Hydrocodone 10mg

• Hydrocodone bitartrate extended-release tablets should be prescribed only by healthcare professionals who are knowledgeable about the use of extended-release/long-acting opioids and how to mitigate the associated risks. (2.1)
• Daily doses of hydrocodone bitartrate extended-release tablets greater than or equal to 80 mg are only for use in patients in whom tolerance to an opioid of comparable potency has been established.
• Patients considered opioid-tolerant are those taking, for one week or longer, at least 60 mg oral morphine per day, 25 mcg transdermal fentanyl per hour, 30 mg oral oxycodone per day, 8 mg oral hydromorphone per day, 25 mg oral oxymorphone per day, 60 mg oral hydrocodone per day, or an equianalgesic dose of another opioid. (2.1)
• Use the lowest effective dosage for the shortest duration of time consistent with individual patient treatment goals. (2.1) Reserve titration to higher doses of hydrocodone bitartrate extended-release tablets for patients in whom lower doses are insufficiently effective and in whom the expected benefits of using a higher dose opioid clearly outweigh the substantial risks. (2.1, 5)

Is hydrocodone with acetaminophen a controlled substance?

Yes, hydrocodone with acetaminophen is a controlled substance. Under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) hydrocodone (which includes hydrocodone with acetaminophen) is a schedule 2 controlled substance.  This means hydrocodone has a high potential for abuse, it currently has an accepted medical use which may include severe restrictions. Abuse may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since this medicine is used for pain, you are not likely to miss a dose. Skip any missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of acetaminophen and hydrocodone can be fatal.

Acute overdosage with hydrocodone and acetaminophen tablets can cause respiratory depression, sleepiness progressing to near-unconsciousness or coma, floppy muscles, cold and clammy skin, constricted pupils, and, in some cases, pulmonary edema, slow heartbeat, low blood pressure, partial or complete airway obstruction, unusual snoring, and death. If the patient who has overdosed becomes very low in oxygen pupils may become very dilated instead of constricted pupils.

Your doctor may recommend you get naloxone (a medicine to reverse an opioid overdose) and keep it with you at all times. A person caring for you can give the naloxone if you stop breathing or don’t wake up. Your caregiver must still get emergency medical help and may need to perform CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) on you while waiting for help to arrive.

Anyone can buy naloxone from a pharmacy or local health department. Make sure any person caring for you knows where you keep naloxone and how to use it.

The first signs of an acetaminophen overdose include loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, sweating, and confusion or weakness. Later symptoms may include pain in your upper stomach, dark urine, and yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.