Antimuscarinic/antitussive combination (By mouth)

Introduction:

Treats dry coughs caused by colds, the flu, and certain other lung infections.

Brand Name(s):

Hydromet, Hycodan, Tussigon

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not take this medicine if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about the ingredients in the medicine you are using. Do not give any over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medicine to a baby or child under 4 years old. Using these medicines in very young children might cause serious or possibly life-threatening side effects.

How to Use This Medicine:

Liquid, Tablet

  • If you feel that your medicine is not working well, do not use more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor for instructions.
  • Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
  • Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup. You might need to shake the liquid before using it.

If a dose is missed:

  • If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze. Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.
  • Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

  • Tell your doctor if you are using any medicines that make you sleepy. These include sleeping pills, cold and allergy medicine, narcotic pain relievers, and sedatives.
  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using an MAO inhibitor (MAOI) such as Eldepryl®, Marplan®, Nardil®, or Parnate®. Tell your doctor if you are taking medicine for depression, such as amitriptyline, nortriptyline, or doxepin. There may be other drugs that can interact with this type of medicine. Make sure your doctor knows about all other medicines you are using.
  • Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding, or if you have glaucoma, diabetes, thyroid problems, high blood pressure, or heart disease. Tell your doctor if you have a history of allergies, kidney problems, liver problems, Addison's disease, seizures, asthma, or serious lung disease such as emphysema (COPD). Make sure your doctor knows if you have prostate problems, or a narrowing or blockage of your digestive tract or urinary tract. Tell your doctor if you have a brain tumor, recent head injury, or a medical condition that causes increased pressure in your head (such as hydrocephalus). Make sure your doctor knows if you have had any abdominal (belly) pain recently, or if you start having it while you are taking this medicine.
  • Make sure your doctor knows if you have had an allergic reaction to hydrocodone (Lortab®, Vicodin®), homatropine, or to any pain medicine or cough medicine.
  • Some antimuscarinic/antitussive combinations may contain medicine that can be habit-forming.
  • If you feel that your medicine is not working well, do not use more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor for instructions.
  • This medicine may make you drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
  • Confusion, hallucinations (seeing things that are not there), or fainting.
  • Trouble urinating, or feeling like you have a full bladder even after you urinate.
  • Slow or shallow breathing.
  • Severe tiredness or weakness.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

  • Anxiety other mood changes that are bothersome to you.
  • Lightheadedness or dizziness that does not go away after you lie down.
  • Cough that lasts more than one week, that comes back often, or that happens with a fever, rash, or headache.
  • Nausea that does not go away after you lie down, vomiting, or constipation.
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