Hydrocodone
From Free net encyclopedia
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Image:Hydrocodone.png | |
| 4,5a-Epoxy-3-methoxy-17-methylmorphinan-6-one tartrate (1:1) hydrate (2:5) | |
| CAS number 125-29-1 | ATC code R05DA03 |
| Chemical formula | C18H21NO3 |
| Molecular weight | 299.368 |
| Bioavailability | ? |
| Metabolism | Hepatic |
| Elimination half-life | 4-8 hours |
| Excretion | Renal |
| Pregnancy category | Category C (USA) |
| Legal status | Class A (UK), Schedule II/III (USA) |
| Routes of administration | Oral |
Hydrocodone or dihydrocodeinone (marketed as Vicodin, Anexsia, Dicodid, Hycodan, Hycomine, Lorcet, Lortab, Norco, Hydroco, Tussionex, Vicoprofen) 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.Template:Fact 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.
As a narcotic, hydrocodone relieves pain by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord. It may be taken with or without food. When taken with alcohol, it can intensify drowsiness. It may interact with monoamine oxidase inhibitors, as well as other drugs that cause drowsiness. It is in FDA pregnancy category C: its effect on an embryo or fetus is not clearly known and pregnant women should consult their physicians before taking it. Common side effects include dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, drowsiness, euphoria, vomiting, and constipation. Some less common side effects are allergic reaction, blood disorders, changes in mood, mental fogginess, anxiety, lethargy, difficulty urinating, spasm of the ureter, irregular or depressed respiration and rash.
Hydrocodone can be habit-forming, and can lead to physical and psychological addiction. In the U.S., pure hydrocodone and forms containing more than 15 mg per dosage unit are called hydrocodone compounds and are considered Schedule II drugs. Those containing less than 15 mg per dosage unit are Schedule III drugs. Hydrocodone is typically found in combination with other drugs such as paracetamol (acetaminophen), aspirin, ibuprofen and homatropine methylbromide. In the UK it is listed as a Class A drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.
Overdosing Risks
The presence of acetaminophen in hydrocodone-containing products deters many drug users from taking excessive amounts. However, some users will get around this by extracting a portion of the acetaminophen using hot/cold water, taking advantage of the water-soluble element of the drug. It is not uncommon for addicts to have liver problems from consuming excessive amounts of acetaminophen over a long period of time; taking 10 to 15 grams of acetaminophen in a period of 24 hours typically results in severe hepatotoxicity, and doses exceding 15 grams a day have been reported as fatal.[1] It is this factor that leads many addicts to use only single entity opiates such as OxyContin.
Daily consumption of hydrocodone should not excede 40 milligrams. [2] Symptoms of hydrocodone overdosage include respiratory depression, extreme somnolence, coma, stupor, cold and/or clammy skin, sometimes bradycardia, and hypotension. A severe overdose may involve circulatory collapse, cardiac arrest and/or death.
How supplied
| (by Watson Laboratories, Inc.) [3] | Trademark Names | |
| Hydrocodone Bitartrate / Acetaminophen Tablets USP | Appearance | |
| 2.5mg / 500mg | white tablets bisected on one side & debossed with WATSON 388 on the other side | Lortab 2.5/500 |
| 5mg / 400mg | Zydone 5/400 | |
| 5mg / 500mg | white tablets bisected on one side & debossed with WATSON 349 on the other side | Lortab 5/500, Vicodin 5/500 |
| 7.5mg / 325mg | light orange tablets bisected on one side & debossed with WATSON 3203 on the other side | Norco 7.5/325 |
| 7.5mg / 400mg | Zydone 7.5/400 | |
| 7.5mg / 500mg | white tablets bisected on one side & debossed with WATSON 385 on the other side | Lortab 7.5/500 |
| 7.5mg / 650mg | pink tablets bisected on one side & debossed with WATSON 502 on the other side | Anexsia 7.5/650 |
| 7.5mg / 750mg | white tablets bisected on one side & debossed with WATSON 387 on the other side | Vicodin ES, Vicodin 7.5/750 |
| 10mg / 325mg | yellow tablets bisected on one side & debossed with WATSON 853 on the other side | Norco 10/325 |
| 10mg / 400mg | Zydone 10/400 | |
| 10mg / 500mg | blue tablets bisected on one side & debossed with WATSON 540 on the other side | Lortab 10/500 |
| 10mg / 650mg | light green tablets bisected on one side & debossed with WATSON 503 on the other side | Lorcet10/650 |
| 10mg / 660mg | white tablets bisected on one side & debossed with WATSON 517 on the other side | Vicodin HP, Vicodin 10/660 |
| 10mg / 750mg | yellow tablets bisected on one side & debossed with WATSON 853 on the other side | Maxidone |