This article describes Hydromet’s dosages and strengths and gives details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for Hydromet. To learn more about Hydromet, talk with your doctor.

Hydromet is a branded-generic medication. Usually, generic drugs are referred to by the name of their active ingredients. But branded-generic drugs are given a trade name by the drugmaker.

Hydromet is made of the two active drugs hydrocodone bitartrate and homatropine methylbromide solution. This combination product is available as a generic version, and it also comes in oral tablet form. The tablet form isn’t described in this article. To learn more about that form, talk with your doctor.

Hydromet contains hydrocodone, which is a Schedule II controlled substance in the United States. A controlled substance is a drug that the government regulates due to the risk of dependence or misuse. Doctors and pharmacists must follow government rules when prescribing and dispensing Hydromet. These rules are in place to help reduce the risk of misuse and addiction.

Boxed warnings

This drug has boxed warnings about the following risks. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

risk of misuse and addiction
risk of serious respiratory depression
risk of accidental ingestion
risk of medication errors
risk of serious harm if taken with certain drugs or alcohol
risk of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS)

See the end of this article for more information about these warnings.

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Form and strength of Hydromet

Hydromet comes as follows:

Form: oral solution, which you’ll take by swallowing
Strength: 5 milligrams (mg) of hydrocodone bitartrate and 1.5 mg of homatropine methylbromide per 5 milliliters (mL) of oral solution

Dosage of Hydromet

This article describes the recommended dosage for Hydromet. The drugmaker provides this dosage.

If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of Hydromet without your doctor’s recommendation.

Usual recommended dosage of Hydromet in adults

Hydromet is prescribed to be taken as needed for cough in people ages 18 years and older. Ultimately, your doctor will prescribe the smallest dosage of Hydromet for the shortest amount of time possible that gives the desired outcome.

Dose: 5 mL
Frequency: every 4 to 6 hours as needed
Maximum dosage: 30 mL in 24 hours

Dosage adjustments for Hydromet

Your doctor may prescribe a lower dosage of Hydromet based on several factors. These include:

the specific condition being treated and how severe it is
your age
other health conditions you may have
whether you’re taking other medications that may interact with Hydromet

Frequently asked questions

Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Hydromet and its dosage.

Do older adults need a lower dosage of Hydromet?

No, older adults (adults ages 65 years and older) do not automatically require a lower dosage of Hydromet based on their age. However, older adults may be more sensitive to side effects caused by Hydromet. Their overall health conditions and the use of other medications may cause a doctor to prescribe a lower dosage of Hydromet.

If you have questions about the dosage of Hydromet in older adults, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Is Hydromet taken long term?

No, doctors don’t typically prescribe Hydromet as a long-term treatment. Instead, it’s usually recommended for short-term use. If your cough doesn’t get better after 5 days of taking Hydromet, it’s recommended that you see your doctor for additional evaluation.

If you have questions about how long you should take Hydromet, talk with your doctor.

How Hydromet is taken

You’ll swallow Hydromet four to six times per day as needed.

Hydromet coupon

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Overdose of Hydromet

It’s important that you do not take more Hydromet than your doctor prescribes. Doing so can lead to harmful effects.

Symptoms of Hydromet overdose

Symptoms of an overdose can include:

slow breathing
severe drowsiness
coma
low blood pressure
slow heart rate
cold and clammy skin
cardiac arrest (the heart stops beating)
death

What to do if you take too much Hydromet

If you think you’ve taken too much Hydromet, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.

What to ask your doctor

This article describes the usual recommended dosage for Hydromet. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they’ll determine the dosage that’s best for you.

Do not change your dosage of Hydromet without your doctor’s recommendation. You should take Hydromet exactly as your doctor prescribes it. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about your treatment plan.

Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:

How long would I be able to safely take Hydromet for my cough?
If I begin experiencing side effects, will you be changing my Hydromet dose?
Will you be changing my dosage of Hydromet if I’m also taking other medications?

Boxed warnings for Hydromet

Hydromet has boxed warnings about the following risks. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA.

Risk of misuse and addiction: Hydromet misuse can lead to addiction, which can lead to overdose and death. Misuse is when a drug is taken other than in the way it was prescribed. Addiction refers to feeling unable to stop taking a drug, even though it may be causing harm.

Risk of serious respiratory depression: Hydromet may lead to respiratory depression (slow breathing). If left untreated, respiratory depression can lead to death. If you’re at high risk for respiratory depression, your doctor will monitor you closely while you’re taking Hydromet.

Risk of accidental ingestion: Accidental ingestion of Hydromet, especially in children, can lead to injury, overdose, or death. Keep Hydromet out of reach of children, and properly dispose of any unused Hydromet solution.

Risk of medication errors: Dosing errors with Hydromet can lead to accidental overdose and death. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure you’re taking the correct dose of Hydromet as prescribed.

Risk of serious harm if taken with certain drugs or alcohol: If taken with certain drugs or alcohol, Hydromet can cause increased sedation, slowed breathing, coma, and death. Drugs that can increase this risk include benzodiazepines, such as diazepam, and opioids, such as oxycodone. Avoid the use of these drugs or alcohol while taking Hydromet.

Risk of NOWS: Hydromet is not recommended during pregnancy. The active drug ingredients of Hydromet may cause NOWS, which can be life threatening if not treated. With NOWS, a newborn experiences opioid withdrawal symptoms upon birth. This is because Hydromet crosses the placenta and exposes the fetus to Hydromet, causing opioid dependency.

Talk with your doctor to learn more about these warnings.

Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.