What is Hydrocodone-Acetaminophen?

An example of Hydrocodone-Acetaminophen

Hydrocodone is an opiate pain medication used in the relief of moderate to severe pain. Acetaminophen (also known as APAP and paracetamol) increases the effects of hydrocodone when taken together.

Reported Purpose & Perceived Effectiveness

Reasons and Perceived effectiveness
Perceived Effectiveness
Purpose # of patients # of patients with evaluations
Major
Moderate
Slight
None
Can’t tell
1,373 332 Efficacy_major Efficacy_moderate Efficacy_slight Efficacy_none Efficacy_cant_tell
561 143 Efficacy_major Efficacy_moderate Efficacy_slight Efficacy_none Efficacy_cant_tell
162 37 Efficacy_major Efficacy_moderate Efficacy_slight Efficacy_none
85 36 Efficacy_major Efficacy_moderate Efficacy_slight Efficacy_none
73 32 Efficacy_major Efficacy_moderate Efficacy_slight Efficacy_none
57 21 Efficacy_major Efficacy_moderate Efficacy_slight

See all 2,225 patients currently taking Hydrocodone-Acetaminophen

Mouse over the table for more information

Reported Side Effects

Side effects as an overall problem

Severe
33
Moderate
129
Mild
221
None
183

Commonly reported side effects, conditions, and hospitalizations associated with Hydrocodone-Acetaminophen

107
44
37
35
18
17
See all 141 reported side effects See top 6 reported side effects

Reported Dosages

Frequently reported dosages based on patients currently taking Hydrocodone-Acetaminophen. See all 281 dosages

  500mg-5mg as needed 325mg-5mg as needed 750mg-7.5mg as needed 325mg-10mg as needed 500mg-7.5mg as needed 500 mg-5 mg daily 2 x 500 mg-5 mg daily 4 x 325 mg-10 mg daily 3 x 500 mg-5 mg daily 4 x 500 mg-5 mg daily
  321 Number of Patients: 321 53 Number of Patients: 53 55 Number of Patients: 55 95 Number of Patients: 95 60 Number of Patients: 60 144 Number of Patients: 144 75 Number of Patients: 75 72 Number of Patients: 72 77 Number of Patients: 77 52 Number of Patients: 52  

Reported Stop Reasons

Why Patients Stopped Taking Hydrocodone-Acetaminophen (multiple reasons could be selected)
Reason # Patients Percentage of patients
Other 130   Other: 29%
Did not seem to work 124   Did not seem to work: 28%
Doctor's advice 100   Doctor's advice: 22%
Course of treatment ended 93   Course of treatment ended: 21%
Side effects too severe 59   Side effects too severe: 13%
Personal research 22   Personal research: 5%
Change in health plan coverage 15   Change in health plan coverage: 3%
Expense 8   Expense: 2%
Not indicated 7   Not indicated: 2%

