Generic Name: HYDROCODONE (hye-droe-KO-done) and ACETAMINOPHEN (a-seat-a-MIN-oh-fen)

Drug Manufacturer: ABBOTT   

Common Uses: This medicine is a combination of a narcotic and acetaminophen used to relieve moderate to severe pain. Narcotic pain-relievers work by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, and acetaminophen decreases the formation of prostaglandins, therefore reducing pain. This medicine may also be used to treat other conditions (e.g., cough) as determined by your doctor.

How to use this Medicine: Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. Take this medicine by mouth. THIS MEDICINE MAY BE TAKEN WITH FOOD if it upsets your stomach, although doing so may decrease its effectiveness. Consult your doctor or pharmacist about alternatives for decreasing nausea (e.g., antihistamines, lying down for 1-2 hours with minimal head movement). STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) in a tightly-closed container, away from heat, moisture, and light. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE and you are taking it regularly, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Cautions: DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE IF YOU HAVE HAD A SEVERE ALLERGIC REACTION to codeine, hydrocodone, dihydrocodeine, or oxycodone. A severe allergic reaction includes a severe rash, hives, breathing difficulties, or dizziness. If you have a question about whether you are allergic to this medicine or if a certain medicine contains codeine, hydrocodone, dihydrocodeine, or oxycodone, contact your doctor or pharmacist. Monitor your pain as directed by your doctor. If pain is left untreated and becomes intense, this medicine may not work as well to relieve it. DO NOT EXCEED THE RECOMMENDED DOSE, take this medicine more often, or for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor. Exceeding the recommended dose or taking this medicine for longer than prescribed may be habit-forming. If using this medicine for an extended period of time, DO NOT SUDDENLY STOP taking this medicine without your doctor's approval. When using for an extended period, this medicine may not work as well and may require different dosing. Talk with your doctor if this medicine stops working well. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE drowsiness or dizziness. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. AVOID ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES while taking this medicine. To minimize dizziness or lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a seated or lying position. This medicine may cause constipation. To prevent constipation, maintain a diet adequate in fiber, drink plenty of water, and exercise. If you become constipated while using this medicine talk with your doctor or pharmacist. This medicine contains acetaminophen. Adults should not take more than a total of 4 grams of acetaminophen per day (3 grams per day if you have liver disease). Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Acetaminophen may cause liver damage. If you drink alcohol on a daily basis, do not take this medicine without first discussing it with your doctor. Alcohol use combined with acetaminophen may increase your risk for liver damage (symptoms include yellowing eyes or skin, stomach pain, dark urine). BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. This includes other pain relievers, cough-and-cold medicines, or allergy medicines. These medicines may contain additional acetaminophen. Taking too much acetaminophen can be harmful. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of these products. CAUTION IS ADVISED WHEN USING THIS MEDICINE IN THE ELDERLY because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the medicine, especially the possible decreased breathing and drowsiness effects. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. IF YOU ARE OR WILL BE BREAST-FEEDING while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor to discuss the risks to your baby.