Hydrocodone

Hydrocodone is a narcotic that can produce a calm, euphoric state similar to heroin or morphine--and despite such important and obvious benefits in pain relief, evidence is pointing to chronic addiction. Pure hydrocodone is a Schedule II substance, closely controlled with restricted use. But very few prescription drugs are pure hydrocodone. Instead, small amounts of hydrocodone are mixed with other non-narcotic ingredients to create medicines like Vicodin and Lortab. This means they can be classified under Schedule III with fewer restrictions on their use and distribution.

What should I avoid while taking hydrocodone and acetaminophen?

Hydrocodone and acetaminophen can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert. Do not use any other over-the-counter cough, cold, allergy, or pain medication without first asking your doctor or pharmacist. Acetaminophen is contained in many medicines available over the counter. If you take certain products together you may accidentally take too much acetaminophen. Read the label of any other medicine you are using to see if it contains acetaminophen. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking hydrocodone and acetaminophen. Alcohol may increase your risk of liver damage while taking acetaminophen. Cold or allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, antidepressants, or seizure medication can add to sleepiness caused by hydrocodone, or could slow your breathing. Tell your doctor if you need to use any of these other medicines while you are taking hydrocodone and acetaminophen.

Precautions:

People using Vicodin should take the following precautions:

• use should be avoided in people allergic to codeine or hydrocodone
• be aware of acetaminophen contained in over the counter products. Excessive acetaminophen can lead to liver damage of failure
• avoid alcohol when using hydrocodone containing medications
• don't operate motor vehicles or machinery when taking vicodin

HOW TO USE:

Take this medication by mouth, as directed by your doctor. You may take this drug with or without food. If you have nausea, you may take this drug with food, although doing so may decrease its effectiveness. Consult your doctor or pharmacist about alternatives for decreasing nausea (e.g., antihistamines, lying down for 1-2 hours with minimal head movement).

If you are using the liquid product, measure the medication with a dose-measuring spoon or device to make sure you get the correct dose. Do not use a household spoon.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Pain medications work best in relieving pain before it becomes severe. Once the pain becomes intense, the medication is not as effective in relieving it.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since hydrocodone and acetaminophen is taken as needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are taking the medication regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and wait until your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

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.