See all 434 patients who’ve stopped taking Hydrocodone-Acetaminophen

Currently Taking Hydrocodone-Acetaminophen

A bar graph

0-1 month 1-3 months 3-6 months 6 months-1year 1-2 years 2 years or more

Stopped Taking Hydrocodone-Acetaminophen

A bar graph

0-1 month 1-3 months 3-6 months 6 months-1year 1-2 years 2 years or more

Reported Adherence, Burden & Cost See details from patient evaluations

Adherence

Taking treatment as prescribed

Adherence of Hydrocodone-Acetaminophen

Always
324 57%
Usually
153 27%
Sometimes
78 14%
Never
11 2%

Burden

Difficulty being on treatment

Burden of Hydrocodone-Acetaminophen

Very
19 3%
Somewhat
59 10%
A little
91 16%
Not at all
397 70%

Cost

Paid out of pocket

Cost of Hydrocodone-Acetaminophen

$200+
1 0%
$100-199
0 0%
$50-99
8 2%
$25-49
30 8%
< $25
358 90%

Sort by: Helpfulness | Most Recent

122 patient evaluations for Hydrocodone-Acetaminophen

Purpose: Pain (Started Aug 05, 2008)
Date Dosage Perceived effectiveness Side Effects Adherence Burden
May 01, 2013 2 x 500 mg-2.5 mg Daily Led_efficacy_3Led_efficacy_3Led_efficacy_3Led_defaultModerate ModerateModerateModerateModerateModerate UsuallyUsuallyUsuallyUsuallyUsually VeryVeryVeryVeryVery
Oct 10, 2011 2 x 500 mg-2.5 mg Daily Led_efficacy_4Led_efficacy_4Led_efficacy_4Led_efficacy_4Major MildMildMildMildMild UsuallyUsuallyUsuallyUsuallyUsually Not at allNot at allNot at allNot at allNot at all
Side effects:
Stomach upset
Date
May 01, 2013
Advice & Tips
Too much constipation.
Cost
< $25 monthly
Date
Oct 10, 2011
Advice & Tips
I believe I may have developed a tolerance to Lortab and it does not work as well as it might have in the past. It helps tremendously for pain and I take as few as I am able 1-2 a day typically. Frequency depends on activities. It is helpful when I struggle with diarrhea because it slows my bowel down. I notice no impairment whatsoever and can function fine.
Cost
< $25 monthly
  • Icon_thumb_off 0 helpful marks
Purposes: Pain, Pain in lower back, and Fibromyalgia (Started Mar 15, 2011)
Date Dosage Pain Perceived effectiveness Pain in lower back Perceived effectiveness Fibromyalgia Perceived effectiveness Side Effects Adherence Burden
Feb 18, 2013 90 mg Daily Led_efficacy_2Led_efficacy_2Led_defaultLed_default Led_efficacy_2Led_efficacy_2Led_defaultLed_default ? NoneNoneNoneNone UsuallyUsuallyUsuallyUsually A littleA littleA littleA little
  • Icon_thumb_off 0 helpful marks
Purposes: Fibromyalgia and Pain (Started Sep 15, 2009)
Date Dosage Fibromyalgia Perceived effectiveness Pain Perceived effectiveness Side Effects Adherence Burden
Jan 01, 2013 As needed Led_efficacy_2Led_efficacy_2Led_defaultLed_defaultSlight Led_efficacy_2Led_efficacy_2Led_defaultLed_defaultSlight MildMildMildMildMild AlwaysAlwaysAlwaysAlwaysAlways Not at allNot at allNot at allNot at allNot at all
May 03, 2012 As needed Led_efficacy_2Led_efficacy_2Led_defaultLed_defaultSlight Led_efficacy_3Led_efficacy_3Led_efficacy_3Led_defaultModerate MildMildMildMildMild AlwaysAlwaysAlwaysAlwaysAlways Not at allNot at allNot at allNot at allNot at all
Date
Jan 01, 2013
Advice & Tips
At this point, I rarely take it. It is not effective against the fibro pain.
Cost
< $25 monthly
Date
May 03, 2012
Advice & Tips
I only take it on the REALLY bad days, when the pain is so bad it makes me cry. It doesn't help a lot, but takes the edge off. It helps me sleep better when the pain is very bad. I won't take it if I have to drive, so many times I can't take it when I'd like to.
Cost
< $25 monthly
  • Icon_thumb_off 0 helpful marks
1 2 3 4 5 6 ... 41    You are at the first page First There is no previous page Prev | Next Go to the next page Last Go to the last page 

What is acetaminophen-hydrocodone?

Hydrocodone is in a group of drugs called narcotic pain relievers.

Acetaminophen is a less potent pain reliever that increases the effects of hydrocodone.

The combination of acetaminophen and hydrocodone is used to relieve moderate to severe pain.

Acetaminophen and hydrocodone may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.


Precautions

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to acetaminophen (Tylenol) or hydrocodone.

Hydrocodone may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Acetaminophen and hydrocodone should never be given to another person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it.

