Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Hydromet vs. Phenergan VC

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

Key takeaways

Hydromet (hydrocodone/homatropine) and Promethazine VC (promethazine/phenylephrine) are both used to treat cough, but they have some key differences. Hydromet is a combination of an opioid (hydrocodone) and an anticholinergic (homatropine), making it a controlled substance with a high risk of addiction and serious side effects like trouble breathing. It is typically taken every 6 hours as needed and is available as a generic medication. On the other hand, Promethazine VC combines a phenothiazine (promethazine) and an alpha-1 adrenergic receptor agonist (phenylephrine). It is not a controlled substance and is used to relieve symptoms of the common cold, such as congestion and cough. Promethazine VC can make you very sleepy and is not recommended for children under 2 years old or people with certain heart or breathing problems. It is also available as a lower-cost generic medication. While both medications can cause sleepiness and should be taken with caution, Hydromet carries a higher risk of dependence and more severe side effects.

  • Hydromet (hydrocodone / homatropine)
    Promethazine vc (promethazine / phenylephrine)
  • Hydromet (hydrocodone / homatropine)
    Promethazine vc (promethazine / phenylephrine)

  • Summary of Hydromet vs. Phenergan VC

    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 Phenothiazine / Alpha-1 adrenergic receptor agonist
    Prescription only

    Promethazine VC is a combination medication containing two active ingredients: promethazine (a phenothiazine that acts like an antihistamine) and phenylephrine (a decongestant). It's used to treat symptoms of allergies and the common cold, such as a stuffy nose, in adults and children. Promethazine VC (promethazine / phenylephrine) comes as a syrup that's taken by mouth every 4 to 6 hours. It's available by prescription only and comes as generics. Side effects include sleepiness, dizziness, and dry mouth.

  • Indications of Hydromet vs. Phenergan VC

    Indications for
    •Treatment of cough in adults
    Indications for
    •Temporary relief of upper respiratory symptoms, like congestion, runny nose, or cough, that occur due to allergies or the common cold

  • Pros and Cons of Hydromet vs. Phenergan VC

    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 Phenothiazine / Alpha-1 adrenergic receptor agonist
    Pros
    •Combination medication that works well as a short-term treatment option for allergies and the common cold
    •Comes as a liquid, good option for people who can't swallow pills
    •Available as a lower-cost, generic medication
    Cons
    •Can make you feel very sleepy or tired
    •Not the best choice for people with heart conditions
    •Contains 7% alcohol

  • Common Side Effects of Hydromet vs. Phenergan VC

    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
    •Dizziness

  • Warnings of Hydromet vs. Phenergan VC

    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
    •Life-threatening slowed breathing
    •Caution in children
    •Difficulty concentrating and extreme sleepiness
    •Seizures
    •Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)
    •Difficulty controlling body movements
    •Lower white blood cell counts
    •High heart rate and blood pressure
    •Worsening of certain medical conditions

  • Prices with our coupons for Hydromet vs. Phenergan VC

    Learn more about Hydromet
    Learn more about Promethazine vc

Compare other Cough and Nasal Congestion drugs

Hydromet vs BenzonatateHydromet vs Codeine GuaifenesinHydromet vs Promethazine VcBenzonatate vs CodeineBenzonatate vs DextromethorphanBenzonatate vs GuaifenesinBenzonatate vs MucinexBenzonatate vs PromethazineBenzonatate vs RobitussinCapmist Dm vs Mucinex DmDextromethorphan vs GuaifenesinDiphenhydramine vs DextromethorphanFlonase vs MucinexMucinex D vs Mucinex DmMucinex Dm vs BenadrylMucinex Dm vs Codeine GuaifenesinMucinex Dm vs DayquilMucinex Dm vs Dayquil Cold And FluMucinex Dm vs DelsymMucinex vs DayquilMucinex vs DelsymMucinex vs Mucinex DMucinex vs Mucinex DmMucinex vs Nyquil Cold And FluMucinex vs RobitussinMucinex vs Robitussin AcPromethazine vs NyquilPromethazine vs Promethazine DmRobitussin Multi Symptom Cold Cf vs MucinexUnisom vs Mucinex
View More

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.