Hydrocodone is an opiate agonist and phenantherene derivative. Hydrocodone can be used in pain , rather more rightly we can say that it relieves and soothes the pain . it is eneficial for the moderate pains and also for moderately severe pains. Hydrocodone is also combined with other drugs including NSAIAS or acetaminophen. Ut they have different mechanism and they act and react differently; as a result more analgesic effects are produced. It provides relief in what we call nonproductive cough. One may use it for non productive cough in a combination with other antitussives or expectorants.
As far as it’s dosage is concerned, it must be used as per instructions by the doctor. For the oral administration to the children of six to twelve years , hydrocodone can be given to relieve cough in the dosage of 2.5mg after every four to six hours. For extended release, the dosage for the children of age between six to eleven years should be 2.5ml every tweleve hours. for those children who are of tweleve years or elder than that, the dosage should be 5ml every tweleve hours. For the oral administration in adults, the recommended dosage is 5mg every five to six hours. for extended release it is uoto 5ml every tweleve hours. this dosage can be increased or decreased; in other words it can be adjusted according to the severity of pain. bt that should be done only by your doctor and it should be implemented after consulting the doctor.
Like every other drug, hydrocodone should also be used if and when prescribed by the doctor. One must tell his doctor all basic history of sensitivity towards hydrocodone; as there are also some contraindication of the drug. If the patient is hypersensitive to hydrocodone or to any ingredient used in it’s formulation; then the patient needs to be cautious. One should also stay cautious if there is possible cross sensitivity to hydrocodone. It should also be used with extra cautiousness when one is already having any hepatic treatment. In case of renal impairment; again caution is necessary. These all contraindications should be kept in mind by the doctor before prescribing hydrocodone to any of his patients. Ignoring these factors may lead to hazardeous health results.
Every drug has some side effects. And these side effects vary from body to body. Every body reacts differently towards a drug. There are also some precautions and warnings for hydrocodone
Which are listed below:
- The patient may suffer with respiratory depression.
- Some have also shown the symptoms of asthma.
- In many cases CNS depression has also been reported. In this condition, the patient’s thinking pattern and ability to stay active mentally gets impaired.
- Prolonged useof this drug results in psychological dependence.
- Along with psychological dependence; physical dependence has also been reported in many patients.
- Bronchial asthma is also reported in many patients as a result of this drug’s use.
- Head trauma may occur in some cases.
- Moreover, intracranial lesions can also take place.
- Abdominal conditions may get worse with this drug.
- It’s use may cause obstructive bowel disease.
- Uuritheral stricture is also observed in debilitated patients.
- In debilitated patients, prostatic hypertrophy is also seen.
- Pulmonary disease is also reported because of this drug’s use.
- This drug may also lead to Addison’s disease in debilitated patients.
There are some other side effects that are common and might not be considered as much dangerous. It include the following;
- Lightheadedness
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Sedation
- Vomiting
- Slow heart beat
- Clammy skin development
- Confused state of mind
- Sleepy condition
Hydrocodone is an effective drug for relieving the pain; that are moderate or those also which are less severe or moderately severe. But, it’s combination with other drugs should be done with care because it may lead to increased effect of hydrocodone which may not prove itself to leave a healthy impact. For saving one’s ownself from it’s side effects, one must have the prescription from the doctor. It should be used when recommended by the doctor. Moreover, it has some contraindications as well which can only be monitored and sensed by a doctor. So a doctor’s advice is of utmost importance in this case in order to draw maximum benefits of this drug
