Skip to main content
Hydrocodone/Homatropine Coupon - Hydrocodone/Homatropine 473ml of 5mg/1.5mg/5ml ml of syrup

hydrocodone / homatropine

Generic Hydromet
Used for Cough

Hydromet is a prescription cough medication that some veterinarians prescribe off-label to help dogs with their cough. It’s also known by another brand name called Hycodan. This medication combines hydrocodone (an opioid) and homatropine (an anticholinergic). It comes as a syrup or tablet and is given by mouth. The dosage for dogs depends on their weight and is usually given every 6 to 12 hours. Hydromet is a controlled substance, meaning it has a high risk of misuse and is tightly regulated.

Reviewed by:
reviewerElizabeth Carman, PharmD, FSVHP
reviewerDaisy Chau, PharmD
Last reviewed on June 13, 2025
Paws

For pets

Hydromet can be prescribed or used off-label by a licensed veterinarian for pets. Medications prescribed for pets aren't intended for human use.

Explore pet medicationsView information for human use
basics-icon

What is Hydromet for pets?

What is Hydromet for pets used for?

How Hydromet for pets works

Hydromet is a combination of two medications:

  • Hydrocodone is an opioid that works by calming the part of your dog’s brain that causes coughing.
  • Homatropine is an anticholinergic that’s added to help prevent misuse by people and make sure the medication is used safely.

Drug facts

Common BrandsHydromet
Drug ClassOpioid / Anticholinergic
Controlled Substance ClassificationSchedule II
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
warnings-icon

Risks and warnings for Hydromet for pets

Hydromet can cause some serious health issues. This risk might be even higher for certain pets. If this worries you, talk to your veterinarian about other options.

Risk for withdrawal if suddenly stopped

  • Risk factors: Taking Hydromet for a long time

Check with your veterinarian about how long your dog should take Hydromet. Dogs that take this medication for a long time can become dependent on it. If you stop giving it suddenly, your dog might have withdrawal symptoms such behavioral changes, shaking, diarrhea, or trouble moving. Your vet can help you safely stop Hydromet to lower the risk of these problems.

Dangerously slow breathing

  • Risk factors: Older age | Lung problems | Taking Hydromet with other medications that slow breathing | High doses of Hydromet

Hydromet can slow down your dog’s breathing, which can be life threatening. The risk is higher in older dogs, dogs with lung problems, dogs taking other medications that slow breathing (like opioids or benzodiazepines), or when taking high doses. If you notice your dog’s breathing has slowed, contact a veterinarian right away or call a pet poison helpline.

Risk for overdose

  • Risk factors: High doses of Hydromet

Don’t give your dog more Hydromet than your veterinarian has prescribed. Too much hydrocodone from the medication can cause an overdose, which might lead to death. Signs of overdose include trouble breathing, extreme sleepiness, weakness, balance problems, trouble standing, or a blank stare. Contact a veterinarian or pet poison helpline right away if you think your dog has had too much of this medication.

Risk for constipation

  • Risk factors: Taking Hydromet for a long time | Diarrhea caused by a harmful substance

Hydromet can slow down your dog’s gut, which can lead to constipation. The risk is higher if your dog takes the medication for a long time. It’s also important not to give this medication to your dog if they have diarrhea caused by something harmful, like chocolate. That’s because this medication can keep the toxin in their body longer and cause more serious problems. Make sure your dog drinks plenty of fresh water and eats regularly to help prevent constipation. Talk to your vet if the constipation doesn’t go away or gets worse.

side-effects-icon

Side effects of Hydromet for pets

The following side effects might get better over time as your pet gets used to the medication. Let your veterinarian know immediately if your pet continues to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

Less Common Side Effects

  • Constipation
  • Itching
  • Reduced appetite
  • Vomiting

Hydromet serious side effects

Contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet experiences any of the following.

  • Dangerously slow breathing: trouble breathing, labored breathing
  • Overdose (giving too much to your pet): difficulty breathing, excessive sleepiness, balance problems, difficulty standing, blank stare, weakness

The following Hydromet side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common

Bladder pain

bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet

bloody or cloudy urine

body aches or pain

chills

cough

depression

difficult or labored breathing

difficult, burning, or painful urination

ear congestion

fear or nervousness

fever

frequent urge to urinate

headache

loss of voice

lower back or side pain

nasal congestion

rapid weight gain

runny nose

sneezing

sore throat

tightness in the chest

tingling of the hands or feet

unusual tiredness or weakness

unusual weight gain or loss

Incidence not known

Agitation

darkening of the skin

diarrhea

difficulty swallowing

fast heartbeat

hives, itching, skin rash

loss of appetite

mental depression

nausea

overactive reflexes

poor coordination

puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue

restlessness

shivering

talking or acting with excitement you cannot control

trembling or shaking

twitching

vomiting

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:

