Hydrocodone/acetaminophen - Hydrocodone/acetaminophen - Oral Brand Drug

General Information

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

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.

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.

Hydrocodone/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).

Read Before Using Hydrocodone/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.

Other Medicinal Applications

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

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).

Drug Compatibility Recommendations

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

Hydrocodone/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.