Hydrocodone
Information
Most Common
Medical Uses
Hydrocodone relieves pain. Acetaminophen is a less potent pain
reliever that increases the effects of hydrocodone. Together,
acetaminophen and hydrocodone are most commonly used to relieve
moderate-to-severe pain. Acetaminophen and hydrocodone may also
be used for purposes other than those listed here.
How
to Take This Medication
Take acetaminophen and hydrocodone exactly as directed by your
doctor. Take each dose with a full glass of water. Take acetaminophen
and hydrocodone with food or milk if it upsets your stomach.
Never take more of this medication than is prescribed for you.
Too much acetaminophen and hydrocodone could be very harmful.
Do not stop taking acetaminophen and hydrocodone suddenly if
you have been taking it continuously for more than 5 to 7 days.
Stopping suddenly could cause withdrawal symptoms and make you
feel uncomfortable. Your doctor may want to gradually reduce
your dose.
Possible
Side Effects
Stop taking acetaminophen and hydrocodone and seek emergency
medical attention if you experience any of the following: an
allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat;
swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives); slow, weak
breathing; seizures; cold, clammy skin; severe weakness or dizziness;
unconsciousness; yellowing of the skin or eyes; or unusual fatigue,
bleeding, or bruising. Less serious side effects may be more
likely to occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that
seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
Precautions
Hydrocodone is habit forming and should only be used under close
supervision if you have an alcohol or drug addiction. Before
taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have kidney
disease; liver disease; asthma; urinary retention; an enlarged
prostate; hypothyroidism; seizures epilepsy; gallbladder disease;
a head injury; or Addison's disease. Do not take this medication
without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or
breast-feeding a baby. If you are younger than 18 years of age
or older than 60 years of age, you may be more likely to experience
side effects from acetaminophen and hydrocodone therapy. Use
extra caution.
Drug
Interactions
Do not take acetaminophen and hydrocodone if you have taken
a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan),
phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last
14 days. Dangerous side effects could result. The most serious
interactions affecting acetaminophen and hydrocodone are with
those drugs that also cause sedation. Numerous drugs may lead
to dangerous sedation if taken with acetaminophen and hydrocodone:
Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription
or over the counter medicines. Many other drugs contain acetaminophen,
especially over-the-counter pain, fever, cold, and allergy medications.
Missed
Dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Do not take a
double dose of this medication. Wait the prescribed amount of
time before taking your next dose.
Storage
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep
this and all medications out of the reach of children.
Notes
Avoid alcohol while taking acetaminophen and hydrocodone. Alcohol
will greatly increase the drowsiness and dizziness caused by
acetaminophen and hydrocodone and could be dangerous. Also,
acetaminophen can damage your liver if you drink three or more
alcoholic beverages a day. Avoid sleeping pills, tranquilizers,
sedatives, and antihistamines except under the supervision of
your doctor. These medications also may cause dangerous sedation.
Do not share acetaminophen and hydrocodone with others for whom
it was not prescribed, since they may have a problem that is
not effectively treated by this drug.
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