Hydrocodone Bitartrate and Homatropine Methylbromide Syrup

Hydrocodone bitartrate and homatropine methylbromide produces dose-related respiratory depression by directly acting on brain stem respiratory centers. If respiratory depression occurs, it may be antagonized by the use of naloxone hydrochloride and other supportive measures when indicated.

The respiratory depression properties of narcotics and their capacity to elevate cerebrospinal fluid pressure may be markedly exaggerated in the presence of head injury, other intracranial lesions or a pre-existing increase in intracranial pressure. Furthermore, narcotics produce adverse reactions which may obscure the clinical course of patients with head injuries.

The administration of hydrocodone bitartrate and homatropine methylbromide or other narcotics may obscure the diagnosis or clinical course of patients with acute abdominal conditions.

In young pediatric patients, as well as adults, the respiratory center is sensitive to the depressant action of narcotic cough suppressants in a dose-dependent manner. Benefit to risk ratio should be carefully considered especially in the pediatric population with respiratory embarrassment (e.g., croup).

Before prescribing medication to suppress or modify cough, it is important to ascertain that the underlying cause of cough is identified, that modification of cough does not increase the risk of clinical or physiological complications, and that appropriate therapy for the primary disease is provided.

Hydrocodone bitartrate and homatropine methylbromide should be given with caution to certain patients such as the elderly or debilitated, and those with severe impairment of hepatic or renal functions, hypothyroidism, Addison’s disease, prostatic hypertrophy or urethral stricture, asthma, and narrow-angle glaucoma.

Hydrocodone may impair the mental and/or physical abilities required for the performance of potentially hazardous tasks such as driving a car or operating machinery. The patient using hydrocodone bitartrate and homatropine methylbromide should be cautioned accordingly.

Patients receiving narcotics, antihistamines, antipsychotics, antianxiety agents or other CNS depressants (including alcohol) concomitantly with hydrocodone bitartrate and homatropine methylbromide may exhibit an additive CNS depression. When combined therapy is contemplated, the dose of one or both agents should be reduced. The use of MAO inhibitors or tricyclic antidepressants with hydrocodone preparations may increase the effect of either the antidepressant or hydrocodone.

Studies of hydrocodone bitartrate and homatropine methylbromide in animals to evaluate the carcinogenic and mutagenic potential and the effect on fertility have not been conducted.

As with all narcotics, administration of hydrocodone bitartrate and homatropine methylbromide to the mother shortly before delivery may result in some degree of respiratory depression in the newborn, especially if higher doses are used.

It is not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk and because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from hydrocodone bitartrate and homatropine methylbromide, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

Safety and effectiveness of hydrocodone bitartrate and homatropine methylbromide in pediatric patients under six have not been established.

Sedation, drowsiness, mental clouding, lethargy, impairment of mental and physical performance, anxiety, fear, dysphoria, dizziness, psychic dependence, mood changes.

Nausea and vomiting may occur; they are more frequent in ambulatory than in recumbent patients. Prolonged administration of hydrocodone bitartrate and homatropine methylbromide may produce constipation.

Ureteral spasm, spasm of vesicle sphincters and urinary retention have been reported with opiates.

Hydrocodone bitartrate and homatropine methylbromide may produce dose-related respiratory depression by acting directly on brain stem respiratory centers (see OVERDOSAGE).

Skin rash, pruritus.

Serious overdosage with hydrocodone is characterized by respiratory depression (a decrease in respiratory rate and/or tidal volume, Cheyne-Stokes respiration, cyanosis), extreme somnolence progressing to stupor or coma, skeletal muscle flaccidity, cold and clammy skin, and sometimes bradycardia and hypotension. In severe overdosage, apnea, circulatory collapse, cardiac arrest and death may occur. The ingestion of very large amounts of hydrocodone bitartrate and homatropine methylbromide may, in addition, result in acute homatropine intoxication.

Primary attention should be given to the reestablishment of adequate respiratory exchange through provision of a patent airway and the institution of assisted or controlled ventilation. The narcotic antagonist naloxone hydrochloride is a specific antidote for respiratory depression which may result from overdosage or unusual sensitivity to narcotics including hydrocodone. Therefore, an appropriate dose of naloxone hydrochloride should be administered, preferably by the intravenous route, simultaneously with efforts at respiratory resuscitation. For further information, see full prescribing information for naloxone hydrochloride. An antagonist should not be administered in the absence of clinically significant respiratory depression. Oxygen, intravenous fluids, vasopressors and other supportive measures should be employed as indicated. Gastric emptying may be useful in removing unabsorbed drug.

One (1) teaspoonful (5 mL) of the syrup every 4 to 6 hours as needed; do not exceed six (6) teaspoonfuls in 24 hours.

One-half (1/2) teaspoonful (2.5 mL) of the syrup every 4 to 6 hours as needed; do not exceed three (3) teaspoonfuls in 24 hours.