Hydrocodone
Hydrocodone is an effective antitussive (anti-cough) agent, and as an opiate it is also an effective analgesic for mild to moderate pain control. Five mg of hydrocodone is equivalent to 30 mg of codeine when administered orally. Early comparisons concluded that hydrocodone and morphine were equipotent for pain control in humans. However, it is now considered that a dose of 15 mg (1/4 gr) of hydrocodone is equivalent to 10 mg (1/6 gr) of morphine. Hydrocodone is considered to be morphine-like in all respects.
Side Effects
If you do not have liver problems, the adult maximum dose of acetaminophen is 4 grams per day (4000 milligrams). If you take more than the maximum daily amount, it may cause serious (possibly fatal) liver disease. Seek immediate medical attention if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage: severe nausea, yellowing eyes or skin, dark urine, stomach pain, extreme fatigue.
An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
Usage
This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby, and could cause breathing problems or addiction/withdrawal symptoms in a newborn. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. hydrocodone and acetaminophen can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Hydrocodone, like other narcotic pain-relievers, interacts with other medications and drugs that slow the brain's processes, such as alcohol, barbiturates, skeletal muscle relaxants including carisoprodol (Soma), cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril), and benzodiazepines (e.g. lorazepam, Ativan; clonazepam, Klonopin).
Opioids such as hydrocodone can slow bowel motility. When combined with medications that possess anticholinergic activity, this effect on the bowel may be accentuated, leading to marked constipation. Such drugs include dicyclomine (Bentyl), some antihistamines [carbinoxamine (Rondec), clemastine (Tavist), diphenhydramine (Benadryl), promethazine (Phenergan)], some phenothiazines [e.g. thioridazine (Mellaril), triflupromazine (Stelazine)], some tricyclic antidepressants [e.g. amitriptyline (Elavil), amoxapine (Asendin), clomipramine (Anafranil), protriptyline (Vivactil)], clozapine (Clozaril), cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril), and disopyramide (Norpace). The use of antidiarrheals [e.g. diphenoxylate (Lomotil), loperamide (Imodium)] in persons taking opioid analgesics such as hydrocodone can lead to severe constipation and possibly greater sedation.
Storage:
Store at 25?°C (77?°F); excursions permitted to 15?°-30?°C (59?°-86?°F).
