Acetaminophen and Hydrocodone

Name of generic: Hydrocodone and acetaminophen
The brand name: Hycet, Lorcet, Norco, Verdrocet, Vicodin, Xodol, Zamicet
The class of drug: Narcotic analgesic combinations

What are acetaminophen and Hydrocodone?

Acetaminophen and hydrocodone is a combination drug which is used to ease mild to moderately intense pain.

Hydrocodone belongs to a class of drugs known as opioid pain relief.

Acetaminophen is a weaker pain reliever that enhances the effects of hydrocodone.

Hydrocodone and Acetaminophen can also be used for reasons other than those mentioned in this medication guide. ¶

Warnings

Misuse of acetaminophen and hydrocodone could lead to addiction and/or overdose or even death. Keep the medication in a location where other people are unable to access it.

Hydrocodone can be addictive and should only be used by the individual it was prescribed to. Make sure to keep the medication in a safe place, that is secure and where other people cannot access it. Acetaminophen and hydrocodone may cause adverse effects that can affect your ability to think or react. Be aware of this if you are driving or engage in activities that require you to be alert and aware.

Opioid medicine taken during pregnancy can trigger withdrawal symptoms that could be life-threatening for the infant.

The risk of fatal side effects could occur when you mix the opioid medication in combination with alcohol or with other medications that can cause drowsiness or slow breathing.

Consult your physician if you consume more than 3 alcoholic drinks per day, or if you’ve ever been diagnosed with alcohol-related liver disease (cirrhosis). It is possible that you will not be able to take medications that contain Acetaminophen.

Do not take acetaminophen as well as hydrocodone. Call your doctor immediately if you experience a rash or skin redness that spreads and leads to blistering as well as peeling.

Before you start taking this medicine, make sure to consult your doctor

It is not recommended to use this medicine if you’re allergic to hydrocodone or acetaminophen, or if you suffer from

serious asthma or breathing problems or
A obstruction in your stomach or the intestines.

To ensure that acetaminophen or hydrocodone are safe for you consult your physician when you’ve had:

breathing issues sleep apnea, breathing problems
liver disease;
an alcohol or drug addiction;
kidney disease;
seizures or head injuries;
Problems with urination and
issues with your thyroid pancreas or gallbladder.

If you take opioids while pregnant, your baby may develop dependence to the medication. This can cause severe withdrawal symptoms for the infant after it is born. Infants who become dependent on opioids could require medical treatment for a period of time.

Do not breastfeed your baby. Acetaminophen and hydrocodone can be found in breast milk , causing respiratory problems, drowsiness or even death for the infant who is nursing.

How should I take hydrocodone and acetaminophen?

Use acetaminophen and hydrocodone exactly as prescribed to you. Follow the instructions on the prescription label. Don’t take acetaminophen or hydrocodone in greater quantities or for longer than the time prescribed. An overdose can damage your liver or cause death. Consult your physician if you notice an increase in your desire to take more medication.

Don’t share this medicine with anyone else, particularly those who have a history of substance abuse or addiction. A misusing of the medicine can lead to addiction, overdose, or death. Place the medication at a distance from where others can’t access it. Giving away or selling hydrocodone or acetaminophen is not in compliance with the law.

Make sure to measure the liquid medicine with care. Make use of the dosing syringe supplied or a dose measuring device (not an ordinary spoon).

If you are in need of medical or surgical procedures inform your doctor prior to the time you’re taking this medicine.

It is not recommended to stop taking this medication abruptly. Follow the instructions of your physician about increasing your dosage.

Keep acetaminophen and Hydrocodone at room temperature, away from heat and moisture. Make sure you keep track of your medication. It is important to be aware of someone is taking it incorrectly or without the prescription.

Don’t keep any an empty bottle of opioid. One dose could cause death in someone taking the medicine in error or unintentionally. Ask your pharmacist where you can find a drug recycling program for taking back. If there isn’t a Take-back plan, dispose of the unneeded medicine down the drain.

If I miss the dose?

