Main Menu
Understanding Healthcare
HYDROCODONE AND ACETAMINOPHEN
HYDROCODONE AND ACETAMINOPHENTRANSCRIPT (page 1 of 3)If you have moderate to severe pain, you may be prescribed Hydrocodone andAcetaminophen. You may know it by many different brand names, dependingon the strength prescribed to you: Lortab, Norco, or Vicodin. Hydrocodone andAcetaminophen is a high alert medication, which means if you do not take it exactly asprescribed, it may cause illness or injury.To understand how Hydrocodone and Acetaminophen works, let’s look at how painaffects your body.Thousands of tiny nerve cells in your body sense many feelings, like cold, heat,pressure, and pain. When your body is injured, the tiny nerve cells send a message toyour brain that says: ‘I’m in pain here!’Hydrocodone and Acetaminophen is a combination of the two different pain reliefmedications; and comes in a tablet or liquid. It works in 2 ways to help relievepain. The Hydrocodone part of the medication blocks pain signals to the brain. TheAcetaminophen part changes the way your body thinks of pain.When you are prescribed Hydrocodone and Acetaminophen, the medication label willshow 2 dosage numbers. The first is the amount of Hydrocodone and the second isthe amount of Acetaminophen prescribed to you. Your healthcare provider will decidehow much of each ingredient you need to take.Hydrocodone and Acetaminophen is a powerful medication. Some people shouldnot take it. Do not take Hydrocodone and Acetaminophen if you are allergic toAcetaminophen commonly called Tylenol, codeine or morphine.If you have asthma or COPD, tell your healthcare provider.If you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant or are breastfeeding, talk to yourhealthcare provider before taking Hydrocodone and Acetaminophen.20% gradient meshBefore taking Hydrocodone and Acetaminophen, tell your healthcare provider ifyou have a history of: head injury and stroke; liver, kidney or thyroid problems;andhealthclipspancreas problems.healthclipsHydrocodone and Acetaminophen can be highly addictive. If you have a history ofabuse of street drugs or prescription medications, tell your healthcare provider.If youhealthclipsdrink more than 3 alcoholic drinks per day, or have a history of alcohol abuse, youhealthclipsmay not be able to take Hydrocodone and Acetaminophen.(Continued on nextpage)4% gradient meshThis program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, orsuitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.hc_md_10034_98_en_t00002.pdf healthclips© Milner-Fenwick, Inc.5% gradient meshHYDROCODONE AND ACETAMINOPHENTRANSCRIPT (page 2 of 3)Some side effects of Hydrocodone and Acetaminophen include: constipation, nausea,headache, dizziness and sleepiness. If you do notice any of these side effects, contactyour healthcare provider about how to manage them.Be aware that you are at an increased risk of falling while taking Hydrocodone andAcetaminophen. Get up from a sitting or lying position slowly.Do not drive or operate heavy machinery, including your car, until you know howHydrocodone and Acetaminophen affects you.Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist before taking any other product withacetaminophen in it, or any cold, sleep, pain or allergy medication.If you have: trouble breathing, shortness of breath, fast heartbeat, chest pain, swellingin your face or throat, or extreme tiredness, call 911 and get help immediately.This is not the complete list of side effects. Make sure you discuss all possible sideeffects with your healthcare provider.Take Hydrocodone and Acetaminophen exactly as prescribed. Do not change yourdose.Always swallow the pill whole with plenty of water. Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water a dayto avoid constipation.If you have been prescribed liquid Hydrocodone with Acetaminophen, use ameasuring spoon or medicine cup to make sure you get the correct amount. Do notuse a regular kitchen spoon.Hydrocodone and Acetaminophen is taken when needed, so you may not be on adosing schedule. If you do take it regularly and skip a dose, take it as soon as20%yougradient meshremember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip your missed dose and return toyour normal medication schedule.healthclipsDo not double dose. If you think you have taken too much Hydrocodone andhealthclipsAcetaminophen, call 911. An overdose of Hydrocodone and Acetaminophen can causeserious breathing problems that can lead to death.healthclips(Continued on next page)healthclips4% gradient meshThis program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, orsuitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.hc_md_10034_98_en_t00002.pdf healthclips© Milner-Fenwick, Inc.5% gradient meshHYDROCODONE AND ACETAMINOPHENTRANSCRIPT (page 3 of 3)Store Hydrocodone and Acetaminophen away from moisture and direct sunlight. Yourbathroom medicine cabinet is not the best place because of moisture. Do not leaveyour medication where it can get too hot or too cold.Always store your medication out of sight and out of reach of children to preventaccidents.Because Hydrocodone and Acetaminophen is a narcotic that can cause dependency,it can be a very desirable drug to addicts. Lock this medication up to prevent stealingand abuse.When you are done taking Hydrocodone and Acetaminophen, crush all of yourremaining tablets and mix them with undesirable trash like kitty litter or coffeegrounds.Dispose of liquid Hydrocodone and Acetaminophen by flushing it down a drain ortoilet.Do not sell or give your Hydrocodone and Acetaminophen to anyone else. It is againstthe law and can seriously harm anyone else taking it. Contact your local police stationfor more information on proper disposal directions.Hydrocodone and Acetaminophen can help relieve your pain. But it is a powerfulmedication that should only be taken exactly as prescribed. If you have any questionsabout Hydrocodone and Acetaminophen, ask your healthcare provider and pharmacistfor more information.20% gradient meshhealthclipshealthclipshealthclipshealthclips4% gradient meshThis program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, orsuitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.hc_md_10034_98_en_t00002.pdf healthclips© Milner-Fenwick, Inc.5% gradient mesh
Featured in
Learn how Roxicodone works to relieve your pain, possible side effects to be aware of, and how to properly use and store this medication.
Watch this to understand your recovery from surgery at home, including pain management and signs of possible complications after your surgery.
Learn how Oxycontin helps manage your pain, how to take and store it safely, and what to do if you experience side effects.
Learn how Percodan works to relieve your pain, possible side effects to be aware of, and how to properly use and store this medication.
