Combination of | |
---|---|
Hydrocodone | Opioid analgesic |
Paracetamol | Anilide analgesic |
Clinical data | |
Trade names | Lorcet, Norco, Vicodin, others |
Other names | Hydrocodone/acetaminophen, hydrocodone/APAP |
AHFS/Drugs.com | Professional Drug Facts |
License data | |
Routes of administration | By mouth |
ATC code | |
Legal status | |
Legal status | |
Pharmacokinetic data | |
Bioavailability | >80% |
Metabolism | Hydrocodone: extensively liver, primarily CYP3A4; /Paracetamol: liver, CYP2E1 |
Elimination half-life | for hydrocodone: 228–294 mins (3.8–4.9 hrs); for paracetamol: 120–240 mins (2–4 hrs) |
Excretion | for hydrocodone: urinary; for paracetamol: urinary (10–15% unchanged) |
Identifiers | |
CAS Number | |
PubChem CID | |
ChemSpider | |
CompTox Dashboard (EPA) | |
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Hydrocodone/paracetamol (also known as hydrocodone/acetaminophen) is the combination of the pain medications hydrocodone and paracetamol (acetaminophen).[1] It is used to treat moderate to severe pain.[1][3] It is taken by mouth.[1] Recreational use is common in the United States.[4][5]
Common side effects include dizziness, sleepiness, constipation, and vomiting.[1][3] Serious side effects include addiction, decreased rate of breathing, low blood pressure, severe allergic reactions, and liver failure.[1] Use during pregnancy may harm the fetus.[1] Use with alcohol is not recommended.[3] Hydrocodone works by binding to the mu-opioid receptor.[1] How paracetamol works is unclear but may involve blocking the creation of prostaglandins.[1][6]
Hydrocodone/paracetamol was approved for medical use in the United States in 1982.[1] In the United States, it is a schedule II controlled substance.[1] In 2022, it was the 23rd most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 23 million prescriptions.[7][8] It is not available in the United Kingdom,[9] though the combination codeine/paracetamol (co-codamol) is.[10] It is sold under the brand names Vicodin and Norco among others.[1][2]