It is a good idea to read the patient information leaflet that comes with the medicine box. Reading this information will give you a good idea to know more about the drug you are taking before you actually start doing so. If you have further questions feel free to ask your pharmacist or call your physician.
The most common way suggested for this medication intake is orally and as a whole pill. If you are nauseous you can take it with your food, else this can be taken at empty stomach as well. If your nausea persists then you will need to consult your doctor to reduce the same with some other medication.
Hydrocodone Side Effects
The most common side-effects of the Hydrocodone-Acetaminophen combo medication are dizziness and nausea, drowsiness and lightheadedness and constipation. Long term use can lessen the occurrence of these side-effects as the body builds up tolerance to the drug. However, if they still continue then you need to consult with your doctor right away before they become serious.
Whenever you feel dizzy or drowsy try not to sit up suddenly. Instead try and rise slowly and sit up and rest for some time before moving.
Constipation can be avoided with a balanced diet which is high in fiber, with adequate exercise and by drinking large amounts of water. Extreme cases can also benefit by laxative intake.
Frequent mood swings, severe pain in the lower abdomen or during urination are more serious symptoms. If any of these occur you must report it to your doctor right away.
Your doctor needs to know how your body is responding to the medication so that the dosage can be increased or adjusted. In most cases, the medicine is needed to help relieve the pain in the body so your doctor will prep you for the minor side-effects which are temporary and harmless. Taking regulated and advised dosage does not really lead to any side-effects.
If you face problems waking up in the mornings along with dizziness and nausea then maybe your body is reacting more strongly to the drug than intended. Fainting, seizure and breathlessness are also rare but they may occur. In such cases urgent and instant medical care is called for.
Studies have not shown huge data of allergy to this medication. In rare cases, an allergic patient may manifest symptoms like itching, rashes and swelling combined with dizziness and breathlessness. If such symptoms occur notify your doctor immediately.
Side-effects to this drug are not limited to the above. If you feel anything that is not normal to your usual physical or psychological state then let your doctor know right away.
Hydrocodone and acetaminophen overdose
Hydrocodone is mainly the opioid or the narcotic and acetaminophen is the Tylenol or the fever reducer and the non-narcotic ingredient. Accidental or intentional intake of higher than the recommended dosage can lead to a case of overdose.
Hydrocodone and acetaminophen overdose is followed by symptoms like slow heart rate, shallow breathing and profuse sweating, nausea and faintness. If such symptoms occur then you can be sure of overdose which needs immediate medical attention. If you are an US citizen you can call up 911 or the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. If you are a Canadian citizen you can call up your local poison control center or the emergency room.
Warning
Overdose of acetaminophen in the drug may lead to dangerous and fatal liver damages. If you have existing liver disorders you need to tell your doctor or notify your local pharmacist right away. The maximum adult dosage should not cross 4000mg or 4gms. If you are a regular drinker then the alcohol- acetaminophen combination could cause severe harm to your liver. If you are taking acetaminophen then you must stop drinking. You can identify liver damage in symptoms like nausea and persistent stomachache, fatigue, yellowed skin, eyes and dark urination. Consult your doctor immediately to check these worrying symptoms.