Before using acetaminophen and hydrocodone, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

  • asthma, COPD, sleep apnea, or other breathing disorders;
  • liver or kidney disease;
  • a history of head injury or brain tumor;
  • low blood pressure;
  • a stomach or intestinal disorder;
  • underactive thyroid;
  • Addison's disease or other adrenal gland disorder;
  • curvature of the spine;
  • mental illness; or
  • a history of drug or alcohol addiction.

Tell your doctor if you drink more than three alcoholic beverages per day or if you have ever had alcoholic liver disease (cirrhosis). You may not be able to take medication that contains acetaminophen.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether this medication is harmful to an unborn baby, but it could cause breathing problems or addiction/withdrawal symptoms in a newborn. Before you take acetaminophen and hydrocodone, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

Acetaminophen and hydrocodone can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

This medication can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.

Do not use any other cold, allergy, pain, or sleep medication without first asking your doctor or pharmacist. Acetaminophen (sometimes abbreviated as "APAP”) is contained in many combination medicines. If you use certain products together you may accidentally use too much acetaminophen. Read the label of any other medicine you are using to see if it contains acetaminophen or APAP.

Avoid drinking alcohol while taking acetaminophen and hydrocodone. Alcohol may increase your risk of liver damage while taking acetaminophen.

Cold or allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, antidepressants, or seizure medication can add to sleepiness caused by hydrocodone, or could slow your breathing. Tell your doctor if you need to use any of these other medicines while you are taking acetaminophen and hydrocodone.

Back to top

Instructions

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. An overdose of acetaminophen and hydrocodone can be fatal.

Overdose symptoms may include extreme drowsiness, sweating, pinpoint pupils, nausea, vomiting, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), confusion, cold and clammy skin, muscle weakness, fainting, weak pulse, slow heart rate, coma, blue lips, shallow breathing, or no breathing.

Since acetaminophen and hydrocodone is taken as needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are taking the medication regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and wait until your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Back to top

Side Effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

  • shallow breathing, slow heartbeat;
  • feeling light-headed, fainting;
  • confusion, fear, unusual thoughts or behavior;
  • seizure (convulsions);
  • problems with urination; or
  • nausea, stomach pain, loss of appetite, itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Less serious side effects may include:

  • feeling anxious, dizzy, or drowsy;
  • mild nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, constipation;
  • headache, mood changes;
  • blurred vision;
  • ringing in your ears; or
  • dry mouth.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Back to top

Interactions

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:

  • antidepressants such as amitriptyline (Elavil, Etrafon), clomipramine (Anafranil), imipramine (Janimine, Tofranil), and others;
  • an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate);
  • atropine (Donnatal, and others), benztropine (Cogentin), dimenhydrinate (Dramamine), glycopyrrolate (Robinul), mepenzolate (Cantil), methscopolamine (Pamine), or scopolamine (Transderm-Scop);
  • bladder or urinary medications such as darifenacin (Enablex), flavoxate (Urispas), oxybutynin (Ditropan, Oxytrol), tolterodine (Detrol), or solifenacin (Vesicare);
  • a bronchodilator such as ipratropium (Atrovent) or tiotropium (Spiriva); or
  • irritable bowel medications such as dicyclomine (Bentyl), hyoscyamine (Anaspaz, Cystospaz, Levsin, and others), or propantheline (Pro-Banthine).

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with acetaminophen and hydrocodone. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Other Names

Anexsia, Bancap HC, Dolacet, Dolorex Forte, Hy-Phen, Hycet, Liquicet, Lorcet 10/650, Lorcet HD, Lorcet Plus, Lortab, Lortab 10/500, Lortab 2.5/500, Lortab 5/500, Lortab 7.5/500, Lortab Elixir, Maxidone, Norco, Panacet, Stagesic, T-Gesic, Vicodin, Vicodin ES, Vicodin HP, Xodol, Xodol 5, Zydone, acetaminophen-hydrocodone, hydrocodone-acetaminophen, Anolor DH5, Co-Gesic, Polygesic, Stagesic-10, Vanacet, and Zamicet

Back to top

Disclaimer

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

Copyright 1996-2004 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version 2.05. Revision date 8/23/04

Last updated: