What side effects are possible with this medication?
A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. A side effect may be mild or severe, temporary or permanent, but does not occur in everyone. Not everyone will experience side effects, and which side effects a person experiences cannot be anticipated.
The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. If you develop any of these side effects (or any other side effects not listed here) or they change in intensity, speak to your doctor or pharmacist for advice on managing them and on the risks and benefits of the medication.
- constipation (if used for a long time)
- dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling faint
- drowsiness
- nausea or vomiting
- unusual tiredness or weakness
Click here to learn about serious side effects that can potentially occur with any medication. These examples are provided for information purposes only and are not meant to be exhaustive. Always consult your doctor for sound medical advice specific to your particular medication and treatment.
Are there any other precautions or warnings for this medication?
Be sure to inform your doctor of all your medical conditions before you begin taking a medication. Some conditions can affect how you should take this medication.
Breathing: People sensitive to this medication or taking it in high doses may experience shortness of breath or irregular breathing.
Head injury: People with head injuries should be closely monitored by their doctor while taking this medication as it may worsen their condition or affect their breathing.
Abdominal conditions: People with abdominal problems should be closely monitored by their doctor while taking this medication as it may make these conditions harder to diagnose and monitor.
Dependence and withdrawal: Physical dependence, psychological dependence, and abuse have occurred with the use of hydrocodone. If you have been using this medication regularly for a prolonged period and no longer require it for treatment, your doctor will likely want you to reduce the dose gradually over a period of one to two weeks rather than stopping it suddenly.
Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Hydrocodone may impair the mental or physical abilities needed to perform potentially hazardous tasks such as driving a car or operating machinery. Use appropriate caution.
Kidney function: People with severely impaired kidney function should be closely monitored by their doctor when using this medication.
Liver function: People with severely impaired liver function should be closely monitored by their doctor when using this medication.
Pregnancy: This medication should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, stop taking it immediately and call your doctor. As with all narcotics, if this medication is taken in high doses shortly before delivery, it may cause breathing problems in the newborn.
Breast-feeding: Acetaminophen passes into breast milk in small amounts. If taking hydrocodone - acetaminophen is considered essential, stop breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of this medication have not been established for children.
Seniors: Seniors should be monitored by their doctor when taking this medication, starting at a lower dose, as pre-existing medical conditions may be more likely to worsen.
Other medical conditions: People with hypothyroidism, Addison's disease, an enlarged prostate, a narrow or blocked urethra, bleeding, or impaired breathing should be monitored by their doctor while taking this medication as it may worsen these conditions.
What other drugs could interact with this medication?
An interaction between medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. The following medications may affect the way hydrocodone - acetaminophen works, be affected by hydrocodone - acetaminophen, or increase the risk of side effects:
- alcohol
- anaesthetics
- antihistamines (e.g., chlorpheniramine, diphenhydramine)
- barbiturates (e.g., secobarbital)
- monoamine oxidase inhibitors (e.g., tranylcypromine, phenelzine, moclobemide)
- other narcotic analgesics (e.g., codeine, morphine)
- phenothiazines (e.g., perphenazine, thioridazine)
- sedatives and tranquilizers
- tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, desipramine, imipramine)
If you are taking any of these or other medications (including non-prescription, herbal, and supplement products), speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want to change your therapy or suggest ways of managing any interactions. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your doctor know if you use them.