Prab at 10:01, 1 September 2023

2023-09-01T10:01:15Z

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[[File:Hydrocodone skeletal.svg|Hydrocodone skeletal|thumb]] [[File:Hydrocodone liquid.jpg|Hydrocodone liquid|thumb]] [[File:Hydrocodone 7.5-325 (1).JPG|Hydrocodone 7.5-325|thumb]] [[File:Main symptoms of Hydrocodone overdose.svg|Main symptoms of Hydrocodone overdose|thumb]]
As a [[narcotic]], hydrocodone relieves [[pain]] by binding to [[opioid receptor]]s in the [[brain]] and [[spinal cord]]. It may be taken with or without food. When taken with alcohol, it can intensify drowsiness. It may interact with [[monoamine oxidase inhibitors]], as well as other drugs that cause drowsiness. It is in [[Food and Drug Administration|FDA]] [[pregnancy category]] C: its effect on an [[embryo]] or [[fetus]] is not clearly known and pregnant women should consult their physicians before taking it. Common [[Adverse drug reaction|side effects]] include [[dizziness]], [[lightheadedness]], [[nausea]], [[sedative|drowsiness]], [[euphoria]], [[vomit|vomiting]], and [[constipation]]. Some less common side effects are [[allergy|allergic reaction]], [[blood]] disorders, changes in mood, mental fogginess, [[anxiety]], [[lethargy]], difficulty [[urination|urinating]], [[spasm]] of the [[ureter]], irregular or depressed [[Respiration (physiology)|respiration]] and [[rash]].

Hydrocodone can be habit-forming , and can lead to physical and psychological [[addiction]]. In the [[United States|U.S.]], pure hydrocodone and forms containing more than 15 mg per dosage unit are considered [[Controlled Substances Act|Schedule II]] drugs. Those containing less than or equal to 15 mg per dosage unit in combination with acetaminophen or another non-controlled drug are called [[Hydrocodone Compounds]] and are considered [[Controlled Substance Act|Schedule III]] drugs. Hydrocodone is typically found in combination with other drugs such as [[paracetamol]] (acetaminophen), [[aspirin]], [[ibuprofen]] and [[homatropine|homatropine methylbromide]]. The purpose of the non-controlled drugs in combination is often twofold. 1) To provide increased analgesia via drug synergy. 2) To limit the intake of hydrocodone by causing unpleasant and often unsafe side effects at higher than prescribed doses (See Below). In the [[United Kingdom|UK]] it is listed as a [[Class A drug]] under the [[Misuse of Drugs Act 1971]].

==Overdosing Risks==
The presence of acetaminophen in hydrocodone-containing products deters many drug users from taking excessive amounts. However, some users will get around this by [[Cold water extraction|extracting]] a portion of the acetaminophen using hot/cold water, taking advantage of the water-soluble element of the drug. It is not uncommon for addicts to have liver problems from consuming excessive amounts of acetaminophen over a long period of time; taking 10,000 to 15,000 miligrams (10 to 15 grams) of acetaminophen in a period of 24 hours typically results in severe [[hepatotoxicity]], and doses in the range of 15,000-20,000 miligrams a day have been reported as fatal.[http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic4/hydrocodone_od.htm] It is this factor that leads many addicts to use only single entity opiates such as [[Oxycodone|OxyContin]].

Daily consumption of hydrocodone should not exceed 40 milligrams in patients not tolerant to opiates. However, it clearly states in the 2006 PDR (''[[Physicians Desk Reference]]'') that Norco 10, containing 10 miligrams of hydrocodone and 325 miligrams of [[APAP]] (viz., acetaminophen or paracetamol), can be taken at a dosage of up to twelve tablets per day (120 miligrams of hydrocodone). Such high amounts of hydrocodone are '''only''' intended for opiate tolerant patients, and titration to such levels must be monitored very carefully. This restriction is only limited by the fact that twelve tablets, each containing 325 miligrams of APAP, puts the patient right below the 24 hour FDA maximum of 4,000 mg of APAP. Some specially compounded products are routinely given to chronic pain patients in doses of up to 180 mg of hydrocodone per day. Tolerance to this drug can increase very rapidly if abused. Because of this, addicts often overdose from taking handfulls of pills, in pursuit of the high they experienced very early on in their hydrocodone use. Symptoms of hydrocodone overdosage include respiratory depression, extreme [[somnolence]], coma, stupor, cold and/or clammy skin, sometimes [[bradycardia]], and [[hypotension]]. A severe overdose may involve circulatory collapse, [[cardiac arrest]] and/or [[death]].

==Alcohol==
It is not recommended to mix any amount of hydrocodone with any amount of alcohol as doing so could cause health problems. APAP, like alcohol, is metabolized solely by the liver. Therefore the risk of fatal overdose due to hepatotoxicity can occur with significantly lower levels of APAP when mixed with ethanol. This fact is often neither known nor given credence as it does not stop people from mixing them due to the feeling of euphoria it provides.

==Pills containing Hydrocodone==
The following is a list of hydrocodone pills primarily manufactured by Watson Laboratories, Inc., as they provided the list. Some other manufacturers are included. (i.e. Zydone is made by ENDO) This is a relatively complete listing of the various combinations/strengths of hydrocodone/Apap preparations available in tablet form. Other drug combinations such as Vicoprofen, Hycomine and Hycodan, which include drugs other than Apap are not listed. It is, however, not a complete listing of all the different pill markings being used today by far. There are ''several'' other manufacturers of generic hydrocodone tablets, of all strengths, supplying the growing demand for this drug, whether obtained through licit or illicit means.

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Hydrocodone - Revision history

Prab at 10:01, 1 September 2023