Hydrocodone is an opioid, which is used for the treatment of severe and chronic pain when other measures fail to correct the problem. Apart from this, the medicine also acts as a cough suppressant in adults.
How to take hydrocodone
You should take hydrocodone in consultation with your doctor for correct dosage and swallow the extended release tablets or capsules with water. You need to swallow the tablet or capsule immediately with water instead of licking or presoaking the medicines. Do not take the medicine for more time that the doctor recommends. You can take the drug with or without food but if you have nausea, it is better to have the drug after food. Furthermore, you can talk to your doctor about other ways to reduce the feeling of nausea. While using the medicine in its liquid form, you must use a proper measuring device to use it in proper dosage. The dose is based on the condition of your health and in children, the body weight determines the dosage. You should not take the medicine longer than your doctor recommends.
Using hydrocodone
Hydrocodone is generally used in combination with acetaminophen to get relief from moderate or acute pain. The opioid pain reliever in hydrocodone combines with the non-opioid pain reliever called acetaminophen to provide respite from the symptoms of pain. Hydrocodone works on your brain and changes the way your body responds to pain or pain-like symptoms. Acetaminophen can help in reducing fever.
Hydrocodone compound is another medication that provides relief from dry cough caused due to common cold. The cough suppressant contains two products, namely, hydrocodone and homatropine. Hydrocodone is an opioid based cough suppressant that works on certain parts of your brain and reduces the urge to cough. As far as the treatment of cough is concerned, hydrocodone is not used for long-term treatment or for coughs that produce lot of mucus and fluid. However, the cough suppressants should not be used for people below eighteen years as it can result in severe side effects, such as shortness of breath.
Side effects of hydrocodone
You should immediately get medical help if you have symptoms, such as difficulty in breathing, swallowing, hives or swelling of the face, tongue, throat, and lips. Some of the possible side effects of hydrocodone include:
- Shallow or noisy breathing or breathing that interrupts during sleep
- Slowing heart rate and weakening of pulse
- Confusion, disorientation, drowsiness, or tremors
- A light-headed feeling and the tendency to pass out
- Low level of cortisol resulting in nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting, fatigue and weakness.
- Blue lips and slow breathing
- Constipation, headache and symptoms of cold are some of the common side effects of hydrocodone.
Precaution
Using hydrocodone can make you feel sleepy or drowsy, so you need to avoid driving or operating machinery. Furthermore, it can cause dizziness or lightheadedness when you suddenly wake up from a lying position.
Can you order hydrocodone online?
You can order hydrocodone online with or without prescription. However, it is necessary to check the authenticity of the online pharmacy to avoid getting fake medications, which can cause major harm to your health.