Hydrocodone
is an effective antitussive (anti-cough) agent,
and as an opiate it is also an effective analgesic
for mild to moderate pain control. Five mg of
hydrocodone is equivalent to 30 mg of codeine
when administered orally. Early comparisons concluded
that hydrocodone and morphine were equipotent
for pain control in humans. However, it is now
considered that a dose of 15 mg (1/4 gr) of hydrocodone
is equivalent to 10 mg (1/6 gr) of morphine. Hydrocodone
is considered to be morphine-like in all respects.
There are over 200 products containing hydrocodone
in the U.S. In its most usual product forms hydrocodone
is combined with acetaminophen (Vicodin, Lortab),
but it is also combined with aspirin (Lortab ASA),
ibuprofen (Vicoprofen), and antihistamines (Hycomine).
Both tablet and liquid forms of hydrocodone are
available (e.g., Tussionex)
Hydrocodone is in Schedule II of the Controlled
Substances Act. Preparations containing hydrocodone
in combination with other non-narcotic medicinal
ingredients are in Schedule III.
Vicodin, hydrocodone in combination with acetaminophen,
is a commonly abused version of hydrocodone. Vicodin,
as with all narcotic analgesics, can be habit
forming---causing dependence, tolerance, and withdrawal
symptoms if not used as it is prescribed. Even
when used as prescribed, the following effects
are possible:
COMMON SIDE EFFECTS MAY
INCLUDE: dizziness, light-headedness, nausea,
sedation, vomiting, and constipation.
LESS COMMON SIDE EFFECTS: allergic reactions,
blood disorders, mood changes, mental cloudiness,
anxiety, lethargy, urine retention, ureteral spasm,
irregular breathing, respiratory depression, and
skin rash.
SYMPTOMS OF OVERDOSE:
bluish tinge to skin, cold and clammy skin,
extreme sleepiness progressing to a possible state
of unresponsiveness or coma, heart problems, heavy
perspiration, kidney problems, limp muscles, liver
failure, low blood pressure, nausea, slow heartbeat,
troubled or slowed breathing, and vomiting.
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