Hydrocodone 10/325

What Is Hydrocodone?

Hydrocodone is an opioid medication used for the treatment of severe pain. It belongs to a class of medicines known as opioid or narcotic analgesics.

Hydrocodone works by changing the way the brain and nervous system respond to pain. Depending on the specific prescription product, hydrocodone may be supplied as an extended-release medicine or as part of a combination product containing another active ingredient.

What Is Hydrocodone Used For?

Hydrocodone may be prescribed to relieve severe pain when a healthcare professional determines that an opioid medication is appropriate.

The exact product, formulation, and treatment plan depend on the patient’s medical condition and the healthcare professional’s assessment.

Hydrocodone should not be used simply because it is advertised online as a solution for pain.

How Does Hydrocodone Work?

Hydrocodone affects opioid receptors involved in the body’s perception of pain.

Its effects can reduce the sensation of severe pain but can also affect the central nervous system. This is why hydrocodone can cause drowsiness, sedation and slowed breathing.

Patients should take hydrocodone only according to their prescription and should discuss any concerns about pain control with their healthcare professional.

Hydrocodone Extended-Release Medicines

Some hydrocodone products are formulated as extended-release medicines designed to provide longer-lasting effects.

Extended-release hydrocodone products must be taken exactly as directed. MedlinePlus specifically warns that extended-release capsules or tablets should not be crushed, broken, chewed or dissolved because doing so can release too much medicine at once.

Hydrocodone Combination Products

Hydrocodone is also available in combination with other active ingredients.

Different combination products can have different purposes and safety considerations. For example, some are prescribed for severe pain, while certain hydrocodone combinations have other indications.

Patients should review the complete medication information for every ingredient in their particular product.

Important Hydrocodone Safety Warning

Hydrocodone can be habit-forming and may cause serious or life-threatening respiratory depression

The risk can be particularly important during the first several days of treatment and when the dosage is increased. Symptoms such as unusually slow breathing, long pauses between breaths or difficulty breathing require immediate medical attention.

Never take more hydrocodone than prescribed, take it more frequently than prescribed, or use another person’s medication.

Common Side Effects

Possible side effects of hydrocodone include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Stomach discomfort
• Increased sweating
• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Lightheadedness
• Constipation

Side effects vary between individuals. A healthcare professional should be contacted if symptoms are severe, persistent or unusual.

Hydrocodone and Alcohol

Alcohol can increase the harmful effects of hydrocodone.

Combining hydrocodone with alcohol or certain other central nervous system depressants can increase the risk of excessive sedation, breathing problems, coma and other serious complications.

Patients taking hydrocodone should follow their healthcare professional’s instructions regarding alcohol and other substances.

Hydrocodone Drug Interactions

Hydrocodone can interact with prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, supplements and other substances.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about everything you currently take before starting hydrocodone. Particular attention may be necessary with medicines that affect the central nervous system.

Do not start, stop or change another medication without discussing the change with a healthcare professional.

Hydrocodone, Dependence and Withdrawal

Regular opioid use can lead to physical dependence.

A person who has been taking hydrocodone regularly should not suddenly stop treatment without medical guidance. Abrupt discontinuation can cause withdrawal symptoms, including restlessness, sweating, chills, muscle aches, anxiety, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

The treatment plan should therefore be managed by a healthcare professional.

Hydrocodone and Pregnancy

People who are pregnant or planning pregnancy should discuss hydrocodone use with their healthcare professional.

Regular opioid exposure during pregnancy can result in serious effects, including potentially life-threatening withdrawal symptoms in a newborn.

Hydrocodone and Driving

Hydrocodone may cause drowsiness, dizziness and impaired alertness.

Patients should avoid driving or operating machinery until they know how the medicine affects them and should follow their healthcare professional’s safety instructions.

Hydrocodone Overdose

An opioid overdose can cause:

• Slow or shallow breathing
• Difficulty breathing
• Extreme sleepiness
• Loss of consciousness
• Slow heartbeat
• Cold or clammy skin
• Inability to wake the person

An overdose is an emergency. In the United States, call 911 immediately if someone has collapsed, cannot be awakened, has a seizure or is having difficulty breathing. MedlinePlus also recommends having appropriate opioid-overdose rescue medication such as naloxone or nalmefene available when advised by a healthcare professional.

Can You Buy Hydrocodone Online in the USA?

People searching for “buy hydrocodone online” should verify that any online pharmacy operates legally and follows applicable U.S. prescription requirements.

FDA warns that unsafe online pharmacies may sell counterfeit, unapproved or otherwise unsafe prescription medicines. Some websites advertise prescription drugs at unusually low prices or without requiring a prescription.

Consumers should therefore verify an online pharmacy before providing payment or personal information.

How to Identify a Safer Online Pharmacy

FDA recommends caution when purchasing medicines online.

Important checks include whether the pharmacy:

• Requires an appropriate prescription when one is legally required
• Provides legitimate contact information
• Has appropriate pharmacy licensing
• Provides access to a pharmacist
• Clearly identifies the medication being supplied
• Avoids unrealistic claims about prescription medicines

FDA specifically warns that websites selling prescription medicines without appropriate prescription requirements may supply counterfeit or unsafe products.

Hydrocodone vs. Other Opioid Pain Medicines

Hydrocodone is one of several prescription opioids used for pain. Other opioids include oxycodone, morphine, fentanyl and tramadol.

The appropriate medication depends on the individual’s condition, medical history, other medicines and risk factors. A healthcare professional should determine which treatment is appropriate rather than patients selecting an opioid based solely on online advertising.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hydrocodone

What is hydrocodone?

Hydrocodone is a prescription opioid medication used to relieve severe pain. It changes how the brain and nervous system respond to pain.

Is hydrocodone a prescription medication?

Yes. Hydrocodone is a prescription opioid and should be used only according to a healthcare professional’s instructions.

What is hydrocodone used for?

Hydrocodone is used to relieve severe pain in patients for whom a healthcare professional determines that opioid treatment is appropriate.

Can hydrocodone be purchased online?

Prescription hydrocodone may be dispensed through legitimate pharmacy channels when appropriate prescription and regulatory requirements are met. Consumers should avoid websites that offer prescription opioids without appropriate authorization. FDA warns that unsafe online pharmacies may sell counterfeit or unapproved medicines.

What are common hydrocodone side effects?

Common effects can include nausea, vomiting, stomach discomfort, sweating, drowsiness, dizziness and constipation.

Can hydrocodone cause breathing problems?

Yes. Hydrocodone can cause serious or life-threatening respiratory depression, particularly during treatment initiation or after dose increases.

Can hydrocodone be taken with alcohol?

Alcohol can increase the dangerous effects of hydrocodone, including sedation and respiratory depression. Patients should follow their healthcare professional’s instructions and avoid unsafe combinations.

Is hydrocodone habit-forming?

Yes. Hydrocodone can be habit-forming and can lead to physical dependence. It should be taken exactly as prescribed.

What happens if someone overdoses on hydrocodone?

An overdose can cause slow or stopped breathing, extreme drowsiness, loss of consciousness and other life-threatening symptoms. Call 911 immediately for a suspected opioid overdose.

How can I identify a legitimate online pharmacy?

Look for a pharmacy that operates legally, requires an appropriate prescription, provides verifiable contact information and has appropriate pharmacy licensing. FDA recommends consumers exercise caution with online pharmacies that sell prescription medicines without requiring prescriptions.

What should I discuss with my doctor before taking hydrocodone?

Tell your healthcare professional about your medical history, current medicines, supplements, alcohol use, previous substance-use concerns, breathing problems, pregnancy status and any other relevant health conditions.