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Compare Hydromet vs. Cheratussin AC

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Hydromet (hydrocodone/homatropine) and Guaifenesin AC (codeine/guaifenesin) are both prescription medications used to treat cough, but they have some key differences. Hydromet combines an opioid (hydrocodone) with an anticholinergic (homatropine) and is typically taken every 6 hours as needed. It works by reducing the urge to cough and is available as a generic. However, it can cause serious side effects like trouble breathing and is habit-forming. On the other hand, Guaifenesin AC combines an opioid (codeine) with an expectorant (guaifenesin) and is taken every 4 hours as needed. It helps loosen mucus and calm coughs, but it is also habit-forming and not recommended for long-term use. Guaifenesin AC is a Schedule V controlled substance, which is less restrictive than Hydromet's Schedule II classification. Both medications can cause drowsiness and should be used with caution, especially when combined with other substances like alcohol.

  • Hydromet (hydrocodone / homatropine)
    Codeine/guaifenesin
  • Hydromet (hydrocodone / homatropine)
    Codeine/guaifenesin

  • Summary of Hydromet vs. Cheratussin AC

    Summary for Opioid / Anticholinergic
    Prescription only

    Hydromet is a combination medication that contains hydrocodone (an opioid) and homatropine (an anticholinergic). It helps ease cough in adults by lowering the urge to cough. But Hydromet (hydrocodone / homatropine) isn't a first-choice option for this condition because it's a controlled substance and can cause serious side effects, such as trouble breathing. Hydromet (hydrocodone / homatropine) is taken by mouth, typically every 6 hours as needed. Some common side effects of this medication include sleepiness, trouble thinking clearly, and constipation. Hydromet (hydrocodone / homatropine) is available as a generic medication.

    Summary for Opioid / Expectorant
    Prescription only

    Codeine/guaifenesin is a cough syrup that contains an expectorant and an opioid. It's used to help loosen mucus and calm coughs in adults and older children. Codeine/guaifenesin is taken by mouth, typically every 4 hours as needed. But it's meant for short-term use only because it contains codeine, which is a controlled substance and can be habit-forming. Some side effects of codeine/guaifenesin include sleepiness and nausea. Brand name Cheratussin AC has been discontinued.

  • Indications of Hydromet vs. Cheratussin AC

    Indications for
    •Treatment of cough in adults
    Indications for
    •Temporarily easily cough from throat or lung irritations
    •Loosens mucus so that its easier to cough up

  • Pros and Cons of Hydromet vs. Cheratussin AC

    Pros and Const for Opioid / Anticholinergic
    Pros
    •Liquid medication, so good option for people who've trouble swallowing tablets
    •Can be taken as needed for cough
    Cons
    •Can be habit-forming
    •Can cause slowed or abnormal breathing, which can be dangerous
    •Only provides relief for the cough, but doesn't help the actual cause of the cough
    Pros and Const for Opioid / Expectorant
    Pros
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    •Helps you cough less often
    •A possible option for people who can't swallow pills
    Cons
    •Not for long-term use because can be habit-forming
    •Not for children under 12 years old
    •Can cause dizziness and drowsiness

  • Common Side Effects of Hydromet vs. Cheratussin AC

    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness
    •Trouble thinking clearly
    •Trouble walking or performing tasks
    •Lightheadedness
    •Dizziness
    •Headache
    •Dry mouth
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Constipation
    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness (40%)
    •Nausea (37%)

  • Warnings of Hydromet vs. Cheratussin AC

    Common Side Effects for
    •Potential for misuse and addiction
    •Dangerously slow breathing (respiratory depression)
    •Difficulty concentrating and extreme sleepiness
    •Risk for overdose
    •Drug interactions
    •Harm to newborn babies
    •Low blood pressure
    •Low adrenal hormone levels
    •Seizures
    •Caution in people with gut-related conditions
    Common Side Effects for
    •Potential for addiction and misuse
    •Short-term use only
    •Not for children under 12 years old
    •Dangerous interactions

  • Prices with our coupons for Hydromet vs. Cheratussin AC

    Learn more about Hydromet
    Learn more about Codeine/guaifenesin

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