Since this medicine is prescribed to treat pain, you’re unlikely to skip a dose. Avoid any missed dose in the event that it’s almost time to take the next dose. Do not take two doses in one go.

How do I react if take too much?

Get medical attention immediately or contact for help at the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. Acetaminophen overdoses or hydrocodone may be fatal.

The first symptoms of an overdose with acetaminophen are the loss of appetite nausea and vomiting, stomach pain sweating, weakness or confusion. Other symptoms could include pain in your abdomen, darker urine, and the appearance of yellowing on your skin or the whites of the eyes.

The overdose may also result in intense muscle weakness, pain in the pupils, extremely low breathing rate, severe drowsiness, or even coma.

What to avoid?

Avoid operating machinery or driving until you are aware of the way that hydrocodone and acetaminophen impact your body. Drowsiness or dizziness can lead to accidents, falls, or serious injuries.

Don’t drink alcohol. Dangerous side effects or death may occur.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist prior to taking any other medications that contain Acetaminophen (sometimes known as APAP). Combining certain medicines could cause deadly overdose.

Acetaminophen and hydrocodone side-effects

See a doctor immediately If you are experiencing symptoms warning signs of an allergy reaction to the medication acetaminophen, or hydrocodone. asthma; hives and swelling of your lips, face, and throat.

Opioid medicines may slow or stop your breathing and even cause the possibility of death could occur. Anyone who cares for you must seek urgent medical care if you suffer from prolonged breathing, pauses in your breathing, and blue-colored lips, or if you find it difficult to get up.

In some rare instances Acetaminophen could cause severe skin reactions that could be fatal. This could occur regardless of whether you’ve previously used acetaminophen before without experiencing any reaction. Take a break from this medication and consult your doctor in the event of the appearance of a skin rash or redness which spreads and leads to blisters or peeling.

Contact your doctor immediately If you suffer from:

loud breathing, sighing breath that is shallow, and breath that stops when you sleep;
a euphoric feeling, similar to you’re passing out;
liver issues nausea, stomach pain, fatigue, lack of appetite dark urine, clay-colored stool jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin);
low levels of cortisol nausea vomiting, dehydration dizziness, fatigue that is worsening or weakness;
Serotonin levels are high within the body which causes hallucinations, agitation, and sweating. rapid heart rate, shivering and muscle stiffness. Twitching and loss of coordination. nausea diarrhea, vomiting.

Breathing problems that are serious could be more prevalent for older people and those who suffer from debilitation or suffer from wasting syndrome, or chronic breathing conditions.

The long-term use of opioids can alter the fertility (ability in having kids) for women or men. It is unclear if the effects of opioids on fertility are permanent.

Common acetaminophen and hydrocodone adverse effects are:

dizziness, drowsiness or feeling tired;
nausea, vomiting, stomach pain;
constipation or
headache.

This is not a comprehensive list of all side effects. others could happen. Contact your physician for advice regarding medical the effects. You can report any side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs can have an effect on hydrocodone and acetaminophen?

There is a possibility of breathing issues or withdrawal symptoms when you discontinue or change the dosage of different medications. Inform your doctor if also take antifungal, antibiotic blood pressure or heart medications, seizures medication, or medicine for treating HIV or Hepatitis C.

Opioid medications may interact with other drugs, causing serious side effects or even death. Be sure your doctor is aware if you are taking:

medicine for allergies or colds or bronchodilator asthma/COPD medications or a diuretic (“water pill”);
medications to treat motion sickness IBS, motion sickness, or an overactive bladder.
different opioids – pain medication for opioids and prescription medicine for cough
a sedative that is similar to Valium (also known as diazepam alprazolam lorazepam, Xanax, Klonopin, Versed, and others;
drugs that can make you feel sleepy or reduce your breathing A sleeping pill, muscle relaxer, medication to treat mental or mood disorders;
drugs that alter serotonin levels within your body as a stimulant or medicine to treat Parkinson’s disease, depression, chronic infections, and migraine headaches as well as nausea and vomiting.

This list isn’t comprehensive. Other medications can be incompatible with hydrocodone and acetaminophen such as prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal remedies.

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