Hydrocodone / Pseudoephedrine Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 11, 2025.

Applies to hydrocodone / pseudoephedrine: oral liquid, oral liquid extended release, oral syrup, oral tablet.

General adverse events

The most commonly reported adverse effects have included sedation (drowsiness, mental clouding, lethargy), impairment of mental and physical performance, lightheadedness, dizziness, headache, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, constipation, tachycardia, arrhythmias including premature ventricular contractions, CNS stimulation including anxiety, restlessness, nervousness, tremor and irritability.^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Frequency not reported: Bronchitis, cough, dyspnea, dose-related respiratory depression including fatal respiratory depression

Psychiatric

• Frequency not reported: Agitation, anxiety, confusion, fear, dysphoria, depression, hyperactivity, ataxia, hallucinations, hyperexcitability, insomnia, restlessness, nervousness, irritability, drug abuse, drug dependence, opioid withdrawal syndrome, drug misuse

Cardiovascular

• Frequency not reported: Increased blood pressure, decreased blood pressure, tachycardia, arrhythmias including premature ventricular contractions, chest pain, orthostatic hypotension, prolonged QT interval, hot flush, atrial fibrillation, myocardial infarction, flushing, severe hypotension

Nervous system

• Frequency not reported: Facial dyskinesia, increased intracranial pressure, migraine, seizure, lightheadedness, dizziness, headache, tremor, serotonin syndrome, sedation, impairment of mental and physical performance, drowsiness, mental clouding, lethargy

Serotonin syndrome has been reported with concomitant opioids and serotonergic drugs.

Gastrointestinal

• Frequency not reported: Nausea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, bowel obstruction, diarrhea, difficulty swallowing, GERD, indigestion, pancreatitis, paralytic ileus, dysgeusia, ischemic colitis, increase of serum amylase

Dermatologic

Hyperhidrosis, rash, pruritus, severe reactions such as acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP)

Genitourinary

• Frequency not reported: Ureteral spasm, spasm of vesicle sphincters, urinary retention, hypogonadism, infertility

Musculoskeletal

• Frequency not reported: Arthralgia, backache, muscle spasm

Ocular

• Frequency not reported: Miosis, mydriasis, visual disturbances

Metabolic

• Frequency not reported: Decreased appetite

Other

• Frequency not reported: Peripheral edema, accidental overdose and death due to medication errors, obscured clinical course in patients with head injuries, neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome

Endocrine

• Frequency not reported: Adrenal insufficiency, androgen deficiency

Adrenal insufficiency has been reported with opioid use, most often following greater than one month of use. Androgen deficiency has been reported with chronic opioid use.

See also:

Further information

Hydrocodone/pseudoephedrine side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

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