Hydrocodone - Benefits, dosage and side effects

Hydrocodone is a medication to relieve moderate to severe pain. This medicine can combined with ibuprofen or paracetamol.

Hydrocodone is an opioid painkiller that works by blocking the transmission of pain signals in the central nervous system. That way, the pain can be reduced.

Please note that this medicine is not to be used as a routine painkiller and is used when other pain relievers are not effective. Hydrocodone should only be used according to a doctor's prescription.

Hydrocodone trademark: -

What is Hydrocodone

group	Prescription drugs
Category	Opioid painkillers
Benefit	Relieves moderate to severe pain
Consumed by	Mature
Hydrocodone for pregnant and lactating women	Category C: Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. Hydrocodone can be absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor.
Drug form	Capsules and tablets

Warnings Before Taking Hydrocodone

Hydrocodone should not be used carelessly. The following are things you need to pay attention to before taking hydrocodone:

Do not take hydrocodone if you are allergic to this drug. Tell your doctor about any allergies you have.
Hydrocodone should not be used by patients with severe asthma, severe respiratory distress, intestinal obstruction, or paralytic ileus.
Tell your doctor if you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, sleep apnea, low blood pressure, diseases of the adrenal glands, conditions that increase the risk of increased intracranial pressure, including a brain tumor or head injury.
Tell your doctor if you have or are currently experiencing alcoholism, drug abuse, liver disease, kidney disease, mental disorders, enlarged prostate gland, chronic diarrhea, or gallbladder disease.
Do not drive a vehicle or operate equipment that requires caution while having treatment with hydrocodone, as this medicine may cause dizziness, headache, or drowsiness.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, including supplements or herbal products.
Tell your doctor that you are being treated with hydrocodone before having surgery or any medical procedure, including dental surgery.
See your doctor right away if you have an allergic drug reaction, serious side effect, or overdose after taking hydrocodone.

Dosage and Instructions for Use of Hydrocodone

Hydrocodone will be given by a doctor. The dose will be determined based on the age, condition of the patient, and the body's response to the drug. The following is the dosage of hydrocodone to relieve moderate to severe pain in adults according to the dosage form of the drug:

Hydrocodone extended-release capsule
Initial dose 10 mg, 2 times a day. The dose may be increased by 10 mg, every 3–7 days. The maximum dose is 80 mg per day.
Hydrocodone extended-release tablets
The initial dose is 20 mg, once a day. The dose may be increased by 10–20 mg every 3–5 days. The maximum dose is 80 mg daily.

For elderly patients, the hydrocodone dose will be started with the lowest dose, then the dose can be increased if needed.

How to Take Hydrocodone Correctly

Use hydrocodone according to the doctor's advice and don't forget to read the information on the drug packaging. Do not increase or decrease the dose, and do not take the drug more than the recommended timeframe.

Hydrocodone can be taken before or after meals. Take hydrocodone capsules or tablets with a glass of water. Do not crush, chew, or split this medication, as this may affect the effectiveness of the drug.

Make sure that there is sufficient time between one dose and the next. Try to take hydrocodone at the same time every day for maximum treatment.

Carry out regular check-ups according to the schedule given by the doctor, so that the condition and response to therapy can be monitored. Do not stop taking hydrocodone suddenly because this drug can cause withdrawal symptoms, especially for patients who have been taking it for a long time.

Store hydrocodone at room temperature, and avoid direct sunlight. Keep medicine out of reach of children.

Hydrocodone Interactions with Other Drugs

There are several drug interactions that can occur when hydrocodone is used with other medicines, including:

Increased risk of fatal side effects, including low blood pressure, severe respiratory distress, coma, and even death, when used with anesthetics, other opioid drugs, antipsychotic drugs, muscle relaxants, or benzodiazepines.
Increased levels of hydrocodone in the blood, thereby increasing the risk of side effects, such as drowsiness, dizziness, or concentration, when used with clarithromycin, erythromycin, diltiazem, itraconazole, ketoconazole, ritonavir, or verapamil
Decreased blood levels of hydrocodone when used with rifampicin or phenytoin
Increased risk of urinary retention or paralytic ileus if used concomitantly with drugs that have anticholinergic effects
Increased risk of serotonin syndrome if used with tricyclic antidepressants, SSRIs, or MAOIs
Increased risk of withdrawal symptoms when used with buprenorphine

In addition, if consumed with alcoholic beverages, it can increase hydrocodone levels in the blood which can lead to drug overdose.

Side Effects and Dangers of Hydrocodone

Some of the side effects that may arise after taking hydrocodone are:

Dizziness or feeling like floating
Drowsiness
Nausea or vomiting
Constipation
Headache
Unusual weakness or tiredness
dry mouth
Tremor

Check with your doctor if the side effects above do not subside. Immediately see a doctor if you have an allergic reaction to the drug or experience more serious side effects, such as: