What is the most important information I should know about acetaminophen and hydrocodone?

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Hydrocodone is habit forming. It is possible become physically and/ or psychologically dependent on the medication. Do not take more than the prescribed amount of medication or take it for longer than is directed by your doctor. Withdrawal effects may occur if acetaminophen and hydrocodone is stopped suddenly after several weeks of continuous use. Your doctor may recommend a gradual reduction in dose.

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Avoid alcohol while taking acetaminophen and hydrocodone. Alcohol can increase drowsiness and dizziness caused by the medication, possibly resulting in unconsciousness and death. Also, acetaminophen can be damaging to the liver when taken with alcohol.

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Acetaminophen and hydrocodone may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, pain relievers, anxiety medicines, seizure medicines, and muscle relaxants. Dangerous sedation, dizziness, or drowsiness may occur if acetaminophen and hydrocodone is taken with any of these medications. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and do not take any medicine without first talking to your doctor.

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Acetaminophen and hydrocodone may cause constipation. Drink plenty of water (six to eight full glasses a day) to lessen this side effect. Increased fiber in the diet may also help to alleviate constipation.

What is acetaminophen and hydrocodone?

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Hydrocodone (related to codeine) is in a class of drugs called narcotic analgesics. It relieves pain.

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Acetaminophen is a less potent pain reliever that increases the effects of hydrocodone.

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Together, acetaminophen and hydrocodone are used to relieve moderate-to-severe pain.

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Acetaminophen and hydrocodone may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking acetaminophen and hydrocodone?

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Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have

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a history of alcohol or drug abuse;

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kidney disease;

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liver disease;

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asthma;

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urinary retention;

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an enlarged prostate;

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hypothyroidism;

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seizures or epilepsy;

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gallbladder disease;

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a head injury; or

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Addison's disease.

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You may not be able to take acetaminophen and hydrocodone, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

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Acetaminophen and hydrocodone is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether it will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

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Acetaminophen and hydrocodone passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing infant. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

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If you are younger than 18 years of age or older than 60 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from acetaminophen and hydrocodone. Your doctor may prescribe a lower dose.

How should I take acetaminophen and hydrocodone?

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Take acetaminophen and hydrocodone exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

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Take each dose with a full glass of water.

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Take acetaminophen and hydrocodone with food or milk if it causes stomach upset.

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To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the liquid form of acetaminophen and hydrocodone with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.

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Hydrocodone is habit forming. It is possible become physically and/ or psychologically dependent on the medication. Do not take more than the prescribed amount of medication or take it for longer than is directed by your doctor. Withdrawal effects may occur if acetaminophen and hydrocodone is stopped suddenly after several weeks of continuous use. Your doctor may recommend a gradual reduction in dose.

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Acetaminophen and hydrocodone may cause constipation. Drink plenty of water (six to eight full glasses a day) to lessen this side effect. Increased fiber in the diet may also help to alleviate constipation.

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Store acetaminophen and hydrocodone at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

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Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Do not take a double dose of this medication. Wait the prescribed amount of time before taking the next dose.

What happens if I overdose?

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Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.

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Symptoms of an acetaminophen and hydrocodone overdose may include slow breathing, seizures, dizziness, weakness, loss of consciousness, coma, confusion, tiredness, cold and clammy skin, small pupils, nausea, vomiting, and sweating.

What should I avoid while taking acetaminophen and hydrocodone?

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Avoid alcohol while taking acetaminophen and hydrocodone. Alcohol can increase drowsiness and dizziness caused by the medication, possibly resulting in unconsciousness and death. Also, acetaminophen can be damaging to the liver when taken with alcohol.

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Acetaminophen and hydrocodone may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, pain relievers, anxiety medicines, seizure medicines, and muscle relaxants. Dangerous sedation, dizziness, or drowsiness may occur if acetaminophen and hydrocodone is taken with any of these medications. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and do not take any medicine without first talking to your doctor.

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Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Hydrocodone may cause drowsiness or dizziness. If you experience drowsiness or dizziness, avoid these activities.

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Other products may also contain acetaminophen, especially over-the-counter pain, fever, cold, and allergy medications. Do not take any other products that contain acetaminophen without first talking to your doctor. Too much acetaminophen can be dangerous.

What are the possible side effects of acetaminophen and hydrocodone?

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If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking acetaminophen and hydrocodone and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:

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an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);

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slow, weak breathing;

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seizures;

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cold, clammy skin;

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severe weakness or dizziness;

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unconsciousness;

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yellowing of the skin or eyes; or

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unusual fatigue, bleeding, or bruising.

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Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take acetaminophen and hydrocodone and talk to your doctor if you experience

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constipation;

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dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, or decreased appetite;

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dizziness, tiredness, or lightheadedness;

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muscle twitches;

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sweating;

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itching;

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decreased urination; or

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decreased sex drive.

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Hydrocodone is habit forming. It is possible become physically and/ or psychologically dependent on the medication. Do not take more than the prescribed amount of medication or take it for longer than is directed by your doctor. Withdrawal effects may occur if acetaminophen and hydrocodone is stopped suddenly after several weeks of continuous use. Your doctor may recommend a gradual reduction in dose.

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Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect acetaminophen and hydrocodone?

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Do not take acetaminophen and hydrocodone if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. Dangerous side effects could result.

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Acetaminophen and hydrocodone may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, pain relievers, anxiety medicines, seizure medicines, and muscle relaxants. Dangerous sedation, dizziness, or drowsiness may occur if acetaminophen and hydrocodone is taken with any of these medications. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and do not take any medicine without first talking to your doctor.

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Other products may also contain acetaminophen, especially over-the-counter pain, fever, cold, and allergy medications. Do not take any other products that contain acetaminophen without first talking to your doctor. Too much acetaminophen can be dangerous.

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Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with acetaminophen and hydrocodone. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.

Where can I get more information?

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Your pharmacist has additional information about acetaminophen and hydrocodone written for health professionals that you may read.

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Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.