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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/chlorpheniramine

 

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Hycodan

(hydrocodone / homatropine)

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Summary for Tussionex

Prescription only

Hydrocodone/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.

Indications for Tussionex

  • Short-term relief of symptoms from allergies or the common cold (e.g., cough, runny nose, and sneezing) in people ages 18 years and older

Pros and Cons for Tussionex

Pros

  • 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 it

Cons

Common Side Effects for Tussionex

  • Sleepiness
  • Trouble thinking clearly or focusing
  • Low energy
  • Lightheadedness
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Constipation
  • Dry mouth

Warnings for Tussionex

  • 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
  • Seizures

Summary for Hycodan

Prescription only

Hycodan 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 for Hycodan

  • Treatment of cough in adults

Pros and Cons for Hycodan

Pros

  • Available as a tablet and as a liquid
  • Can be used as needed for cough
  • Available as a lower-cost generic

Cons

  • 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 cough

Common Side Effects for Hycodan

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

Warnings for Hycodan

  • 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

Prices with our coupons for Tussionex vs. Hycodan

Price Card Drug Icon
Hydrocodone/Chlorpheniramine473 ml / 5mg/4mg/5ml
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Price Card Drug Icon
Hydrocodone/Homatropine30 tablets / 5mg/1.5mg
$17.44$63.25
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Tussionex vs. Hycodan

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