Hydrocodone 500mg

How Hydrocodone 500mg works

Hydrocodone 500mg is a combination of two different pain-relieving medicines with two different mechanisms of action.

Experts aren’t sure exactly how acetaminophen works, but suspect it blocks a specific type of cyclooxygenase (COX) enzyme, located mainly in the brain. Hydrocodone is metabolized to hydromorphone (the active component) which binds to specific receptors known as opioid receptors that block pain signals on their way to the brain.

Hydrocodone 500mg belongs to the group of medicines known as combination narcotic analgesics. It may also be called a combination opioid analgesic.

Uses of Hydrocodone 500mg

• May be used to relieve moderate-to-moderately severe pain unresponsive to other treatment options.
• The combination is more effective than either drug alone.
• Both drugs last for a similar length of time in the body which makes them appropriate to be given together.
• Hydrocodone 500mg is available in tablet and oral solution forms.
• Has been FDA-approved for use in children; however, because of its high potential for addiction, acetaminophen/hydrocodone should only be given to children if there are no other alternatives.
• Generic acetaminophen/hydrocodone is available.

Side Effects

If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, take no other medication or have no other medical conditions, side effects you are more likely to experience include:

• Drowsiness or dizziness that may impair reaction skills and affect a person’s ability to drive or operate machinery (hydrocodone component). Avoid alcohol.
• Nausea, vomiting, and constipation (laxatives may be required); shortness of breath; dizziness; and low blood pressure (hydrocodone component) are also common. Hydrocodone may be more likely to cause constipation than other opioids such as oxycodone.
• Excessive dosages of acetaminophen can lead to liver injury or death. Care must be taken not to take additional acetaminophen from other sources.
• Unlike NSAID pain relievers like ibuprofen, acetaminophen does not have any appreciable anti-inflammatory action.
• Hydrocodone is habit-forming and potentially abusable. The combination of acetaminophen and hydrocodone should only be used short-term at the lowest effective dose when other nonopioid analgesics are not effective. Legitimate supplies of products containing hydrocodone may be sought out by drug seekers. Hydrocodone is one of the most abused opioids in the United States.