Lortab
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Hydrocodone or dihydrocodeinone is a semi-synthetic
opioid derived from two of the naturally occurring opiates, codeine
and thebaine. Hydrocodone is an orally active narcotic analgesic and
antitussive. Marketed as Vicodin, Anexsia, Dicodid, Hycodan (or generically
Hydromet), Hycomine, Lorcet, Lortab, Norco, Novahistex, Hydroco, Tussionex,
Gentex, Vicoprofen, Xodol, Bekadid, Calmodid, Codinovo, Duodin, Kolikodol,
Orthoxycol, Mercodinone, Synkonin, Norgan, and Hydrokon, hydrocodone
is commonly available in tablet, capsule, and syrup form. Hydrocodone
was first synthesized in Germany in 1920,[1] and approved by the FDA
for use in the United States, in Hycodan, on 23 March 1943.
As a narcotic, hydrocodone relieves pain by binding
to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord. It can be taken
with or without food as desired. When taken with alcohol, it can intensify
drowsiness. It may interact with monoamine oxidase inhibitors, as
well as other drugs that cause drowsiness. It is in FDA pregnancy
category B: its effect on an embryo or fetus is not clearly known
and pregnant women should consult their physicians before taking it.
Common side effects include dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, drowsiness,
euphoria, vomiting, and constipation. Some less common side effects
are allergic reaction, blood disorders, changes in mood, mental fogginess,
anxiety, lethargy, difficulty urinating, spasm of the ureter, irregular
or depressed respiration, and rash.
Hydrocodone is habit-forming, and can lead to physical
and psychological addiction, but the potential for addiction varies
from individual to individual depending on unique biological differences.
Sales and production of this drug have increased significantly in
recent years, as have diversion and illicit use. In the U.S., pure
hydrocodone and forms containing more than 15 mg per dosage unit are
considered Schedule II drugs. Those containing less than or equal
to 15 mg per dosage unit in combination with acetaminophen or another
non-controlled drug are called hydrocodone compounds and are considered
Schedule III drugs. Hydrocodone is typically found in combination
with other drugs such as paracetamol (acetaminophen), aspirin, ibuprofen
and homatropine methylbromide. The purpose of the non-controlled drugs
in combination is often twofold. 1) To provide increased analgesia
via drug synergy. 2) To limit the intake of hydrocodone by causing
unpleasant and often unsafe side effects at higher than prescribed
doses (See Below). In the UK it is listed as a Class A drug under
the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. Hydrocodone is not available in pure
form in the United States due to a separate regulation, and is always
sold with an NSAID, acetaminophen or an antihistamine. The cough preparation
Codiclear DH is the purest US hydrocodone item, containing guaifenesin
and small amounts of ethanol as active ingredients. In Germany and
elsewhere, hydrocodone is available as single-active-ingredient tablets
as Dicodid (by analogy to the original manufacturer's other products
Dilaudid and Dinarkon and others) available in 5 and 10 mg strengths.
