Hydrocodone W-acetaminophen - Hydrocodone/acetaminophen - Oral Brand Drug

General Information

• Below is miscellaneous information regarding Hydrocodone W-acetaminophen.
• Lorcet, Lortab, Norco, Vicodin
• hi-dro-CODE-own/ah-seet-ah-MIN-oh-fen

Read Before Using Hydrocodone W-acetaminophen (precautions)

• This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions.
• Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have.

Hydrocodone W-acetaminophen Storage Instructions

• Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture.
• Do not store in the bathroom.
• Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Possible Side Effects

• Nausea, vomiting, constipation, lightheadedness, dizziness, drowsiness, flushing, vision changes, or mental/mood changes may occur.
• If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
• Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur.

Overdose

• If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
• Symptoms of overdose may include.

Medicinal Applications

• This medication is a combination of a narcotic (hydrocodone) and a non-narcotic (acetaminophen) used to relieve moderate to severe pain.
• Hydrocodone works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, and acetaminophen decreases the formation of prostaglandins, therefore relieving pain.

What To Do In Case Of Missed Dose

• If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember.
• If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.
• Do not double the dose to catch up.

Usage Instructions

• Take this medication by mouth, as directed by your doctor.
• You may take this drug with or without food.
• If you have nausea, you may take this drug with food, although doing so may decrease its effectiveness.
• Consult your doctor or pharmacist about alternatives for decreasing nausea (for example, antihistamines, lying down for 1-2 hours with minimal head movement).
• The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.
• Pain medications work best in relieving pain before it becomes severe.
• Once the pain becomes intense, the medication is not as effective in relieving it.
• Use this medication exactly as prescribed.
• Do not increase your dose, take it more frequently or use it for a longer period of time than prescribed because this drug can be habit-forming.
• Also, if used for an extended period of time, do not suddenly stop using this drug without your doctor's approval.
• When used for an extended period, this medication may not work as well and may require different dosing.
• Talk with your doctor if this medication stops working well.
• This medication contains acetaminophen.
• Do not take more acetaminophen than recommended (see Side Effects section).

Hydrocodone W-acetaminophen Miscellaneous Notes

• Do not share this medication with others.
• It is against the law.
• This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only.
• Do not use it later for another condition unless told to do so by your doctor.
• A different medication may be necessary in those cases.
• To prevent constipation, maintain a diet adequate in fiber, drink plenty of water, and exercise.
• If you become constipated while using this drug, consult your pharmacist for help in selecting a laxative (for example, stimulant-type).

Other Medicinal Applications

• This medication may also be used to suppress a cough.

Drug Compatibility Recommendations

• This drug should not be used with the following medications because very serious interactions may occur.