Obredon
Obredon is a combination medication that helps relieve cough and chest congestion in adults. It contains hydrocodone (an opioid that works like a cough suppressant to lower the urge to cough) and guaifenesin (an expectorant that thins mucus in the chest). This medication comes as a flavored liquid that's taken by mouth every 4 to 6 hours as needed for cough and congestion. Side effects can include constipation and making you sleepy. This medication is a controlled substance because it contains an opioid with a risk for misuse and addiction.
What is Obredon (hydrocodone / guaifenesin)?
What is Obredon (hydrocodone / guaifenesin) used for?
Relief of cough and chest congestion (mucus in your lungs)
How Obredon (hydrocodone / guaifenesin) works
Obredon (hydrocodone / guaifenesin) is a combination of two medications that work together.
Hydrocodone is an opioid. It eases cough by attaching to opioid receptors in the brain that control the urge to cough.
Guaifenesin is an expectorant. It loosens mucus in your airways by making it thinner. This makes it easier to cough out mucus and helps clear chest congestion.
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What are the risks and warnings for Obredon (hydrocodone / guaifenesin)?
Obredon (hydrocodone / guaifenesin) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Potential for misuse and addiction
Risk factors: Personal or family history of alcohol or substance use disorder | Personal or family history of mental health conditions (like depression)
Obredon contains hydrocodone, which is an opioid that carries a risk of addiction and misuse, even at recommended doses. For this reason, Obredon (hydrocodone / guaifenesin) is a schedule II controlled substance. In serious cases, addiction and misuse of an opioid medication can lead to overdose and death.
Obredon (hydrocodone / guaifenesin) is typically prescribed only when cough relief outweigh these serious risks. If absolutely necessary, your healthcare professional (HCP) will prescribe the lowest amount of medication for the shortest period of time needed to treat your symptoms. Contact your HCP to discuss other options if you've taken Obredon (hydrocodone / guaifenesin) for 5 days and your cough hasn't gotten better.
Dangerously slow breathing (respiratory depression)
Risk factors: Older adults | Children younger than 18 years old | Taking medications that can cause slow breathing | Brain injury | Drinking alcohol | Having medical conditions that affect breathing (e.g., asthma) | Taking higher doses of Obredon (hydrocodone / guaifenesin) than prescribed
The hydrocodone in Obredon can cause dangerously slow breathing, which can be life-threatening. This can happen at any time, but you're at higher risk 1 to 3 days right after you start Obredon (hydrocodone / guaifenesin). Drinking alcohol and taking other medications, like benzodiazepines, can also raise your risk for this dangerous side effect.
You're recommended to ask your prescriber about getting naloxone, a medication that can reverse slowed breathing from opioids. You should have naloxone before you start Obredon (hydrocodone / guaifenesin) so that you can use it in case of an accidental overdose. Call 911 to get medical help right away if you or a loved one notices that you have trouble breathing or bluish-colored lips.
Difficulty concentrating and extreme sleepiness
Risk factors: Taking higher doses of Obredon (hydrocodone / guaifenesin) | Age 65 years or older | Drinking alcohol | Taking other medications that can cause sleepiness
The hydrocodone in Obredon can cause extreme sleepiness. It can also lower your ability to think, react, and focus. Your risk for these side effects is higher if you're taking other medications that can make you sleepy, such as benzodiazepines, muscle relaxants, and sleep medications.
Make sure you know how Obredon (hydrocodone / guaifenesin) affects you before driving a car or doing activities that require your concentration. Talk to your HCP right away if you feel too sleepy from the medication.
Risk for opioid overdose
Risk factors: History of opioid use disorder | Previous opioid overdose | Taking high doses of Obredon (hydrocodone / guaifenesin) | Taking more opioids than prescribed | Drinking alcohol
Take Obredon (hydrocodone / guaifenesin) exactly as prescribed. Taking too much medication or taking it more often than prescribed can lead to an opioid overdose. Mixing alcohol with opioids also raises your risk for overdose. Be sure you know how to measure out your dose properly and don't drink alcohol or use alcohol-containing products while you're taking Obredon (hydrocodone / guaifenesin). Place the medication out of reach from children, pets, or visitors to prevent accidental exposure or overdose.
Symptoms of an opioid overdose include not responding to sound or touch, extremely slow breathing, extreme sleepiness, slow heartbeat, and cold or clammy skin. Be sure you and your loved ones know how to recognize an overdose. Your prescriber will probably recommend you to get naloxone (Narcan), a medication that can treat an opioid overdose. Have naloxone with you at all times; use it and call 911 right away if an overdose happens.