Symptoms of overdose

Blue lips and fingernails

blurred vision

change in consciousness

chest pain or discomfort

cold and clammy skin

confusion

constricted pupil (black part of the eye)

coughing that sometimes produces a pink frothy sputum

decreased awareness or responsiveness

dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position

increased sweating

irregular, fast or slow, or shallow breathing

lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting

pale skin

sleepiness or unusual drowsiness

slow or irregular heartbeat

weak muscle tone

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Difficulty having a bowel movement

Less common

Back pain

dry mouth

heartburn

muscle spasms

stomach pain or discomfort

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

prices-container

Get your GoodRx coupon

Avg retail price
$65.93(Save 77.72%)
GoodRx discount
$14.69
See prices
pros-and-cons-icon

Pros and cons of Hydromet for pets

Pros

  • Works within 1 to 2 hours
  • Can be given as needed for cough
  • Comes as a liquid and a tablet

Cons

  • Sleepiness is a common side effect
  • Doesn’t treat the cause of your dog’s cough
  • Is a controlled substance
pharmacist-tips-icon

Pharmacist tips for Hydromet for pets

pharmacist
  • You can give Hydromet to your dog with or without food. If your dog throws up or seems sick after taking it on an empty stomach, give the next dose with a small meal or treat.
  • If your dog is a service animal, they might not be able to take Hydromet. This medication can make your dog very sleepy, which could affect their ability to do their job.
  • Hydromet is a schedule II controlled substance, which means it can’t be refilled. You’ll need a new prescription from your vet every time your dog needs this medication. A photo ID, like a driver’s license, is required to pick it up at the pharmacy.
  • Hydromet is a human medication that’s prescribed off-label for dogs. People can misuse or become addicted to it, so it's important to keep the medication stored away and locked up.

More tips for the liquid form:

  • Don’t use household spoons to measure the dose of Hydromet because they can give the wrong amount. Use a medication syringe or dosing cup from the pharmacy to make sure your dog gets the right dose.
  • You can store liquid Hydromet at room temperature. Because it’s a controlled substance, keep it in a safe place.
dosage-icon

Hydromet dosage forms for pets

The average cost for 120 ml of 473ml of 5mg/1.5mg/5ml of Hydromet is $14.69 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 77.72% off the average retail price of $65.93.
ml of syrupMl of syrup
DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
473ml of 5mg/1.5mg/5ml120 ml$14.69$0.12

Typical dosage for Hydromet

The dose is based on your dog’s weight.

The typical dose is 0.25 mg/kg of hydrocodone by mouth every 6 to 12 hours.

interactions-icon

Interactions between Hydromet and other drugs for pets

Hydromet might interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your veterinarian know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that your pet is currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Hydromet. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

cost-icon

How much does Hydromet cost?

To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
Hydromet (brand)
GoodRx lowest price

$14.69

(save 76.58%)
Hydromet (generic)
GoodRx lowest price

$14.69

(save 77.72%)
View prices and coupons
contraindications-icon

Hydromet contraindications for pets

Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a pet should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If your pet has any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to your pet, let your veterinarian know because Hydromet will not be safe for your pet to take.

  • Allergic to opioids
  • Allergic to atropine or medications like it
  • Have diarrhea caused by a toxic substance
latest-news-icon

News about Hydromet

images-icon

Hydromet images

red - Hydrocodone Bitartrate/Homatropine Methylbromide 5mg-1.5mg/5ml Solution
This medicine is Red Syrup.red - Hydrocodone Bitartrate/Homatropine Methylbromide 5mg-1.5mg/5ml Solution
red - Hydrocodone Bitartrate/Homatropine Methylbromide 5mg-1.5mg/5mL Solution
This medicine is Red Syrup.red - Hydrocodone Bitartrate/Homatropine Methylbromide 5mg-1.5mg/5mL Solution
red - Hydrocodone Bitartrate/Homatropine Methylbromide 5mg-1.5mg/5mL Solution
This medicine is Red Syrup.red - Hydrocodone Bitartrate/Homatropine Methylbromide 5mg-1.5mg/5mL Solution

References

Best studies we found

American Animal Hospital Association. (2021). Assistance and therapy dog medical care considerations.

Collier, A. (2025). Constipation, obstipation, and megacolon in small animals. Merck Manual Veterinary Manual.

Dowling, P. M. (2024). Antitussive drugs in animals. Merck Manual Veterinary Manual.

GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.