Hyrdocodone

Hydrocodone is an antitussive (cough suppressant) and analgesic agent for the treatment of moderate to moderately severe pain. Studies indicate that hydrocodone is as effective, or more effective, than codeine for cough suppression and nearly equipotent to morphine for pain relief.

There are several hundred brand name and generic hydrocodone products marketed. All are combination products and the most frequently prescribed combination is hydrocodone and acetaminophen (Vicodin®, Lortab®, Lorcet®).

In this drug was associated with more emergency room visits than any other pharmaceutical opioid. Poison control data, medical examiners’ reports, and treatment center data all indicate that the abuse of hydrocodone is associated with significant public health risks, including a substantial number of deaths.

Street Names

Vikes, Hydro, Norco

Short-Term Effects

Hydrocodone in an analgesic and antitussive agent structurally similar to codeine but with effects more similar to morphine.

Hydrocodone is abused for its opioid effects. Widespread abuse using counterfeit prescriptions, theft and illicit purchases from Internet sources are made easier by the lack of control of hydrocodone products. Hydrocodone pills are the most frequently encountered dosage form in illicit traffic. Hydrocodone is generally used orally, often in combination with alcohol.

Long-Term Effects

As with most opiates, abuse of hydrocodone is associated with tolerance, dependence, and addiction. The co-formulation with acetaminophen carries an additional risk of liver toxicity when high doses are consumed. Data suggests that some individuals who abuse very high doses of acetaminophen-containing hydrocodone products may be spared this liver toxicity if they have been chronically taking these products and have escalated their dose slowly over a long period of time.

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