Hydrocodone tablets and capsules
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What are hydrocodone tablets and capsules?
HYDROCODONE (Hycodan®) is used to relieve cough due to colds or minor upper respiratory infections. Federal law prohibits the transfer of hydrocodone to any person other than the patient for whom it was prescribed. Do not share this medicine with anyone else. Generic hydrocodone combination capsules or tablets are available.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• diarrhea
• head injury
• heart disease
• liver disease
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• lung disease or breathing difficulties
• seizures
• an allergic or unusual reaction to hydrocodone, codeine, morphine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take hydrocodone tablets or capsules by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. If hydrocodone upsets your stomach, take it with food or milk. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Do not share this medicine with anyone.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.What drug(s) may interact with hydrocodone?
• medicines for diarrhea
• medicines for high blood pressure
• medicines for seizures
• rifampin
• ritonavir
Because hydrocodone can cause drowsiness, other medicines that also cause drowsiness may increase this effect of hydrocodone. Some medicines that cause drowsiness are:
• alcohol and alcohol-containing medicines
• barbiturates such as phenobarbital
• certain antidepressants or tranquilizers
• certain antihistamines used in cold medicines
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking hydrocodone?
Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve or get worse. Use exactly as directed by your prescriber or health care professional.
You may get drowsy or dizzy when you first start taking hydrocodone or change doses. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how hydrocodone affects you. Stand or sit up slowly, this reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. These effects may be worse if you are an older patient. The drowsiness should decrease after taking hydrocodone for a couple of days.
Be careful taking other medicines which may also make you tired. This effect may be worse when taking these medicines with hydrocodone. Alcohol can increase possible drowsiness, dizziness, confusion and affect your breathing. Avoid alcohol while taking hydrocodone.
Hydrocodone may cause constipation. You may need to take a laxative and/or a stool softener while taking hydrocodone. Try to have a bowel movement every 2—3 days, at least. If you do not have a bowel movement for 3 days or more call your prescriber or health care professional.
Your mouth may get dry. Drinking plenty of water, chewing sugarless gum or sucking on hard candy may help to relieve dry mouth symptoms. Have regular dental checks.
If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking hydrocodone.
What side effects may I notice from taking hydrocodone?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
Rare or uncommon:
• cold, clammy skin
• decreased ability to pass urine
• difficulty breathing, wheezing
• severe rash
• seizures
• slow or fast heart beat
More common:
• confusion
• lightheadedness or fainting spells
• nervousness or restlessness
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• blurred vision
• constipation
• dizziness or drowsiness
• dry mouth
• headache
• nausea, vomiting
• pinpoint pupils
• sweating
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open. Do not share or give this medicine to anyone else. Avoid accidental swallowing of hydrocodone by someone (especially children) other than the person for whom it was prescribed as this may result in severe effects and possibly death.
Store at room temperature between 15—30 degrees C (5—86 degrees F). Protect from light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.
