Compare Tussionex vs. Hycodan
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Hydrocodone/chlorpheniramine (Tussionex) and hydrocodone/homatropine (Hycodan) are both prescription medications used to treat cough, but they have some key differences. Hydrocodone/chlorpheniramine combines an opioid with an antihistamine, making it effective for relieving cough and allergy symptoms like runny nose and sneezing. In contrast, hydrocodone/homatropine combines an opioid with an anticholinergic, which helps reduce the urge to cough and discourages overuse of the medication. Tussionex is only available as a liquid suspension taken every 12 hours, while Hycodan is available as both a tablet and a liquid solution taken every 6 hours. Both medications can cause side effects like sleepiness, dizziness, and constipation, but Tussionex also has a higher risk of causing trouble thinking clearly. Both medications are controlled substances with a risk of addiction and misuse, and neither is recommended for children under 6 years old.
- Hydrocodone/chlorpheniramineHycodan (hydrocodone / homatropine)
- Hydrocodone/chlorpheniramineHycodan (hydrocodone / homatropine)
Summary of Tussionex vs. Hycodan
Summary for Opioid / AntihistaminePrescription onlyHydrocodone/chlorpheniramine is a combination medication containing an opioid and an antihistamine. It's a prescription cough syrup for adults to temporarily relieve cough and other respiratory symptoms related to allergies or the common cold, like runny nose and sneezing. Hydrocodone/chlorpheniramine is commonly known by its brand name Tussionex, but it's currently only available as a lower-cost generic. Hydrocodone/chlorpheniramine is only available as a liquid suspension that's taken by mouth every 12 hours as needed. Common side effects include sleepiness, lightheadedness, and trouble thinking clearly.
Summary for Opioid / AnticholinergicPrescription onlyHycodan is a combination medication that contains hydrocodone (an opioid) and homatropine (an anticholinergic). It's used to help lower the urge to cough in adults. But Hycodan (hydrocodone / homatropine) isn't a first-choice cough medicine because it's a controlled substance and can cause serious side effects, such as trouble breathing. Hycodan (hydrocodone / homatropine) is taken by mouth, typically every 6 hours, as needed. Common side effects include sleepiness, dizziness, and constipation. This medication is available as a generic tablet and an oral solution.
Indications of Tussionex vs. Hycodan
Indications for•Short-term relief of symptoms from allergies or the common cold (e.g., cough, runny nose, and sneezing) in people ages 18 years and olderIndications for•Treatment of cough in adultsPros and Cons of Tussionex vs. Hycodan
Pros and Const for Opioid / AntihistaminePros•An option for people who don't want to take tablets•Fruit-flavored•Available as a lower-cost generic•More convenient to take a combination product that has two medications in itCons•Only meant for short-term relief•Has a lot of potential risks and side effects•Not safe for children•Not the best choice while pregnant or breastfeedingPros and Const for Opioid / AnticholinergicPros•Available as a tablet and as a liquid•Can be used as needed for cough•Available as a lower-cost genericCons•Hasn't been studied in children•Can be habit-forming•Only provides relief for the cough, but doesn't help the actual cause of the coughCommon Side Effects of Tussionex vs. Hycodan
Common Side Effects for•Sleepiness•Trouble thinking clearly or focusing•Low energy•Lightheadedness•Dizziness•Headache•Nausea•Vomiting•Constipation•Dry mouthCommon Side Effects for•Sleepiness•Trouble thinking clearly•Trouble walking or performing tasks•Lightheadedness•Dizziness•Headache•Dry mouth•Nausea•Vomiting•ConstipationWarnings of Tussionex vs. Hycodan
Common Side Effects for•Potential for addiction and misuse•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•SeizuresCommon 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 conditionsPrices with our coupons for Tussionex vs. Hycodan
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