What is Hydrocodone?
Hydrocodone is a pain reliever which is commonly prescribed by the doctor. It is sold under the brand name Vicodin. Hydrocodone and acetaminophen are mixed together in this medicine. Hydrocodone can be very strong, but it can become habit-forming as well.
Hydrocodone Uses
This drug is used to reduce mild to extreme pain. It includes an opioid pain reliever (hydrocodone) and a pain reliever, which is not opioid (acetaminophen). Hydrocodone acts in the brain to modify how pain is felt and reacted to by the body. A fever may also be decreased by acetaminophen.
Extended-release (long-acting) capsules or extended-release tablets of hydrocodone should not be used for the treatment of pain that can be managed by medicine. Hydrocodone is in a class of medicines called opiate analgesics (narcotics).
Hydrocodone Side effects
Some of the common side effects of Hydrocodone are:
- Stomach pain
- Dry mouth
- Tiredness
- Headache
- Back pain
- Muscle tightening
- Difficulty in urinating
Some of the serious side effects of Hydrocodone are:
- Chest pain
- Agitation
Note that this drug has been prescribed by your doctor and he or she has decided that the benefit is greater than the risk of side effects. There are no significant side effects for many people who take this drug.
Precautions
Before taking Hydrocodone talk with your doctor if you are allergic to it or any other medications. The product may contain some inactive ingredients which can cause some serious allergic reactions or some other serious problems.
Before using Hydrocodone talk with your doctor if you are having any medical history such as: brain disorders, breathing problems, kidney disease, Liver disease, mood disorders, stomach or intestinal problems, difficulty in urinating and gallbladder disease.
How to take Hydrocodone?
If this medication is taken on a daily basis and you skip a dose, take it as soon as you recall. If the time for the next dose is close, skip the skipped dose. At your normal time, take your next dose..
Swallow one at a time with plenty of water on the extended-release capsules or extended-release tablets. As soon as you put it in your mouth, swallow each capsule or tablet.The doctor will probably start you on a low dose of hydrocodone and will gradually raise your dose if required to manage the pain, not more than once every 3 to 7 days. The body may get used to the drug after taking hydrocodone for a certain period of time. Your doctor can raise your dosage of hydrocodone if this occurs, or may prescribe another drug to manage your pain.
Missed Dose
If you are on a daily schedule using this medication and skip a dose, use it as soon as you recall. If the time for the next dose is close, skip the skipped dose. At a normal time, use the next dose. To catch up, do not double the dose.
Overdose
Overdose of a drug can be accidental. If you have taken more than the prescribed hydrocodone tablets there is a chance of getting a harmful effect on your body’s functions. Overdose of a medicine can lead to some medical emergency.
Warnings for some serious Health Conditions
For people with Head injury
Hydrocodone can cause increased pressure in your brain and cause breathing problems if you have a head injury.
For people with stomach problems
If you have intestinal obstruction, ulcerative colitis, or constipation, use caution when taking this medication. Your symptoms can deteriorate with this medication.
For people with severe Kidney disease
In your body, this medication can build up, which can cause breathing problems and other side effects.
For people with Liver disease
The risk of liver failure is increased if you have serious liver disease. This medication can also build up in your body, which can cause breathing problems and other side effects.
For people with Asthma
Do not use this drug without talking to your doctor if you are suffering from serious or uncontrolled asthma. In a supervised environment, you would have to take the first few doses.
Storage
Direct contact with heat, air and light may damage your medicines. The exposure of medicine may cause some harmful effects. The medicine must be kept in a safe place and out of children’s reach. Mainly the drug should be kept at room temperature between 68ºF and 77ºF (20ºC and 25ºC).
Fondaparinux vs Heparin:
Hydrocodone |
Oxycodone |
|---|---|
| Hydrocodone is a pain reliever commonly prescribed. It is sold under the brand name Vicodin. | Oxycodone is in a family of medicines called analgesics for opiates (narcotics). |
| This drug is used in conjunction to alleviate mild to extreme pain. It includes an opioid pain reliever (hydrocodone) and a pain reliever, which is not opioid (acetaminophen). | To help alleviate mild to extreme pain, this drug is used. Oxycodone belongs to a class of medicines known as analgesics for opioids. In the brain, it acts to modify how the body feels and reacts to pain. |
Some of the common side effects of Hydrocodone are:
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Some of the common side effects of oxycodone are:
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