Action

Blocks release of inhibitory neurotransmitters, altering perception of and emotional response to pain. Hydrocodone/ibuprofen combination raises pain threshold by nonselectively inhibiting cyclooxygenase; prostaglandin synthesis then decreases and anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects occur.

Availability

hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen

Capsules: 5 mg hydrocodone (hyd.)/500 mg acetaminophen (acet.)

Elixir/oral solution: 2.5 mg hyd./167 mg acet./5 ml

Tablets: 2.5 mg hyd./500 mg acet.; 5 mg hyd./325 mg acet.; 5 mg hyd./400 mg acet.; 5 mg hyd./500 mg acet.; 7.5 mg hyd./325 mg acet.; 7.5 mg hyd./400 mg acet.; 7.5 mg hyd./500 mg acet.; 7.5 mg hyd./650 mg acet.; 7.5 mg hyd./750 mg acet.; 10 mg hyd./325 mg acet.; 10 mg hyd./400 mg acet.; 10 mg hyd./500 mg acet.; 10 mg hyd./650 mg acet.; 10 mg hyd./660 mg acet.; 10 mg hyd./750 mg acet.

hydrocodone bitartrate and aspirin

Tablets: 5 mg hyd./500 mg aspirin

hydrocodone bitartrate and ibuprofen

Tablets: 7.5 mg hyd./200 mg ibuprofen

hydrocodone bitartrate and homatropine methylbromide

Syrup: 1.5 mg/5 ml, 5 mg/5 ml

Tablets: 1.5 mg, 5 mg

Indications and dosages

➣ Moderate to severe pain

Adults: 2.5 to 10 mg P.O. q 4 to 6 hours p.r.n. When giving hydrocodone/acetaminophen, don't exceed 60 mg/day; when giving hydrocodone/ibuprofen, don't exceed 37.5 mg/day.

Children: 0.15 to 0.2 mg/kg P.O. q 6 hours

➣ Cough

Adults: One tablet or 5 ml (syrup) q 4 to 6 hours as needed; don't exceed 6 tablets or 30 ml syrup in 24 hours.

Children ages 6 to 12: One-half tablet or 2.5 ml (syrup) q 4 to 6 hours as needed; don't exceed 3 tablets or 15 ml syrup in 24 hours.

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to hydrocodone, acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen, or homatropine methylbromide (for corresponding combination products) or to alcohol, aspartame, saccharine, sugar, or tartrazine (with some products)

Precautions

Use cautiously in:

• severe renal, hepatic, or pulmonary disease; increased intracranial pressure; hypothyroidism; adrenal insufficiency; prostatic hypertrophy; thrombocytopenia; alcoholism

• elderly patients

• pregnant or breastfeeding patients.

Administration

See In patients receiving concurrent MAO inhibitors, know that hydrocodone may produce severe, unpredictable reactions. Initial dosage may need to be 25% lower than usual dosage.

Adverse reactions

CNS: confusion, drowsiness, sedation, dysphoria, euphoria, floating feeling, hallucinations, headache, anxiety, depression, fatigue, insomnia, lethargy, nervousness, slurred speech, tremor, asthenia, unusual dreams

CV: orthostatic hypotension, bradycardia, peripheral edema, palpitations, arrhythmias

EENT: blurred vision, vision changes, diplopia, miosis, tinnitus, pharyngitis, rhinitis, sinusitis

GI: nausea, vomiting, constipation, dysphagia, esophagitis, dyspepsia, flatulence, gastritis, gastroenteritis, mouth ulcers, dry mouth, anorexia

GU: urinary retention or frequency, erectile dysfunction

Respiratory: respiratory depression, bronchitis, dyspnea

Skin: pruritus, urticaria, diaphoresis, flushing

Other: physical or psychological drug dependence, drug tolerance

Interactions

Drug-drug. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors: decreased therapeutic effects of these drugs

Antihistamines, sedative-hypnotics: additive CNS depression

Buprenorphine, butorphanol, nalbuphine, pentazocine: precipitation of opioid withdrawal in physically dependent patients

Buprenorphine, pentazocine: decreased analgesia

Lithium: increased lithium blood level (with hydrocodone/ibuprofen only)

MAO inhibitors: severe, unpredictable reactions

Methotrexate: increased methotrexate blood level

Naloxone: withdrawal symptoms

Oral anticoagulants: increased risk of GI bleeding (with hydrocodone/ibuprofen only)

Drug-diagnostic tests. Amylase, lipase: increased levels

Drug-herbs. Chamomile, hops, kava, skullcaps, valerian: increased CNS depression

Drug-behaviors. Alcohol use: increased CNS depression

Patient monitoring

• In prolonged use, monitor for psychological and physical dependence.

• Watch closely for withdrawal symptoms when drug is discontinued.

• Assess elderly patients carefully for adverse reactions.

See Monitor for signs and symptoms of drug overdose, including nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, cool and clammy skin, dizziness, confusion, dyspnea, respiratory depression, bradycardia, hearing loss, tinnitus, headache, and mood or behavior changes.

Patient teaching

• Tell patient drug may cause drowsiness. Caution him to avoid driving and other hazardous activities until CNS effects are known.

• Inform patient that prolonged use may lead to physical or psychological dependence.

• Caution patient to avoid alcohol during therapy.

• Instruct patient to move slowly when sitting up or standing, to avoid dizziness from sudden blood pressure decrease.

• As appropriate, review all other significant and life-threatening adverse reactions and interactions, especially those related to the drugs, tests, herbs, and behaviors mentioned above.