Hydrocodone is a drug that can be used to treat people with chronic pain. It works in the same way as other drugs such as morphine, opiates, and benzodiazepines. However, there are some differences. Some of these differences include its inactive ingredients, its interactions with other drugs, its metabolism, and its side effects. Hence, it is important to know all these things before taking the drug.
Inactive ingredients
A hydrocodone-laden prescription is not for the faint of heart. That’s not to say that your healthcare provider won’t be on hand to help, but for the rest of you, a cheap trip to the pharmacy is just the ticket.
The next best thing is a generic version of the good stuff to boot. Fortunately, the FDA is tasked with approving such products, and the agency is as squeaky clean as you can get. As a result, you can expect your prescribed meds to arrive on time and on schedule. Having a pharmacy near your door makes life a whole lot easier.
Besides, you’ll get a discount on the cheapest pills, not to mention the convenience of no prescriptions needed! Plus, you can get your hands on the drug of the month if you’re lucky. Be sure to read the fine print and take your prescriptions seriously. After all, you don’t want to squander your hard earned money on a drug that’s been shady.
Metabolism
Hydrocodone is a mu-opioid agonist, a derivative of opium. It is used as an analgesic and as a sedative. In addition, hydrocodone inhibits pain signaling in the spinal cord and brain. Consequently, it has analgesic effects that last about four to eight hours.
Hydrocodone is metabolized by P-450 enzymes. The liver and thyroid glands play major roles in metabolism. These enzymes are part of an NADPH-dependent electron transport pathway. CYP2D6, a cytochrome P450 enzyme, catalyzes the conversion of hydrocodone into active metabolites.
Genetic variations in CYP2D6 have been shown to be associated with the rate of hydrocodone conversion. This may explain the difference in analgesia and side effects between individuals.
The present study aimed to investigate the effect of CYP2D6 genotypes on the metabolite concentrations of hydrocodone. Blood samples were obtained from 156 post-Cesarean section patients who received hydrocodone. Using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, the metabolites were analyzed.
The CYP2D6 enzyme is involved in the conversion of hydrocodone to hydromorphone. However, some people are unable to metabolize hydrocodone. Hence, it is important to understand how this enzyme affects the metabolism of the drug.
Interactions with other drugs
The best way to find out is to ask your doctor. This is the only way to be sure you’re not getting a prescription for a drug you can’t take. Plus, your doctor is likely to have a few tips of his own. If you’re taking Norco, tell him about your other medications.
Hydrocodone is a narcotic pain reliever. Its effects aren’t always pleasant, though. Using it improperly is a recipe for disaster. To avoid overdosing on this potent elixir, try to stick to prescription doses. You may also want to limit your use of alcohol and other acidic substances before you tuck in for the night. Alcohol and hydrocodone are known to produce a few volatile side effects.
Hydrocodone is a class of narcotics that can be used to treat moderate to severe pain. Generally, it is paired with other analgesics like ibuprofen and aspirin. Despite its high pain-relieving power, it can be addicting, and overdose can be lethal.
Side effects
Hydrocodone is an effective painkiller, but it can cause unwanted side effects if it is taken wrong. Taking too much or taking it for too long can lead to addiction and a host of health problems.
Some of the common short-term hydrocodone side effects are dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. These effects may disappear with time. If you notice any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately.
Long-term hydrocodone use can also lead to a number of side effects, including respiratory distress, brain damage, and other serious issues. The risk of these problems increases when the drug is taken in high doses or when used with other central nervous system depressants.
If you are using opioids for chronic pain, you may also experience a reduction in the speed of stools moving through the digestive system. This can lead to constipation and other problems.
Opioid medicines can also increase the chances of suffering from heart rhythm disorder. They are also dangerous if they are combined with alcohol or other drugs.
