HYDROCODONE 325MG (WATSON BRAND) COMES IN LOOSE

This medication is used to relieve a dry cough usually caused by the common cold or other conditions as prescribed by your doctor. Relieving a cough helps you get more rest and sleep. This product contains 2 medications, hydrocodone and homatropine. Hydrocodone is an opioid cough suppressant (antitussive) that works on certain centers in the brain to stop the urge to cough. Homatropine belongs to a class of drugs known as anticholinergics.

This medication is generally used for short-term treatment. It should not be used for persistent coughs from smoking or long-term breathing problems (e.g., asthma, emphysema), or for coughs with a lot of mucus or fluids (productive coughs), unless directed by your doctor.

Opioid cough suppressants should not be used in children younger than 18 years. Children are at higher risk for serious (even fatal) side effects, especially breathing problems. Talk with the doctor about the risks and benefits of this medication.

Cough-and-cold products do not cure colds. Cough due to a common cold often does not need to be treated with medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about other ways to relieve cough and cold symptoms, such as drinking enough fluids, using a humidifier, or saline nose drops/spray.

Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking hydrocodone/homatropine and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually every 4 or 6 hours as needed or as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your age, medical condition, and response to therapy. Follow your doctor's directions closely. The manufacturer recommends that adults should not take more than 6 tablets or 6 teaspoons (30 milliliters) daily.

If you are taking the syrup, carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose.

Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase.

If you suddenly stop using this medication, you may have withdrawal symptoms (such as restlessness, watering eyes, runny nose, nausea, sweating, muscle aches). To help prevent withdrawal, your doctor may lower your dose slowly. Withdrawal is more likely if you have used this medication for a long time or in high doses. Tell your doctor or pharmacist right away if you have withdrawal.

Though it helps many people, this medication has a risk for abuse and may sometimes cause addiction. This risk may be higher if you have a substance use disorder (such as overuse of or addiction to drugs/alcohol). Take this medication exactly as prescribed to lower the risk of addiction. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

When taken for a long time, this medication may not work as well and may require different dosing. Tell your doctor if this medication stops working well.

See also Warning section.

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

To prevent constipation, eat dietary fiber, drink enough water, and exercise. You may also need to take a laxative. Ask your pharmacist which type of laxative is right for you.

To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.

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 right away if you have any serious side effects, including: interrupted breathing during sleep (sleep apnea), stomach/abdominal pain, mental/mood changes (such as agitation, confusion, hallucinations), difficult/painful urination.

Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: eye pain/swelling/redness, vision changes (such as seeing rainbows around lights at night, blurred vision), slow/shallow/irregular breathing, severe drowsiness/difficulty waking up, seizure, fainting.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.