It should only be used when prescribed and closely monitored by a healthcare provider.
They block pain messages from the body through the spinal cord to the brain.
Although opioids can effectively relieve pain, they carry some risks and can be highly addictive.
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The risk of addiction is exceptionally high when opioids are used to manage chronic pain over a long period.
What Is Hydrocodone?
With its easy availability and abuse patterns, hydrocodone is a primary driver of opioid-related abuse and misuse.
Hydrocodone is a semi-synthetic opioid drug classified as a Schedule II drug.
It is in a class of medications called opiate (narcotic) analgesics.
The FDA approves hydrocodone for pain management.
It is primarily used to treat severe chronic pain that is not effectively treated by non-opioid alternatives.
Similarly, the safety and effectiveness of hydrocodone in children and adolescents have not been established.
Forms of Administration
Hydrocodone is available in ER dosage forms, including capsules and tablets.
Hydrocodone ER capsules or ER tablets should not be used to treat pain that other medications can control.
Common brand name forms of hydrocodone include Hysingla.
Use In Other Products
Hydrocodone is also available in combination with other ingredients prescribed for different uses.
Hydrocodone combination products are used to relieve moderate-to-severe pain.
Some others are also used to relieve cough.
Some combinational products include:
How Does Hydrocodone Work?
Hydrocodone is an opioid receptor agonist which works on the mu-opioid receptors in the body.
It relieves pain by changing the response of the brain and nervous system to pain.
Hydrocodone also comes with black-box warnings.
These include:
Dosing Guidelines
Hydrocodone is recommended for use in adults only.
Always follow the guidelines of your healthcare provider.
Your healthcare provider may prescribe a specific dose depending on your needs.
Furthermore, a healthcare provider will gradually increase the dose if required until the therapeutic effect is achieved.
This may not be a complete list of drugs that interact with hydrocodone.
Always talk to your healthcare provider before taking any drug when using hydrocodone.
How Quickly Will Hydrocodone Work?
After a single oral intake, hydrocodone reaches maximum serum concentrations within one hour.
The ER formulations of hydrocodone reach peak blood concentration within 14-16 hours.
How Long Does Hydrocodone Stay in Your System?
Hydrocodone and its metabolites (by-products of the drug) are cleared primarily by renal (kidney) excretion.
As such, 99% of the administered dose is eliminated within 72 hours.
When taken as prescribed, hydrocodone is safe and effective.
However, it may cause some side effects and must be taken only as prescribed.
Do not take hydrocodone while breastfeeding.
It may harm the baby.
Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how hydrocodone affects you.
It can make you sleepy, dizzy, or lightheaded.
Alternative Treatment Options
There are options for pain management beyond the use of prescription opioids.
Hydrocodone is also an opioid drug used for pain management, available on prescription in ER dosage forms.
Hydrocodone should only be used when prescribed and closely monitored by a healthcare provider.
Even at standard doses, this drug can cause a potentially deadly overdose if not consumed as instructed.
When stopping hydrocodone, your healthcare provider will gradually decrease the dose.
This helps to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
Don’t suddenly stop taking hydrocodone, even if you feel well.
Store the tablets or capsules securely, out of sight, and out of reach of children.
Studies support that hydrocodone ER tablets are generally safe and well tolerated.
It was associated with a significant improvement in pain.
DailyMed.Label: hydrocodone bitartrate tablet extended release.
DailyMed.Label: hydrocodone bitartrate capsule extended-release.
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