Most Common Medical Uses
Hydrocodone relieves pain. Acetaminophen is a less potent
pain reliever that increases the effects of hydrocodone.
Together, acetaminophen and hydrocodone are most commonly
used to relieve moderate-to-severe pain. Acetaminophen and
hydrocodone may also be used for purposes other than those
listed here.
How to Take This Medication
Take acetaminophen and hydrocodone exactly as directed by
your doctor. Take each dose with a full glass of water. Take
acetaminophen and hydrocodone with food or milk if it upsets
your stomach. Never take more of this medication than is
prescribed for you. Too much acetaminophen and hydrocodone
could be very harmful. Do not stop taking acetaminophen and
hydrocodone suddenly if you have been taking it continuously
for more than 5 to 7 days. Stopping suddenly could cause
withdrawal symptoms and make you feel uncomfortable. Your
doctor may want to gradually reduce your dose.
Possible Side Effects
Stop taking acetaminophen and hydrocodone and seek
emergency medical attention if you experience any of the
following: an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing;
closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or
face; or hives); slow, weak breathing; seizures; cold,
clammy skin; severe weakness or dizziness; unconsciousness;
yellowing of the skin or eyes; or unusual fatigue, bleeding,
or bruising. Less serious side effects may be more likely to
occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems
unusual or that is especially bothersome.
Precautions
Hydrocodone is habit forming and should only be used
under close supervision if you have an alcohol or drug
addiction. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor
if you have kidney disease; liver disease; asthma; urinary
retention; an enlarged prostate; hypothyroidism; seizures
epilepsy; gallbladder disease; a head injury; or Addison's
disease. Do not take this medication without first talking
to your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding a baby.
If you are younger than 18 years of age or older than 60
years of age, you may be more likely to experience side
effects from acetaminophen and hydrocodone therapy. Use
extra caution.
Drug Interactions
Do not take acetaminophen and hydrocodone if you have
taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as
isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or
tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. Dangerous
side effects could result. The most serious interactions
affecting acetaminophen and hydrocodone are with those drugs
that also cause sedation. Numerous drugs may lead to
dangerous sedation if taken with acetaminophen and
hydrocodone: Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before
taking any prescription or over the counter medicines. Many
other drugs contain acetaminophen, especially
over-the-counter pain, fever, cold, and allergy medications.
Missed Dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Do not take
a double dose of this medication. Wait the prescribed amount
of time before taking your next dose.
Storage
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.
Notes
Avoid alcohol while taking acetaminophen and hydrocodone.
Alcohol will greatly increase the drowsiness and dizziness
caused by acetaminophen and hydrocodone and could be
dangerous. Also, acetaminophen can damage your liver if you
drink three or more alcoholic beverages a day. Avoid
sleeping pills, tranquilizers, sedatives, and antihistamines
except under the supervision of your doctor. These
medications also may cause dangerous sedation. Do not share
acetaminophen and hydrocodone with others for whom it was
not prescribed, since they may have a problem that is not
effectively treated by this drug.
