Description

Hydrocodone 5/325 mg is a prescription combination medicine containing 5 mg of hydrocodone bitartrate and 325 mg of acetaminophen per tablet. Hydrocodone is an opioid analgesic that changes how the brain and nervous system respond to pain, while acetaminophen is a non-opioid pain reliever.

For current labeling and professionally reviewed product information, readers can consult the DailyMed hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen label.

Active Ingredients

Each 5/325 mg tablet contains:

• Hydrocodone bitartrate – 5 mg
• Acetaminophen – 325 mg

The combination is formulated for oral administration and is available by prescription.

What Is Hydrocodone 5/325 mg Used For?

Hydrocodone combination products may be prescribed to relieve severe pain when an opioid analgesic is considered appropriate. Hydrocodone works through the central nervous system to alter the body’s perception and response to pain.

The MedlinePlus guide to hydrocodone combination products provides additional information about uses, precautions, interactions, and safety considerations.

How Hydrocodone 5/325 mg Works

Hydrocodone belongs to the opioid family of medicines. It acts on opioid receptors and changes the way the nervous system processes pain signals.

Acetaminophen works through a different mechanism and provides additional analgesic activity. Because the product contains both ingredients, patients need to consider the safety considerations associated with both hydrocodone and acetaminophen.

Dosage Information

The appropriate dose depends on factors such as the patient’s medical condition, previous opioid exposure, severity of pain, other medications, and individual response.

Patients should follow the exact prescription provided by their healthcare professional and should not increase the dose or frequency without medical advice. Current labeling provides specific dosing information for 5 mg/325 mg products.

Important Acetaminophen Warning

Because this medicine contains acetaminophen, patients should check other prescription and over-the-counter medicines to determine whether they also contain acetaminophen.

Taking excessive amounts of acetaminophen can cause serious liver injury and potentially acute liver failure.

The FDA’s acetaminophen safety information is another useful authoritative resource for understanding acetaminophen-related risks.

Serious Opioid Safety Warning

Hydrocodone can cause serious or potentially life-threatening respiratory depression, particularly during the first 24–72 hours of treatment or after a dose increase.

Symptoms such as unusually slow breathing, long pauses between breaths, severe difficulty breathing, extreme sleepiness, or inability to wake should be treated as an emergency.

Dependence and Misuse

Hydrocodone is potentially habit-forming and can lead to misuse, physical dependence, and addiction. It should be taken exactly as prescribed and never shared with another person.

Hydrocodone/acetaminophen products are classified as Schedule II controlled substances under U.S. federal law.

Common Side Effects

Possible side effects may include:

• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Lightheadedness
• Sleepiness

Hydrocodone can impair alertness, so patients should avoid driving or operating machinery until they understand how the medicine affects them.

Alcohol and Drug Interactions

Alcohol and other medicines that depress the central nervous system can increase hydrocodone-related sedation and respiratory-depression risks. Certain medications can also affect hydrocodone metabolism and increase the possibility of serious adverse effects.

Patients should tell their doctor and pharmacist about all prescription medicines, over-the-counter products, supplements, and herbal products they use.

Storage and Safe Handling

Prescription hydrocodone should be stored securely and kept out of the reach of children and other people who could accidentally or intentionally take it. Hydrocodone can cause serious harm or death if taken by someone for whom it was not prescribed.

For disposal information, consumers can consult the FDA’s Safe Disposal of Medicines guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is in Hydrocodone 5/325 mg?

Each tablet contains 5 mg hydrocodone bitartrate and 325 mg acetaminophen.

Is Hydrocodone 5/325 mg a controlled substance?

Yes. Hydrocodone/acetaminophen products are classified as Schedule II controlled substances in the United States.

Can Hydrocodone 5/325 mg cause drowsiness?

Yes. Drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired alertness can occur. Patients should be cautious with driving and other activities requiring concentration.

Why is acetaminophen included?

Acetaminophen provides additional pain-relieving activity alongside hydrocodone. However, patients must account for acetaminophen from all medicines they take because excessive exposure can cause serious liver injury.

Can Hydrocodone 5/325 mg be taken with alcohol?

Alcohol can increase the risks associated with hydrocodone, including dangerous sedation and breathing problems. Patients should discuss alcohol use with their healthcare professional and follow the medication’s safety instructions.