How is Hydrocodone Oral Route dosed?
For adults and children over 12 years of age, the usual dose is 1 to 2 tablets every 4 to 6 hours as needed for pain. The maximum dose is 8 tablets per day. For children 6 to 12 years of age, the usual dose is 1 tablet every 4 to 6 hours as needed for pain. The maximum dose is 5 tablets per day. For patients with severely decreased liver function, the recommended dose should not exceed 1 tablet every 4 to 6 hours.
What is the dosage form of Hydrocodone Oral Route?
The dosage forms of hydrocodone oral route are Tablet, Extended Release and Capsule, Extended Release.
What medications are contraindication with Hydrocodone Oral Route?
Hydrocodone oral route may interact with other medications, causing potentially harmful side effects. Some of the medications that can interact with hydrocodone oral route include: 1. Central nervous system (CNS) depressants, such as benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and general anesthetics, which can increase the risk of respiratory depression, hypotension, and sedation. 2. Other opioid pain medications, including buprenorphine, butorphanol, nalbuphine, pentazocine, and tapentadol, which can increase the risk of overdose, respiratory depression, and sedation. 3. Muscle relaxants, such as cyclobenzaprine and orphenadrine, which can cause increased sedation and respiratory depression. 4. Antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine, doxylamine, and cetirizine, which can cause excessive drowsiness when combined with hydrocodone. 5. Antidepressants, such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which can potentially cause serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition, when combined with hydrocodone. It is essential to inform your doctor about all the medications you are taking, including prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal products, to ensure that no harmful interactions occur.
How is Hydrocodone Oral Route administered?
Hydrocodone oral route can be administered as a regular tablet or as an extended-release capsule or tablet. The extended-release forms should be taken only by opioid-tolerant patients and swallowed whole, not crushed, broken, chewed, or dissolved. It's important to take the medicine at the same time each day, with or without food, and follow the dosing instructions provided by your doctor.
What are common precautions when taking Hydrocodone Oral Route?
To ensure the safety and effectiveness of hydrocodone, it is important to follow certain precautions when taking the oral route. Some common precautions include: 1. Opioid-tolerant patients only: Hydrocodone extended-release capsules or extended-release tablets are only for use in opioid-tolerant patients. Consult your doctor if you are unsure about your opioid-tolerance status. 2. Take at the same time: Follow your doctor's orders or the instructions on the label to take the medicine at the same time each day, with or without food. 3. Swallow whole: For extended-release tablets, do not crush, break, chew, or dissolve them. Swallow them whole with enough water to ensure complete swallowing immediately after placing in the mouth. 4. Dose adjustment: Elderly patients may require a dose adjustment due to a higher risk of confusion, severe drowsiness, and age-related liver, kidney, heart, or lung problems. 5. Monitor breastfeeding: There is limited information on the safety of hydrocodone use while breastfeeding. Consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medicine while breastfeeding. 6. Avoid drug interactions: Inform your doctor about any other medications you are taking, especially if you have kidney or liver disease, as hydrocodone's effects may be increased in these conditions. 7. Opioid Analgesic REMS program: Be aware of the Opioid Analgesic REMS program rules to prevent addiction, abuse, and misuse of hydrocodone. Always read and follow the Medication Guide provided with the medicine, and consult your doctor if you have any questions. Remember to follow your doctor's instructions carefully and report any side effects to your healthcare provider.