Hydrocodone 5/325 mg

Overview

Hydrocodone 5/325 mg is a prescription combination pain medication containing 5 mg of hydrocodone and 325 mg of acetaminophen (paracetamol) per tablet. Hydrocodone is an opioid analgesic that reduces the perception of pain, while acetaminophen provides additional pain-relieving and fever-reducing effects.

Hydrocodone is a potent opioid and can cause serious risks, including respiratory depression, misuse, addiction, physical dependence, overdose, and death. It should only be used under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional.

Uses

Hydrocodone/acetaminophen may be prescribed for the management of pain when an opioid analgesic is considered appropriate.

It is generally intended for pain that is significant enough to require prescription opioid treatment. The medication should be used only for the condition and duration specified by the prescribing healthcare professional.

Dosage and Administration

The appropriate dose and frequency depend on the patient’s medical condition, previous opioid exposure, pain severity, response to treatment, age, and other medicines being taken.

Take the medication exactly as prescribed. Do not take additional tablets to obtain stronger or faster pain relief.

Because each tablet contains acetaminophen, patients must also account for acetaminophen from other medicines to avoid accidental overdose.

Do not share this medication with another person.

Common Side Effects

Possible side effects include:

• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Stomach discomfort
• Headache
• Dry mouth
• Sweating
• Itching
• Weakness
• Lightheadedness

Hydrocodone can impair alertness and coordination. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how the medication affects you.

Serious Side Effects

Seek immediate medical attention for:

• Slow, shallow, or difficult breathing
• Extreme sleepiness or inability to wake
• Confusion
• Fainting
• Loss of consciousness
• Severe allergic reaction
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Severe dizziness or dangerously low blood pressure
• Suspected overdose

Respiratory depression can be life-threatening.

Acetaminophen Safety

The acetaminophen component can cause serious liver injury if too much is taken.

Avoid taking additional acetaminophen-containing products unless a healthcare professional confirms that doing so is safe. Check the ingredients of cold, flu, fever, and pain medicines because many contain acetaminophen.

The risk of liver damage is particularly concerning with excessive doses, regular heavy alcohol consumption, or existing liver disease.

Warnings and Precautions

Hydrocodone can cause misuse, abuse, addiction, physical dependence, overdose, and death.

Tell your healthcare professional if you have breathing problems, lung disease, liver disease, kidney problems, a history of substance-use problems, or other significant medical conditions.

Do not combine hydrocodone with alcohol unless specifically instructed by a healthcare professional.

Drug Interactions

Hydrocodone can interact dangerously with other medicines and substances that cause sedation or slow breathing, including:

• Alcohol
• Benzodiazepines
• Sleeping medicines
• Other opioids
• Sedating antihistamines
• Certain muscle relaxants
• Other central nervous system depressants

Some medications can also change how hydrocodone is metabolized and may increase its effects.

Always provide your healthcare professional with a complete list of medicines and supplements you take.

Dependence, Tolerance, and Withdrawal

Repeated use of hydrocodone can result in tolerance and physical dependence. Physical dependence can occur even when a medication is taken as prescribed.

Stopping the medication suddenly after prolonged or regular use may cause withdrawal symptoms such as:

• Anxiety
• Restlessness
• Sweating
• Muscle aches
• Runny nose
• Insomnia
• Abdominal cramps
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

Do not abruptly discontinue regular opioid treatment without discussing it with your healthcare professional.

Overdose

An overdose can cause severe drowsiness, pinpoint pupils, slowed or stopped breathing, unconsciousness, coma, liver injury, and death.

If an opioid overdose is suspected, contact emergency medical services immediately. Naloxone can temporarily reverse opioid-related respiratory depression and may be lifesaving, but emergency medical care is still necessary.

Because the product contains acetaminophen, excessive use can also cause potentially severe or fatal liver damage.

Storage and Disposal

Store the medication securely and out of reach of children and anyone for whom it was not prescribed.

Do not share prescription opioids. Dispose of unused medication according to local pharmacy or healthcare-authority recommendations.

Important Safety Information

Hydrocodone 5/325 mg should be taken only as prescribed. Never take more tablets or take them more frequently than directed.

Pay particular attention to the total amount of acetaminophen consumed from all medicines.

Avoid alcohol and discuss all other medications with your healthcare professional. Seek emergency medical assistance for severe breathing difficulties, inability to wake, loss of consciousness, or suspected overdose.

This information is educational and does not replace the official prescribing information or advice from a qualified healthcare professional.