Hydrocodone
Generic Name:
Hydrocodone
Brand Names:
Hydrocodone is used in combination with additional drugs in the following medications:
Anaplex, Anexia, Bancap HC, Ceta-Plus, Codal, Codiclear, Codimal, Co-Gesic, Cyndal, Cytuss, Detussin, Donatussin DC, Duratuss, Endal, Entuss, G-Tuss, Histinex HC, Hycodan, Hycomine, Hycosin, Hycotuss, Hydrocet, Hydrogesic, Hydromet, Hydromide, Hydropane, Hydrophene, Hydro-Tussin, Hyphed, Ibudone, KG-Dal, KG-Tuss, KG-Tussin, Kwelcof, Lorcet, Lortab, Maxidone, Nalex, Norco, Pneumotussin, Protuss, PV-Tussin, Reprexain, Su-Tuss, Tussafed-HC, Tuss-DS, Tussend, Tussigon, Tussionex, Vanex, Vicodin, Vicoprofen, Vitussin, Zydone
Hydrocodone Description:
Hydrocodone is a narcotic analgesic and antitussive used in concurrence with other drugs to relieve acute pain or cough. Hydrocodone works by acting on the central nervous system and alters the way the brain communicates sensations of pain. It is the most widely prescribed opiate in the U.S. and is most commonly combined with acetaminophen to form drugs such as Vicodin, Lortab and Lorcet. The effects of hydrocodone are similar to those of morphine.
Hydrocodone Side Effects:
Side effects of hydrocodone may include:
For more information see our hydrocodone side effects page.
Hydrocodone Uses:
Hydrocodone is used in conjunction with other drugs to alleviate moderate to severe pain. It is commonly prescribed after surgery, painful dental work or to relieve discomfort resulting from injury. Hydrocodone is also used as a short-term cough suppressant. However, hydrocodone has not been FDA-approved for the treatment of cough in patients under the age of six.
Hydrocodone is generally used as a short-term pain reliever due to its addictive nature when used long-term. Because of its ability to create a sensation of euphoria, hydrocodone is often subject to intentional abuse, which in some cases has resulted in fatality.
Hydrocodone Interactions:
Patients should speak with their doctor about the use of any medications, vitamins or supplements before taking hydrocodone.
Because medications containing hydrocodone always contain other drugs, interactions will vary according to the other components present. In pain relievers, such as Vicodin, where hydrocodone is combined with acetaminophen, the following drugs commonly produce adverse interactions:
- Alcohol
- Antidepressants
- Antihistamines
- Antipsychotic drugs
- Barbiturates
- Benzodiazepines
- Irritable Bowel Disease medications
- MAO inhibitors
- Sleeping pills
- Urinary medications
Because the range of hydrocodone drugs is quite wide, it is important to speak with your doctor about any possible interactions caused by your particular medications.
Hydrocodone Dosage Information:
Typical Dosage Recommendations
Hydrocodone comes in many forms, among them an oral tablet, a syrup and a solution. The dosage of hydrocodone will vary among patients depending upon the purpose for which the drug is being used. Generally, however, patients taking the tablet, syrup or solution form of hydrocodone take the medicine as-needed every 4-6 hours. Hydrocodone is also available in an extended-release capsule and an extended-release suspension which are generally taken as-needed every 12 hours.
It is very important to follow your doctor’s prescription and use hydrocodone only as directed. Because hydrocodone can be habit forming, you should never exceed the recommended daily dosage of this medication.
Missing a Dose of Hydrocodone
Because hydrocodone is often used as-needed for pain relief, you may not take this medication on a regular schedule. However, your doctor may limit your daily intake of hydrocodone and it is important not to exceed this allotment. You should only take hydrocodone as prescribed and should follow any guidelines established by your doctor.
Hydrocodone Overdose
Contact a health professional immediately if you believe you may have overdosed on this medication. Hydrocodone is often present in medications that have proven fatal upon overdose.
Hydrocodone FDA Approval:
June 1, 1995
Hydrocodone Recall/Black Box Warning Information:
Hydrocodone is habit forming and if abused, can cause dangerous addictive tendencies. It is important to use hydrocodone only when prescribed and in accordance with your doctor’s recommendations.
Sources:
- http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a601006.html
- http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/GuidanceComplianceRegulatoryInformation/EnforcementActivitiesbyFDA/SelectedEnforcementActionsonUnapprovedDrugs/ucm119640.htm
- http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/drug-information/DR602361
- http://www.justice.gov/dea/concern/hydrocodone.html
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