Hydrocodone + Homatropine Oral

What is hydrocodone + homatropine oral?

Hydrocodone + homatropine oral is a combination antitussive (cough suppressant) medication used to treat coughing in dogs. It contains an opiate narcotic (hydrocodone) and an anticholinergic (homatropine).

It is used off label (extra label) in veterinary medicine. Many drugs are commonly prescribed for off-label use in veterinary medicine. “Off label” means the drug is being used in a way that has not been reviewed or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or Health Canada. In these instances, follow your veterinarian’s directions and cautions carefully, as they may be significantly different from those on the label.

How do I give my pet hydrocodone + homatropine oral?

• Hydrocodone + homatropine oral comes in liquid suspension and tablet forms.
• All forms are given orally (by mouth). 
• Measure the amount of liquid medication to be given very carefully.
• This medication may be given either with food or on an empty stomach. 
• If your animal vomits or acts sick after receiving the drug on an empty stomach, try giving the next dose with a small amount of food or a small treat.
• Give this medication to your pet for the entire time prescribed by your veterinarian, even if it appears that your pet is feeling better.

This medication should take effect within 1 to 2 hours. 

What if I miss giving my pet the medication?

If you miss a dose, give it as soon as you remember, and then wait the recommended time as prescribed by your veterinarian for the next dose. Do not give the pet two doses at once.

Are there any potential side effects from hydrocodone + homatropine oral?

Hydrocodone + homatropine oral may cause the following side effects:

• Mild sedation or sleepiness
• Constipation
• Itchiness
• Reduced appetite, vomiting

The following reactions are rare, but if they occur, contact your veterinarian immediately:

• An allergic reaction such as irregular breathing, rash, fever, puffiness and swelling around the face

Drug sensitivities can develop over time with repeated exposure. Your pet may have no reaction after the first few doses, but may develop a sensitivity later. It is important to watch for signs of an allergic reaction over the entire course of treatment.

Other side effects may occur. If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian immediately. This medication is short-acting, meaning that effects will last less than 24 hours, though effects may last longer in pets with kidney or liver disease.

Are there any risk factors for this medication?

DO NOT USE hydrocodone + homatropine oral in pets who:

• Are allergic to any component of the medication and/or are allergic to similar medications (e.g., other opiates, atropine-like drugs)
• Have diarrhea caused by a toxic substance

USE WITH CAUTION in pets who:

• Have coughing of unknown origin
• Have severe kidney, thyroid, heart, adrenal, and/or liver disease
• Have a head injury
• Are working and need to be alert to perform their job
• Are old, weak, or frail

Are there any drug interactions I should be aware of?

Certain medications should be USED WITH CAUTION when given with hydrocodone + homatropine oral, including: 

• Antidepressants (e.g., fluoxetine, amitriptyline, mirtazapine, trazodone, selegiline)
• Benzodiazepines (e.g., alprazolam, diazepam)
• Clopidogrel
• CNS depressants (e.g., phenobarbital, antihistamines)
• CYP3A inhibitors (e.g., cimetidine, itraconazole) 
• Diuretics (e.g., furosemide)
• Opioids and reversal agents (e.g., buprenorphine, naloxone)
• Other anticholinergics (e.g., atropine)
• Prokinetics (e.g., cisapride, metoclopramide)
• Rifampin
• Skeletal muscle relaxants (e.g., dantrolene, methocarbamol)

Be sure to tell your veterinarian about any medications (including vitamins, supplements, or herbal therapies) that your pet is taking before starting any new treatment.

Is any monitoring needed with this medication?

• Your veterinarian may schedule follow-up visits for monitoring. In this case, follow your veterinarian’s directions.
• At home, monitor for any abnormal changes. If any occur, discontinue the medication and contact your veterinarian.

How do I store hydrocodone + homatropine oral?

• Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container, protected from light.
• Follow storage and expiration recommendations for specially compounded formulas.
• Keep medication out of reach of children and pets.

What should I do in case of emergency?

If you suspect an overdose or an adverse reaction to the medication, call your veterinary office immediately. If they are not available, follow their directions in contacting an emergency facility. Adverse effects should be reported to the FDA or Health Canada.