Author: James Anderson

Hydrocodone oral route

Physical dependence results in withdrawal symptoms after abrupt discontinuation or a significant dosagereduction of a drug. Withdrawal also may be precipitated through the administration of drugs withopioid antagonist activity (e.g., naloxone, nalmefene), mixed agonist/antagonist analgesics (e.g.,pentazocine, butorphanol, nalbuphine), or partial agonists (e.g., buprenorphine). Physical dependencemay not occur to a clinically significant degree until after several days to weeks of continued opioidusage. “Drug-seeking” behavior is very common in persons with substance use disorders.

Follow patients closely for respiratory depression, especially within the first hours of initiatingtherapy and following dosage increases with hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen tablets andadjust the dosage accordingly see WARNINGS. Serious , life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression may occur with use of hydrocodonebitartrate and acetaminophen tablets . Monitor for respiratory depression especially during initiation of hydrocodonebitartrate and acetaminophen tablets or following a dose increase see WARNINGS. If you take too much Vicodin, you have a higher risk of having overdose symptoms.

Other uses for this medicine

There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Hydrocodone bitartrate andacetaminophen tablets should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies thepotential risk to the fetus. Long-term studies to evaluate the carcinogenic potential of the combination of hydrocodone bitartrateand acetaminophen tablets have not been conducted. Rarely, acetaminophen may cause serious skin reactions such as acute generalized exanthematouspustulosis (AGEP), Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS), and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), which canbe fatal. Patients should be informed about the signs of serious skin reactions, and use of the drugshould be discontinued at the first appearance of skin rash or any other sign of hypersensitivity. Abuse and addiction are separate and distinct from physical dependence and tolerance.

Hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen tablets may impair the mental or physical abilities needed toperform potentially hazardous activities such as driving a car or operating machinery. Warn patients notto drive or operate dangerous machinery unless they are tolerant to the effects of hydrocodonebitartrate and acetaminophen tablets and know how they will react to the medication see PATIENT INFORMATION . The administration of hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen tablets or other opioids may obscurethe diagnosis or clinical course in patients with acute abdominal conditions. The use of hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen tablets in patients with acute or severe bronchialasthma in an unmonitored setting or in the absence of resuscitative equipment is contraindicated.

Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it. Do not stop taking hydrocodone without talking to your doctor. Inform patients that hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen tablets may impair the ability to performpotentially hazardous activities such as driving a car or operating heavy machinery. Advise patients notto perform such tasks until they know how they will react to the medication see WARNINGS. Inform patients that anaphylaxis has been reported with ingredients contained in hydrocodone bitartrateand acetaminophen tablets. Advise patients how to recognize such a reaction and when to seek medicalattention see CONTRAINDICATIONS, ADVERSE REACTIONS.

Hydrocodone

1. Additional doses may be given every 2 to 3 minutes, if symptoms return before medical help arrives.
2. Hydrocodone is used to relieve pain in opioid-tolerant patients severe enough to require around-the-clock pain relief for a long period of time.
3. Medicines that interact with hydrocodone may either decrease its effect, affect how long it works, increase side effects, or have less of an effect when taken with hydrocodone.
4. Tell the doctor right away if you notice any symptoms in your newborn baby such as crying that doesn’t stop, slow/shallow breathing, irritability, shaking, vomiting, diarrhea, poor feeding, or difficulty gaining weight.

The respiratory depression involves areduction in the responsiveness of the brain stem respiratory centers to both increases in carbon dioxidetension and electrical stimulation. Dose-dependent, potentially fatal hepatic necrosis is the most serious adverse effect of acetaminophenoverdosage. Renal tubular necrosis, hypoglycemic coma and coagulation defects may also occur. Monitor patients with biliary tract disease, including acute pancreatitis, for worseningsymptoms. Infants born to mothers physically dependent on opioids will also be physically dependent and mayexhibit respiratory difficulties and withdrawal signs see PRECAUTIONS; Pregnancy. Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use hydrocodone only for the indication prescribed.

Can I take Vicodin when pregnant?

Do not stop taking this drug unless instructed by your doctor. If you have been taking Vicodin regularly, especially for a long time or at higher doses, your healthcare provider may slowly lower your dose. If you abruptly stop Vicodin after taking it regularly for a prolonged period, you may experience withdrawal symptoms.

Drug Summary

Do not abruptly discontinue hydrocodone bitartrate andacetaminophen tablets in a physically-dependent patient see WARNINGS, Drug Abuse And Dependence. Before using this medication, women of childbearing age should talk with their doctor(s) about the risks and benefits. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or if you plan to become pregnant.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Do not increase your dose, take the medication more often, or take it for a longer time than prescribed. This medicine may cause a serious type of allergic reaction called anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Call your doctor right away if you have a rash, itching, hoarseness, trouble breathing, trouble swallowing, or any swelling of your hands, face, or mouth while you are using this medicine. The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine.

Drugs that depress the central nervous system (brain) like Vicodin may result in side effects, such as slow or shallow breathing, low blood pressure, tiredness, coma, or death. Your healthcare provider will monitor you for side effects if they prescribe you one of these medicines. They may also recommend a drug called naloxone which treats opioid overdose. When hydrocodone is used for a long time, it may become habit-forming, causing mental or physical dependence.

Check with your physician for additional information about side effects. Get medical help right away, if you have any of the symptoms listed above. Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how hydrocodone will affect you. Dizziness or drowsiness can cause falls, accidents, or severe injuries.