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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)

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Promethazine VC

(promethazine / phenylephrine)

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Summary for Hydromet

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.

Indications for Hydromet

  • Treatment of cough in adults

Pros and Cons for Hydromet

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

Common Side Effects for Hydromet

  • Sleepiness
  • Trouble thinking clearly
  • Trouble walking or performing tasks
  • Lightheadedness
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Dry mouth
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Constipation

Warnings for Hydromet

  • 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

Summary for Phenergan VC

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 for Phenergan VC

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

Pros and Cons for Phenergan VC

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 for Phenergan VC

Warnings for Phenergan VC

  • 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

Price Card Drug Icon
Hydrocodone/Homatropine120 ml / 473ml of 5mg/1.5mg/5ml
$14.69$65.94
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Price Card Drug Icon
Promethazine VC120 ml / 6.25mg/5mg/5ml
$33.72$40.77
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