Obredon also contains guaifenesin, which can be found in many over-the-counter cough and cold products, such as the Mucinex branded line of products. Taking too much guaifenesin can lead to side effects like upset stomach, dizziness, and headaches. To prevent an accidental overdose, read package labels carefully. Ask your pharmacist if you're not sure whether a product has guaifenesin in it.
Drug interactions
Obredon (hydrocodone / guaifenesin) interacts with many medications. So it's important to tell your prescriber and pharmacist about the medications you're taking and planning to take with Obredon (hydrocodone / guaifenesin). Your care team can check that your medications are safe to take together. Also talk to your care team first before making any changes to your medications because sudden dose adjustments can lead to harm as well.
Some drug interactions can raise the level of hydrocodone in your body. This can raise your risk for serious side effects, including potentially life-threatening slowed breathing. Examples of medications that can lead to this type of interaction with Obredon (hydrocodone / guaifenesin) include erythromycin, ketoconazole, and ritonavir (Norvir).
Other drug interactions can lower the levels of hydrocodone in your body. This can make the opioid work less well for cough and possibly lead to withdrawal symptoms (especially if you've been taking the cough medication for a long time). These interactions include taking Obredon (hydrocodone / guaifenesin) with rifampin (Rifadin) or carbamazepine (Tegretol).
Harm to newborn babies
Risk factors: Taking Obredon (hydrocodone / guaifenesin) during pregnancy
It isn't recommended to take Obredon (hydrocodone / guaifenesin) if you're pregnant. The medication can go through the bloodstream to your unborn baby. Long-term opioid use during pregnancy can cause your unborn baby to become dependent on the medication.
Once your baby is born, they can experience withdrawal symptoms, such as high-pitched crying, poor feeding and sucking behavior, trembling, irritability, abnormal sleep patterns, and even seizures. This condition is called neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome and can be life-threatening if not recognized and treated in time. Let your healthcare team know if you've taken Obredon (hydrocodone / guaifenesin) during pregnancy or if you notice these symptoms in your baby.
Low blood pressure
Obredon (hydrocodone / guaifenesin) can cause extremely low blood pressure. Your blood pressure might drop when you stand from a sitting or lying down position. This can lead to dizziness and fainting. To avoid falling, get up slowly if you've been sitting or lying down. Talk to your HCP if any dizziness or lightheadedness doesn't go away.
Low adrenal hormone levels
Risk factors: Taking Obredon (hydrocodone / guaifenesin) for longer than 1 month
Some people who take opioid medications, like the hydrocodone in Obredon, can have low adrenal hormone levels. This can be more likely to happen after taking opioids for longer than 1 month. Tell your HCP if you have symptoms, such as tiredness, dizziness, weakness, not feeling hungry, nausea, and vomiting. If your adrenal hormone levels are too low, you might need to stop the medication and get treated with corticosteroids.
Caution in people with gut-related conditions
Risk factors: Also taking anticholinergic medications like ipratropium or antihistamines
It's not recommended to take Obredon (hydrocodone / guaifenesin) if you have a blockage in your gut (bowel obstruction) or if you have any conditions related to gut movement. This is because the hydrocodone in Obredon can cause the movement in your gut to slow. This can lead to constipation, bowel obstruction, or worsening of a gut condition you already have. Get medical attention right away if you experience symptoms related to bowel obstruction, such as serious stomach pains, bloating, or nausea.
Seizures
Risk factors: History of seizure conditions
Opioids, such as the hydrocodone in Obredon, can raise the risk of having seizures more often in people who've had one in the past. Obredon (hydrocodone / guaifenesin) can also raise your risk for seizures in certain other situations. Get medical help right away if you have a seizure while you're taking this medication.
What are the side effects of Obredon (hydrocodone / guaifenesin)?
Common Side Effects
- Sleepiness
- Tiredness
- "Brain fog" or confusion
- Lightheadedness
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
Other Side Effects
- Swelling of arms or legs
- Changes in blood pressure
- Fast heartbeat
- Shakiness (tremor)
- Chest pain
- Stomach pain
- Loss of appetite
- Itchiness
- Rash
- Excessive sweating
- Trouble sleeping
Serious Side Effects
- Dangerously slow breathing: trouble breathing; bluish-colored lips, fingers, or toes
- Accidentally taking too much (overdose): not responding to sound or touch, slow breathing, extreme sleepiness, cold or clammy skin, slow or irregular heartbeat, confusion
- Opioid withdrawal (if suddenly stopped after long-term use): anxiety, suicidal thoughts, restlessness, runny nose, yawning, sweating, chills, wide pupils, irritability
- Excessive sleepiness or dizziness
- Seizure
Source: DailyMed
Pros and cons of Obredon (hydrocodone / guaifenesin)
Pros
Combines two different medications into a single liquid for convenience
An option if you have trouble swallowing pills
Comes raspberry flavored for better taste
Can take with or without food
Cons
No lower-cost generic available
Can be habit-forming, even at normally recommended doses
Not available as a tablet
Not safe for children under the age of 18 to take
Pharmacist tips for Obredon (hydrocodone / guaifenesin)
Take Obredon (hydrocodone / guaifenesin) exactly as prescribed. Take it as needed only when you're having cough or chest congestion symptoms and take each dose at least 4 to 6 hours apart.
