Drugs >  Hydrocodone and Pseudoephedrine
Hydrocodone and Pseudoephedrine
Pronunciation
Brand Names
Therapeutic Categories
What is this medicine used for?
How does it work?
How is it best taken?
What do I do if I miss a dose?
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
What are the common side effects of this medicine?
What should I monitor?
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
How should I store this medicine?
General statements

Pronunciation
(hye droe KOE done & soo doe e FED rin)

Brand Names
Detussin® Liquid; Histussin D® Liquid; Tyrodone® Liquid

Therapeutic Categories
Cough and Cold Combination

What is this medicine used for?

  • This medicine is used to stop coughing. It also helps clear a stuffy nose.


How does it work?

  • Hydrocodone binds to brain receptors, to stop coughing.
  • Pseudoephedrine dries up the runny nose.


How is it best taken?

  • Take with or without food. Take with food if this medicine causes an upset stomach.
  • Make sure you are drinking enough liquids unless told to drink less by healthcare provider. Avoid products with caffeine.
  • Do not suddenly stop using this medicine if you have been taking it for a long time. Medicine should be slowly decreased.


What do I do if I miss a dose?

  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to your regular schedule.
  • Since this medicine is frequently taken on an as needed basis, do not take more frequently than every 4-6 hours or as prescribed by healthcare provider.


What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

  • This medicine may be habit-forming with long-term use.
  • If you are 65 or older, you may have more side effects. You could feel sleepy and shaky.
  • You may not be alert. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or activities that require you to be alert until you see how this medicine affects you.
  • Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor) and other medicines and herbs that slow your actions and reactions. This includes sedatives, tranquilizers, mood stabilizers, or pain medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.
  • If you are taking quinidine talk with healthcare provider. Hydrocodone may not work well.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you have lung disease. You may be sensitive to this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine, especially pain medicines. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.


What are the common side effects of this medicine?

  • Feeling sleepy, lightheaded, or dizzy. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or activities that require you to be alert until you see how this medicine affects you.
  • Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard candy, or chewing gum may help.
  • Constipation. More liquids, regular exercise, or a fiber-containing diet may help. Talk to healthcare provider about a stool softener or laxative.


What should I monitor?

  • Watch for change in symptoms. Is condition better, worse, or about the same?
  • If no bowel movements in 3 days, call healthcare provider.


Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Too tired or sleepy.
  • Changes in thinking clearly and logically.
  • Passing out, fainting, dizziness, or lightheadedness.
  • Difficulty breathing.
  • Severe nausea or vomiting.
  • Any rash.


How should I store this medicine?

  • Store in a tight, light-resistant container at room temperature.


General statements

  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).


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