Description

Hydrocodone 7.5/750mg combines an opioid pain reliever with acetaminophen. Hydrocodone acts on opioid receptors in the central nervous system to reduce the perception of pain, while acetaminophen provides additional analgesic effects.

Important: Products containing 750mg of acetaminophen per tablet require particular attention to total daily acetaminophen exposure. Taking additional acetaminophen-containing medicines at the same time can unintentionally increase the total amount consumed and raise the risk of liver injury.

MedlinePlus – Hydrocodone Combination Products

How Hydrocodone/Acetaminophen Works

Hydrocodone is an opioid that changes how the brain and nervous system perceive pain. It can also cause drowsiness and slow breathing.

Acetaminophen works through a different mechanism and enhances the overall pain-relieving effect of the combination.

Because hydrocodone affects the central nervous system, it can cause sedation, respiratory depression, tolerance, misuse, and physical dependence.

The FDA requires strong safety warnings for opioid pain medicines because of these risks.

FDA – Opioid Pain Medicines Safety Information

Important Acetaminophen Safety Considerations

The 750mg acetaminophen component is an important part of this product.

Acetaminophen is present in many prescription and over-the-counter medicines, including some cold, flu, and pain products.

Taking multiple acetaminophen-containing products can result in an accidental overdose.

Too much acetaminophen can cause severe liver damage.

Before taking another pain reliever or cold medicine, check its active ingredients and ask a pharmacist or healthcare professional whether it contains acetaminophen.

FDA – Acetaminophen Safety Information

Common Side Effects

Hydrocodone/acetaminophen can cause:

• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Light-headedness
• Dry mouth
• Sleepiness

Because hydrocodone can impair alertness and coordination, patients should be cautious with driving or operating machinery until they know how the medicine affects them.

Serious Risks

Opioids can cause life-threatening respiratory depression, particularly after starting treatment, following dose increases, or when combined with other substances that slow the nervous system.

Emergency symptoms can include:

• Extremely slow or difficult breathing
• Extreme sleepiness
• Inability to wake
• Confusion
• Blue or gray lips or fingertips
• Loss of consciousness

If an opioid overdose is suspected, emergency medical assistance should be sought immediately. Naloxone can rapidly reverse opioid overdose and is an important emergency medication.

CDC – About Naloxone

Hydrocodone and Alcohol

Alcohol can significantly increase the sedating and respiratory-depressant effects of hydrocodone.

Combining opioids with alcohol can increase the risk of:

• Severe sedation
• Respiratory depression
• Coma
• Overdose
• Death

Avoid alcohol while taking hydrocodone unless a healthcare professional has specifically advised you otherwise.

Hydrocodone and Other Medicines

Tell your healthcare professional about every medicine and substance you use.

Particular caution is required with:

• Benzodiazepines such as alprazolam or diazepam
• Other opioid medicines
• Sleep medicines
• Muscle relaxants
• Sedating antihistamines
• Alcohol
• Other central nervous system depressants

The FDA warns that combining opioids with benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants can result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death.

FDA – Opioids and Benzodiazepines Safety Communication

Dependence, Tolerance and Addiction

Hydrocodone can cause physical dependence and addiction.

These terms aren’t identical:

• Tolerance: The body becomes less responsive to a medicine over time.
• Physical dependence: Withdrawal symptoms can occur when the medicine is stopped or reduced.
• Addiction: A substance-use disorder characterized by compulsive use despite harmful consequences.

Anyone taking hydrocodone should use it exactly as prescribed and maintain regular communication with their healthcare professional.

Stopping Hydrocodone

Someone who has been taking an opioid regularly may experience withdrawal if treatment is stopped suddenly.

Withdrawal can include:

• Restlessness
• Anxiety
• Sweating
• Muscle aches
• Runny nose
• Insomnia
• Abdominal cramps
• Nausea or diarrhea

If long-term opioid treatment needs to be discontinued, a healthcare professional can determine whether a gradual reduction is appropriate.

Storage and Safe Handling

Keep opioid medicines securely stored and away from children, visitors, and anyone for whom they weren’t prescribed.

Never share prescription opioid medication with another person.

Unused opioid medicines should be disposed of according to local medication-disposal recommendations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hydrocodone 7.5/750mg used for?

It is a hydrocodone/acetaminophen combination intended for the treatment of pain that is severe enough to require an opioid when alternative treatments aren’t adequate.

Does Hydrocodone 7.5/750mg contain acetaminophen?

Yes. The 750mg component is acetaminophen.

Can I take additional Tylenol with hydrocodone/acetaminophen?

Don’t add another acetaminophen-containing product without checking with a healthcare professional or pharmacist. Doing so can increase total acetaminophen exposure and potentially cause liver injury.

Can hydrocodone be taken with alcohol?

Combining hydrocodone with alcohol can dangerously increase sedation and respiratory depression. Avoid the combination.

Is hydrocodone addictive?

Hydrocodone is an opioid and can cause misuse, addiction, tolerance, and physical dependence.