Description

Hydrocodone 7.5 mg/650 mg is a prescription combination medicine containing 7.5 mg of hydrocodone bitartrate and 650 mg of acetaminophen per tablet. Official DailyMed labeling documents this strength as a hydrocodone/acetaminophen tablet.

Hydrocodone is an opioid analgesic that changes how the brain and nervous system respond to pain, while acetaminophen is a non-opioid analgesic and fever reducer. The combination has been used for the management of pain when prescribed by a healthcare professional.

For authoritative information about hydrocodone combination medicines, readers can consult the MedlinePlus Hydrocodone Combination Products guide.

Active Ingredients

Each tablet contains:

• Hydrocodone bitartrate: 7.5 mg
• Acetaminophen: 650 mg

The exact inactive ingredients and tablet appearance can vary by manufacturer, so the product’s current pharmacy label should always be checked. DailyMed provides manufacturer-specific prescribing information and labeling.

How Hydrocodone Works

Hydrocodone belongs to the opioid class of medicines. It acts on the central nervous system and changes the way the brain and nervous system perceive and respond to pain. Acetaminophen works through a different pain-relieving mechanism.

Because the combination contains an opioid, it can cause drowsiness, dizziness, constipation, tolerance, physical dependence, and potentially serious respiratory depression. MedlinePlus advises that hydrocodone combination products should be taken exactly as prescribed.

Important Safety Information

Hydrocodone can cause serious or potentially life-threatening breathing problems. The risk can be particularly important when treatment is started or when the dose is increased. Signs of dangerous respiratory depression can include unusually slow or shallow breathing, long pauses between breaths, or difficulty breathing.

Because of these risks, this medication should only be used under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional.

Acetaminophen and Liver Safety

The acetaminophen component requires particular attention.

Taking excessive amounts of acetaminophen can cause severe liver injury. The risk can be especially difficult to recognize when a person takes several different medicines that contain acetaminophen at the same time.

Official labeling warns about acetaminophen-associated hepatotoxicity, including acute liver failure in serious cases.

Patients should therefore check the active ingredients of all prescription, over-the-counter, and combination products they use and discuss them with a pharmacist or physician.

The DailyMed prescribing information for hydrocodone/acetaminophen provides detailed manufacturer labeling and safety information.

Common Side Effects

Possible adverse effects associated with hydrocodone combination products can include:

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

Individual responses vary, and more serious reactions can occur.

Anyone experiencing severe sleepiness, difficulty waking, slow or shallow breathing, or other signs of an opioid overdose requires immediate emergency medical attention.

Dependence and Misuse Risk

Hydrocodone is an opioid and can be habit-forming. Physical dependence can develop with continued use, and stopping certain opioid treatments suddenly can produce withdrawal symptoms.

MedlinePlus specifically advises patients not to take more hydrocodone than prescribed, take it more frequently than directed, or change how they use it without medical guidance.

This is an important distinction between physical dependence and addiction. Dependence can occur as the body adapts to a medication, whereas addiction involves problematic patterns of use and loss of control.

Interactions and Alcohol

Hydrocodone can interact dangerously with other substances that depress the central nervous system.

Combining opioids with alcohol, certain sedatives, or other central-nervous-system depressants can increase the risk of profound sedation and respiratory depression.

Patients should tell their healthcare professional about all prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, alcohol use, and other substances before taking hydrocodone.

Safe Storage

Prescription opioids should be stored securely and kept away from children, visitors, and anyone for whom the medication was not prescribed.

Unused medication should not be shared with another person, even if that person has symptoms that appear similar.

For disposal information, patients can consult the FDA’s safe disposal guidance for medicines.

What to Do in an Emergency

An overdose involving hydrocodone/acetaminophen can cause:

• Slow or shallow breathing
• Severe drowsiness
• Loss of consciousness
• Confusion
• Weakness
• Low blood pressure
• Coma
• Seizures
• Liver injury from excessive acetaminophen

MedlinePlus advises seeking emergency medical help immediately when an overdose is suspected.

In the United States, emergency services can be contacted by calling 911. Poison Help is available at 1-800-222-1222 for suspected poisoning or overdose.

Patient Considerations

Before using hydrocodone/acetaminophen, a healthcare professional should know about relevant medical conditions and medications. Particular caution may be necessary for people with respiratory problems, liver disease, substance-use concerns, or a history of medication-related problems.

Patients should also inform their healthcare professional about all other medications they take because interactions can change the risks associated with hydrocodone.

Final Summary

Hydrocodone 7.5 mg/650 mg contains 7.5 mg hydrocodone and 650 mg acetaminophen per tablet and is a prescription opioid combination product.

Its opioid component can cause serious respiratory depression and dependence, while the acetaminophen component creates an additional risk of potentially severe liver injury when excessive amounts are taken.

For these reasons, Hydrocodone 7.5 mg/650 mg should be used only when prescribed and exactly according to the instructions provided by the prescribing clinician or pharmacist.