Hydrocodone/Acetaminophen (Lortab, Vicoden)

Category:

• Analgesic

Description:

• Narcotic analgesic, antitussive; DEA Schedule II

Indications:

• Moderate to moderately severe pain

• Non-productive cough

Precautions:

• Pregnancy category B (D if used in high doses at term or for prolonged periods of time); withdrawal could theoretically occur in infants exposed in utero; use caution in nursing mothers

• Head injury, increased intracranial pressure, acute abdominal conditions

• Elderly, severe hepatic/renal impairment, hypothyroidism, Addison’s disease

• Prostatic hypertrophy, urethral stricture, history of drug abuse

Adverse Reactions (Side Effects):

• CNS: agitation, dependency, dizziness, drowsiness, lethargy, restlessness, sedation

• CV: bradycardia, orthostatic hypotension, palpitations, tachycardia

• GI: anorexia, constipation, nausea, vomiting

• GU: urinary retention

• RESP: respiratory depression, respiratory paralysis

Dosage:

Administered orally: Dose based on hydrocodone content

• Adult:   PO 5-10mg every 4-6 hours as needed

• Child:  PO 0.6 mg/kg/day in 3-4 divided doses, do not exceed 1.25 mg/dose (<2 years); 5 mg/dose (2-12 years); 10 mg/dose (>12 years)