Hydrocodone

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.

Hydrocodone or dihydrocodeinone (marketed as Vicodin, Anexsia, Dicodid, Hycodan, Hycomine, Lorcet, Lortab, Norco, Tussionex, Vicoprofen (one generic drug substituted for Hydrocodone is Hydroco)) is an opioid derived from either of the naturally occurring opiates codeine or thebaine. Hydrocodone is an orally active narcotic analgesic and antitussive. The typical therapeutic dose of 5 to 10 mg is pharmacologically equivalent to 30 to 60 mg of oral codeine.[1] Sales and production of this drug have increased significantly in recent years, as have diversion and illicit use. Hydrocodone is commonly available in tablet, capsule and syrup form.

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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