Hydrocodone Bitartrate
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.
Medication 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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