Hydrocodone/Pseudoephedrine (By mouth)
hye-droe-KOE-done bye-TAR-trate, soo-doe-e-FED-rin hye-droe-KLOR-ide
Treats cough and stuffy nose. This medicine contains a narcotic.
Drug classes
Antitussive, Opioid/Decongestant Combination (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Hydrocodone and pseudoephedrine combination is used in adults 18 years of age and older to relieve cough and nasal congestion (stuffy nose) caused by the common cold.
Hydrocodone is a narcotic antitussive (cough suppressant). It acts directly on the cough center in the brain to relieve cough. Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant, which decreases nasal congestion by narrowing the blood vessels and reducing blood flow to the nasal passage.
When hydrocodone is used for a long time, it may become habit-forming, causing mental or physical dependence. However, people who have continuing cough and nasal congestion should not let the fear of dependence keep them from using narcotics to relieve their cough. Mental dependence (addiction) is not likely to occur when narcotics are used for this purpose. Physical dependence may lead to withdrawal side effects if treatment is stopped suddenly. However, severe withdrawal side effects can usually be prevented by gradually reducing the dose over a period of time before treatment is stopped completely.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Liquid
Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
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.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Some foods and drugs can affect how hydrocodone with pseudoephedrine works. Tell your doctor if you are also using a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA).
Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol.
Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine. Do not take any medicine with alcohol in it.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to hydrocodone or pseudoephedrine, or if you have narrow-angle glaucoma. Do not use this medicine if you have used an MAO inhibitor (MAOI) within the last 14 days.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have trouble urinating, high blood pressure, or heart disease. Also tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, Addison disease or other thyroid disorder, asthma, diabetes, digestion problems, enlarged prostate, head injury, or history of drug abuse.
This medicine may cause severe breathing problems.
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.
Too much of this medicine can cause death. Symptoms of an overdose include extreme dizziness or weakness, trouble breathing, slow heartbeat, seizure, and cold, clammy skin.
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 may cause constipation, especially with long-term use. Ask your doctor if you should use a laxative to prevent and treat constipation.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
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
Extreme weakness, shallow breathing, slow heartbeat, sweating, cold, clammy skin
Fast, slow, or uneven heartbeat
Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
Severe constipation or stomach pain
Trouble breathing
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Anxiety or trouble sleeping
Mild tiredness or sleepiness
Mood changes
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Pancof HC, Rezira
There may be other brand names for this medicine.
