Hydrocodone APAP 10 vs. Hydrocodone APAP 5
Hydrocodone (HC) with acetaminophen (APAP) is a prescription medication used in the treatment of pain or suppression of cough. Combinations of hydrocodone and APAP are marketed under various trade names, including Vicodin, Lortab, Lorcet and others. "Pharmacy Times Magazine" lists HC with APAP combinations among the most-prescribed medications dispensed yearly.
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Identification
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Numerals associated with HC with APAP product names--such as 5 or 10--refer to the milligrams of hydrocodone in each preparation. Acetaminophen content also varies by product from 325mg up to 750mg.
Uses
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HC with APAP preparations, regardless of hydrocodone content, may be used to treat pain or suppress cough. Lower doses--2.5 to 5mg--of hydrocodone are prescribed for milder pain, while higher doses--7.5 to10mg--are generally reserved for moderate to severe pain. Cough suppressant doses may vary from patient to patient.
History
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Chemical modification of the morphine molecule by German scientists in the 1920s yielded hydrocodone, a semi-synthetic narcotic later approved for use in the United States in the 1940s. HC with APAP and other hydrocodone-containing products are regulated under the U.S. Controlled Substances Act of 1970.
Misconceptions
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Taking two HC with APAP 5 tablets is not equivalent to one HC with APAP 10 tablet. HC with APAP 5 contains 5 mg of hydrocodone and 500mg acetaminophen, while HC with APAP 10 contains 10 mg of hydrocodone and 500mg acetaminophen. Doubling HC with APAP dosage forms will result in additional acetaminophen ingestion that may be harmful to the liver.
Side Effects
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The most common side effects of HC with APAP are drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting and constipation. Confusion, headache and mild itching occur less often. HC with APAP may also cause a euphoric or "high" feeling, making it a common target of abuse. Hydrocodone products can lead to physical dependency and drug addiction with repeated use. In overdose, HC with APAP can severely inhibit respiratory function. Excessive intake of acetaminophen may be harmful to the liver.
Precautions
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Hydrocodone with acetaminophen products should be used as directed by physicians. Mixing these products with alcohol, other narcotics or sedatives can enhance drowsiness, dizziness and respiratory difficulty. All HC with APAP products should be kept in their original containers away from children and pets. Patients with allergies to morphine or its derivatives should approach hydrocodone use with caution.
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