Hydrocodone 5/325 mg

Overview

Hydrocodone 5/325 mg is a prescription combination pain medication
containing 5 mg of hydrocodone and 325 mg of acetaminophen
(paracetamol) per tablet. Hydrocodone is an opioid analgesic, while
acetaminophen provides additional pain-relieving and fever-reducing effects.

Hydrocodone can cause serious risks, including
respiratory depression,
misuse, addiction, physical dependence, overdose, and death.
It should only be used under the supervision of a qualified healthcare
professional.

Uses

Hydrocodone/acetaminophen may be prescribed for pain when an opioid
analgesic is considered appropriate. Its use depends on the patient’s
condition, medical history, and the prescribing professional’s assessment.

Learn more about
prescription medication safety.

Dosage and Administration

The appropriate dose and frequency depend on the patient’s medical
condition, previous opioid exposure, pain severity, response to treatment,
age, and other medicines being taken.

Take the medication exactly as prescribed. Do not take additional tablets
to obtain stronger or faster pain relief, and never share this medication.

Because each tablet contains acetaminophen, account for acetaminophen
from all other medicines to avoid accidental overdose and potentially
serious liver injury.

Common Side Effects

Possible side effects include:

• Drowsiness and dizziness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Constipation
• Stomach discomfort
• Headache
• Dry mouth
• Sweating or itching
• Weakness or lightheadedness

Hydrocodone can impair alertness and coordination. Avoid driving or
operating machinery if you experience drowsiness, dizziness, or impaired
coordination.

See our
medication side effects information.

Serious Side Effects

Seek emergency medical assistance for:

• Slow, shallow, or difficult breathing
• Extreme sleepiness or inability to wake
• Loss of consciousness
• Severe confusion or fainting
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Signs of a severe allergic reaction
• Suspected overdose

Opioid-related respiratory depression can be life-threatening.

Acetaminophen Safety

The acetaminophen component can cause severe liver injury if too much
is taken. Check the ingredients of other pain, cold, flu, and fever
medicines before using them alongside this medication.

Do not take additional acetaminophen-containing products unless a
healthcare professional confirms that the combination is safe.
Liver disease and heavy alcohol consumption can increase concern
about liver injury.

Read more about
acetaminophen safety.

Warnings and Precautions

Hydrocodone can cause misuse, abuse, addiction, physical dependence,
overdose, and death. Tell your healthcare professional if you have
breathing problems, lung disease, liver or kidney problems, or a history
of substance-use disorder.

Avoid alcohol while taking this medication. Alcohol can increase the
risk of dangerous sedation and breathing difficulties.

Review our
opioid safety information.

Drug Interactions

Hydrocodone can interact dangerously with medicines and substances that
cause sedation or slow breathing, including:

• Alcohol
• Benzodiazepines
• Sleeping medicines
• Other opioids
• Sedating antihistamines
• Certain muscle relaxants
• Other central nervous system depressants

Some medicines can also alter how hydrocodone is metabolized and may
increase the risk of adverse effects. Provide your healthcare
professional with a complete list of medicines and supplements you use.

Learn more about
drug interactions.

Dependence, Tolerance, and Withdrawal

Repeated opioid use can result in tolerance and physical dependence,
even when the medication is taken as prescribed. Stopping regular
treatment suddenly may cause withdrawal symptoms, including:

• Anxiety and restlessness
• Sweating
• Muscle aches
• Runny nose
• Insomnia
• Abdominal cramps
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

Do not abruptly discontinue regular opioid treatment without discussing
a safe plan with your healthcare professional.

Learn more about
opioid dependence and withdrawal.

Overdose

An overdose can cause severe drowsiness, pinpoint pupils, slowed or
stopped breathing, unconsciousness, coma, liver injury, and death.

If an opioid overdose is suspected, contact emergency medical services
immediately. Naloxone can temporarily reverse opioid-related respiratory
depression and may be lifesaving, but emergency medical care is still
necessary. Excessive acetaminophen can also cause severe liver injury,
even before obvious symptoms appear.

See our
overdose prevention information.

Storage and Disposal

Store the medication securely and out of reach of children and anyone
for whom it was not prescribed. Never share prescription opioids.
Follow local pharmacy or healthcare-authority recommendations for
disposing of unused medication.

Important Safety Information

Hydrocodone 5/325 mg should be taken only as prescribed. Never take
additional tablets or take them more frequently than directed. Pay
particular attention to the total amount of acetaminophen consumed
from all medicines.

Avoid alcohol and discuss other medicines with your healthcare
professional. Seek emergency assistance for severe breathing
difficulties, inability to wake, loss of consciousness, or suspected
overdose.

Additional Medical Resources

• 
  MedlinePlus: Hydrocodone Combination Products
  
• 
  FDA: Opioid Medication Safety Information
  
• 
  MedlinePlus: Acetaminophen Information
  
• 
  DailyMed: Hydrocodone/Acetaminophen Product Labeling
  

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Medical Disclaimer:
This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace
official prescribing information or advice from a qualified healthcare
professional.