Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum:

Actions:

• hydrocodone: hydrocodone is a semi-synthetic opioid analgesic and antitussive. It acts as a mu-opioid receptor agonist, binding to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord. By activating these receptors, hydrocodone inhibits the transmission of pain signals and suppresses the cough reflex, leading to pain relief and cough suppression.
• homatropine: homatropine is an anticholinergic medication added to hydrocodone in order to discourage the misuse and abuse of the medication. homatropine acts by blocking the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that plays a role in regulating the cough reflex. By inhibiting the cough reflex, homatropine helps to further suppress coughing.

Spectrum:

• hydrocodone/homatropine is primarily used for the temporary relief of cough associated with respiratory conditions, such as the common cold, bronchitis, and other respiratory infections. It is intended for short-term use to alleviate cough symptoms and is typically not used for chronic cough.
• The combination of hydrocodone and homatropine helps to provide symptomatic relief by suppressing the cough reflex and reducing coughing frequency. The antitussive effects of hydrocodone help to relieve coughing, while the addition of homatropine helps to discourage the misuse and abuse of hydrocodone due to the unpleasant side effects it can cause when taken in large amounts.

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Adverse drug reactions:   

Frequency not Defined  

Angina   

arrhythmias   

cardiac arrest   

myocardial infarction   

QT-interval prolongation    

ventricular tachycardia  

Eczematoid dermatitis  

Increased IOP  

Follicular conjunctivitis  

Edema  

Vascular congestion  

Exudate  

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning:

none

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication / Caution:

Contraindications:

• Hypersensitivity: The use of hydrocodone/homatropine is contraindicated in individuals who have a known hypersensitivity or allergy to hydrocodone, homatropine, or any of the other components of the medication.
• Respiratory Depression: hydrocodone is an opioid that can depress respiratory function. The use of hydrocodone/homatropine is contraindicated in individuals with severe respiratory depression, acute or severe bronchial asthma, and respiratory insufficiency.
• Paralytic Ileus: Paralytic ileus is a condition characterized by the inability of the intestinal muscles to contract and move the contents through the digestive system. Hydrocodone/homatropine is contraindicated in individuals with paralytic ileus.
• Glaucoma: homatropine, an anticholinergic agent present in hydrocodone/homatropine, can increase intraocular pressure. The use of hydrocodone/homatropine is contraindicated in individuals with narrow-angle glaucoma.

Caution:

• Respiratory Disorders: hydrocodone/homatropine should be used with caution in individuals with respiratory disorders, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma. Opioids can further impair respiratory function and may require dose adjustment or monitoring in such cases.
• Liver or Kidney Impairment: hydrocodone/homatropine should be used with caution in individuals with liver or kidney impairment. The medication may have an extended half-life or increased systemic exposure in these individuals, requiring dose adjustment or monitoring for adverse effects.
• Drug Interactions: hydrocodone/homatropine may interact with other medications, such as benzodiazepines, sedatives, or other opioids, leading to additive effects or increased risk of side effects. Caution should be exercised and appropriate dose adjustments or monitoring should be implemented when co-administering these medications.
• Substance Use Disorder: hydrocodone is an opioid with the potential for abuse and dependence.

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy warnings:     

Pregnancy category: N/A 

Breastfeeding warnings:  

The release of the drug into the human breastmilk is unknown 

Pregnancy Categories:      

Category A: Satisfactory and well-controlled studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester.      

Category B: No evidence shown of risk to the fetus found in animal reproduction studies, and there are not enough studies on pregnant women      

Category C: Adverse effects on the fetus found with evidence in animal reproduction studies and no adequate evidence for a result in humans must take care of potential risks in pregnant women      

Category D: There is adequate data available with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits      

Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.      

Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category  

Pharmacology

Adminstartion

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient Information Leaflet  

Generic Name: hydrocodone/homatropine  

Why do we use hydrocodone/homatropine? 

hydrocodone/homatropine is a combination medication used for the symptomatic relief of cough. Here are the main reasons why hydrocodone/homatropine is used:

• Cough Suppression: hydrocodone, an opioid analgesic, acts as a cough suppressant by acting on the cough center in the brain, reducing the urge to cough. It can help relieve dry, non-productive cough associated with various respiratory conditions.
• Symptomatic Relief: hydrocodone/homatropine is primarily used to provide temporary relief from coughing that can be distressing or disruptive to sleep and daily activities. By suppressing coughing, it can help individuals feel more comfortable and alleviate associated symptoms, such as throat irritation or soreness.
• Anticholinergic Effects: homatropine, an anticholinergic agent present in hydrocodone/homatropine, is included in the combination to discourage misuse of the medication. It has minimal anticholinergic effects at therapeutic doses but can cause adverse effects if taken in excessive amounts.