Pharmacology

Hydrocodone

Suppresses cough reflex; stimulates opiate receptors in the CNS and peripherally blocks pain impulse generation. buy Hydrocodone

Pseudoephedrine

Causes vasoconstriction and subsequent shrinkage of nasal mucous membranes by alpha-adrenergic stimulation, which promotes nasal drainage.

Indications and Usage

Suppression of cough and relief of nasal congestion and other symptoms associated with the common cold, allergies, hay fever, sinusitis, and other respiratory illnesses.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to any component of product, or hypersensitivity or idiosyncrasy to sympathomimetic amines which may be manifested by insomnia, dizziness, weakness, tremor, or arrhythmias. Patients known to be hypersensitive to other sympathomimetic amines may exhibit cross sensitivity with pseudoephedrine. Sympathomimetic amines are contraindicated in patients with severe hypertension, severe coronary artery disease, and patients on MAOI therapy. P-V-Tussin tablets are contraindicated in breast-feeding mothers because of the higher than usual risk for infants from sympathomimetic amines. buy Hydrocodone

Dosage and Administration

Maximum dose
Adults

Hydrocodone 20 mg/day; pseudoephedrine 240 mg/day.

Adults

For specific dosing by product, refer to the individual manufacturer's prescribing information.

Cough and nasal congestion Liquid Usual dosage

5 mL (3 to 5 mg hydrocodone) to 10 mL (6 mg hydrocodone) 4 times daily as needed.

Maximum dosage

Hydrocodone 20 mg/day; pseudoephedrine 240 mg/day.

Tablets Usual dosage

1 tablet every 4 to 6 h as needed.

Maximum dosage

Hydrocodone 20 mg/day; pseudoephedrine 240 mg/day (4 tablets/day). buy Hydrocodone

Before taking hydrocodone

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to acetaminophen (Tylenol) or hydrocodone. Hydrocodone may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Hydrocodone and acetaminophen should never be given to another person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it. buy Hydrocodone

Before using hydrocodone and acetaminophen, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• asthma, COPD, sleep apnea, or other breathing disorders;

• liver or kidney disease;

• a history of head injury or brain tumor;

• low blood pressure;

• a stomach or intestinal disorder;

• underactive thyroid;

• Addison's disease or other adrenal gland disorder;

• curvature of the spine;

• mental illness; or

• a history of drug or alcohol addiction.

Tell your doctor if you drink more than three alcoholic beverages per day or if you have ever had alcoholic liver disease (cirrhosis). You may not be able to take medication that contains acetaminophen. buy Hydrocodone

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby, and could cause breathing problems or addiction/withdrawal symptoms in a newborn. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. hydrocodone and acetaminophen can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. buy hydrocodone

OVERVIEW

Hydrocodone diversion and abuse has been escalating in recent years. In 2006, hydrocodone was the most frequently encountered opioid pharmaceutical in drug evidence submitted to the National Forensic Laboratory Information System (NFLIS) with 25,136 exhibits; the System to Retrieve Investigational Drug Evidence (STRIDE) analyzed 654 exhibits in 2006. In the 2005 Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN) combination products were associated with more emergency room visits than any other pharmaceutical opioid with an estimated 51,225 emergency room visits. Poison control data, medical examiners’ reports, and treatment center data all indicate that the abuse of hydrocodone is associated with significant public health risks, including a substantial number of deaths. buy Hydrocodone

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since hydrocodone and acetaminophen is taken as needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are taking the medication regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and wait until your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose. . buy Hydrocodone