE EFFECTS: 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, vision changes, vomiting, and constipation may also occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

To prevent constipation, maintain a diet adequate in fiber, drink plenty of water, and exercise. If you become constipated while using this drug, consult your pharmacist for help in selecting a laxative (e.g., stimulant-type with stool softener).

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 immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: severe stomach/abdominal pain, slow/shallow/irregular breathing, difficulty waking up, mental/mood changes (e.g., agitation, confusion), difficult/painful urination.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: 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.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to hydrocodone; or to homatropine; or to other narcotic medications (e.g., codeine); 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: adrenal gland problems (e.g., Addison's disease), abdominal problems (e.g., chronic constipation, gallbladder disease, ileus, pancreatitis), breathing problems (e.g., asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-COPD, hypoxia, emphysema, intoxication with medications that can cause drowsiness or slow/shallow breathing), brain disorders (e.g., head injury, tumor, increased intracranial pressure), severe infectious diarrhea (e.g., Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea), certain eye problem (narrow-angle glaucoma), kidney disease, liver disease, personal/family history of regular drug/alcohol abuse, mental/mood disorders (e.g., psychosis), spinal problem (kyphoscoliosis), recent surgery, underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), difficulty urinating (e.g., enlarged prostate, urethral stricture).

This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy or cause blurred vision. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness or clear vision until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages.

To minimize dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using this medication.

Kidney function declines as you grow older. This medication is removed by the kidneys. Therefore, elderly people may be more sensitive to its effects, especially slow/shallow breathing, drowsiness, and difficulty urinating.

Caution is advised when using this product in children, especially if they have breathing problems.

This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Using this drug for long periods or in high doses near the expected delivery date is not recommended because it may harm the unborn baby. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Infants born to mothers who have been using this medication for a long time may have withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, abnormal/persistent crying, vomiting, or diarrhea. Tell your doctor immediately if you notice any of these symptoms in your newborn.

This drug may pass into breast milk and could have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.