What is Hydromet: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Hydromet overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Tussigon, Hydromet, Hydromet, Tussigon

Generic Names:

  • Hydrocodone-Homatropine

Uses:

  • Treats dry coughs caused by colds, the flu, and certain other lung infections., Treats cough. This medicine contains a narcotic cough suppressant.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antimuscarinic/Antitussive Combination, Antitussive, Opioid Combination, Antimuscarinic/Antitussive Combination

Forms:

  • Liquid, Tablet, Liquid, Tablet, Syrup

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth, By mouth

What is Hydromet used for?

Hydrocodone-Homatropine is a combination medicine used to treat cough. It contains an opioid cough suppressant that works on certain centers in the brain to stop the urge to cough.

What form(s) does Hydromet come in

  • Liquid

  • Tablet

  • Liquid

  • Tablet

  • Syrup

What are common Hydromet doses?

  • Bottle 473ML of 5-1.5MG/5ML

Common Hydromet prescriptions

  • Hydromet
    473ml of 5-1.5mg/5ml bottle

How to take Hydromet

  • Oral liquid: Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup. Rinse the measuring device or dosing spoon after each use.

  • This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • An overdose can be dangerous. Follow directions carefully so you do not get too much medicine at one time.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Drop off any unused narcotic medicine at a drug take-back location right away. If you do not have a drug take-back location near you, flush any unused narcotic medicine down the toilet. Check your local drug store and clinics for take-back locations. You can also check the DEA web site for locations. Here is the link to the FDA safe disposal of medicines website: www.fda.gov/drugs/resourcesforyou/consumers/buyingusingmedicinesafely/ensuringsafeuseofmedicine/safedisposalofmedicines/ucm186187.htm

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Drop off any unused narcotic medicine at a drug take-back location right away. If you do not have a drug take-back location near you, flush any unused narcotic medicine down the toilet. Check your local drug store and clinics for take-back locations. You can also check the DEA web site for locations. Here is the link to the FDA safe disposal of medicines website: www.fda.gov/drugs/resourcesforyou/consumers/buyingusingmedicinesafely/ensuringsafeuseofmedicine/safedisposalofmedicines/ucm186187.htm

  • Oral liquid: Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup. Rinse the measuring device or dosing spoon after each use.

  • This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • An overdose can be dangerous. Follow directions carefully so you do not get too much medicine at one time.

  • 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 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 medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • If you feel that your medicine is not working well, do not use more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor for instructions.

  • 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.

What to do if you miss a dose of Hydromet

  • Oral routeAsk your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

  • Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

Hydromet contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to hydrocodone or homatropine, or if you have severe lung or breathing problems, or stomach or bowel blockage (including paralytic ileus).

  • 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.

Hydromet warnings

  • Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, Addison disease, an enlarged prostate or trouble urinating, glaucoma, heart disease, lung or breathing problems (including asthma), pancreas problems, stomach or bowel problems, or thyroid problems. Tell your doctor if you have a history of head injury, seizures, or drug or alcohol addiction.

  • This medicine can be habit-forming. Do not use more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor if you think your medicine is not working.

  • This medicine could cause infertility. Talk with your doctor before using this medicine if you plan to have children.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:Increased risk of overdose, which can lead to deathRespiratory depression (severe breathing problem)Increased risk of seizuresLow blood pressureAdrenal gland problems

  • This medicine may cause constipation, especially with long-term use. Ask your doctor if you should use a laxative to prevent and treat constipation.

  • Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments. Call your doctor if your cough does not improve or if it gets worse within 5 days.

  • This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

  • 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.

Hydromet interactions

  • Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Some medicines can affect how hydrocodone/homatropine works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:Carbamazepine, digitalis, erythromycin, ketoconazole, phenytoin, rifampin, ritonavirDiuretic (water pill)Medicine to treat anxiety, depression, or mental health problems (including benzodiazepine medicine)

  • Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

  • Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol. Tell your doctor if you are also using butorphanol, nalbuphine, pentazocine, or a muscle relaxer.

  • Do not use this medicine if you are using or have used an MAO inhibitor within the past 14 days.

Hydromet side effects

Serious 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.

  • Extreme dizziness or weakness, shallow breathing, slow heartbeat, seizures, cold, clammy skin

  • Blue lips, fingernails, or skin, trouble breathing

  • Lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting

  • Severe constipation or stomach pain

  • Changes in skin color, dark freckles

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Mild constipation, nausea, or vomiting

  • Drowsiness

  • 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.

  • Anxiety other mood changes that are bothersome to you.

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