Talk to a healthcare professional (HCP) for other options if your cough doesn't get better after you've taken Obredon (hydrocodone / guaifenesin) for 5 days. You should take this medication only for a short period of time because it can be habit-forming and it has many serious risks.
Use the medication dose cup or oral syringe that your pharmacy gives you to measure out your dose of Obredon (hydrocodone / guaifenesin). Don't use household teaspoons or utensils because they're not accurate, so you might end up taking the wrong dose and be at risk for an overdose.
Obredon (hydrocodone / guaifenesin) can make you sleepy and dizzy. It can also make you have trouble focusing or concentrating. Avoid activities that need your full attention, like driving, until you know how the medication affects you.
Avoid drinking alcohol or using any alcohol-containing products while you're taking Obredon (hydrocodone / guaifenesin). Alcohol can worsen side effects like sleepiness and dizziness. Both alcohol and Obredon (hydrocodone / guaifenesin) can also make it hard for you to think clearly and react quickly.
You might get constipated after you take Obredon (hydrocodone / guaifenesin). To help with constipation, drink enough water each day and add more foods with fiber, like broccoli and beans, to your diet. Speak to your care team if you need more relief. They can recommend medications or a change in your treatment.
Let your prescriber and pharmacist know about all the medications you're taking to make sure Obredon (hydrocodone / guaifenesin) is safe to take with them. Several medications can interact with both hydrocodone and guaifenesin, and these drug interactions can be harmful. Also, keep in mind that guaifenesin can be found in many over-the-counter cough and cold products.
Talk with your prescriber if you've been regularly taking Obredon (hydrocodone / guaifenesin) for a long period of time and you want to stop. Your prescriber might lower your dose slowly over time before you can stop completely. This helps prevent withdrawal symptoms, such as anxiety, stomach cramps, and chills, which can happen after lowering your dose or stopping the medication too suddenly.
Keep Obredon (hydrocodone / guaifenesin) at room temperature in a safe place out of reach from children, pets, or visitors. Ask a pharmacist about how to get rid of it safely if you don't need to take the medication anymore. This lowers the risk of accidental overdose and helps prevent medication misuse.
Frequently asked questions about Obredon (hydrocodone / guaifenesin)
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Obredon (hydrocodone / guaifenesin) dosage forms
| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5mg/200mg/5ml | 120 ml | $172.98 | $1.44 |
Typical dosing for Obredon (hydrocodone / guaifenesin)
Each 5 mL (teaspoonful) contains 2.5 mg of hydrocodone and 200 mg of guaifenesin.
Adults only: The typical dose is 10 mL (2 teaspoonfuls) by mouth every 4 to 6 hours as needed for cough and congestion. Don't take more than 6 doses (or 60 mL) in a 24-hour period.
How much does Obredon (hydrocodone / guaifenesin) cost?
Obredon (hydrocodone / guaifenesin) contraindications
Children younger than 6 years of age
Severe asthma or other medical conditions that cause severely slow breathing
Medical conditions that cause blockage of the stomach passageway
Allergy to guaifenesin
Allergy to hydrocodone
What are alternatives to Obredon (hydrocodone / guaifenesin)?
Relief of cough and chest congestion (mucus in your lungs)
Short-term relief of coughs caused by minor throat or lung irritation (e.g., common cold)
Loosens and breaks up mucus in the airways (chest congestion)
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References
Best studies we foundCenters for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). About opioid use during pregnancy.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). PROTECT your child: Use the right tool to give the right dose.
Cofano, S., et al. (2024). Hydrocodone. StatPearls.
Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®). (2023). Hydrocodone. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.
Endocrine Society. (2022). Adrenal insufficiency.
Jansson, L. M., et al. (2019). Neonatal abstinence syndrome. Pediatric Clinics of North America.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2018). Symptoms & causes of adrenal insufficiency & Addison's disease.
Patrick, S. W., et al. (2020). Neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome.
Sovereign Pharmaceuticals, LLC. (2023). Obredon- hydrocodone bitartrate and guaifenesin solution [package insert]. DailyMed.
Tan, S., et al. (2022). Morphine equianalgesic dose chart in the emergency department. Journal of Education & Teaching in Emergency Medicine.
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