Hydrocodone Bitartrate And Acetaminophen (hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen) - Dosing, PA Forms & Info (2026)
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    1. Home
    2. Hydrocodone Bitartrate And Acetaminophen - Hydrocodone Bitartrate And Acetaminophen tablet

    Get your patient on Hydrocodone Bitartrate And Acetaminophen - Hydrocodone Bitartrate And Acetaminophen tablet (Hydrocodone Bitartrate And Acetaminophen)

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    Hydrocodone Bitartrate And Acetaminophen - Hydrocodone Bitartrate And Acetaminophen tablet prescribing information

    • Boxed warning
    • Indications & usage
    • Dosage & administration
    • Contraindications
    • Adverse reactions
    • Drug interactions
    • Description
    • Pharmacology
    • How supplied/storage & handling
    • Data source
    • Boxed warning
    • Indications & usage
    • Dosage & administration
    • Contraindications
    • Adverse reactions
    • Drug interactions
    • Description
    • Pharmacology
    • How supplied/storage & handling
    • Data source
    Prescribing Information
    Boxed Warning

    WARNING: SERIOUS AND LIFE-THREATENING RISKS FROM USE OF HYDROCODONE BITARTRATE AND ACETAMINOPHEN TABLETS.


    Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse

    Because the use of hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen tablets exposes patients and other users to the risks of opioid addiction, abuse, and misuse, which can lead to overdose and death, assess each patient’s risk prior to prescribing and reassess all patients regularly for the development of these behaviors and conditions [see WARNINGS ].

    Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression

    Serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression may occur with use of hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen tablets, especially during initiation or following a dosage increase. To reduce the risk of respiratory depression, proper dosing and titration of hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen tablets are essential [see WARNINGS ].

    Accidental Ingestion

    Accidental ingestion of even one dose of hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen tablets, especially by children, can result in a fatal overdose of hydrocodone [see WARNINGS ].

    Risks From Concomitant Use With Benzodiazepines Or Other CNS Depressants

    Concomitant use of opioids with benzodiazepines or other central nervous system (CNS) depressants, including alcohol, may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death. Reserve concomitant prescribing of hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen tablets and benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate [see WARNINGS , PRECAUTIONS ; Drug Interactions ]

    Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS)

    If opioid use is required for an extended period of time in a pregnant woman, advise the patient of the risk of NOWS, which may be life-threatening if not recognized and treated. Ensure that management by neonatology experts will be available at delivery [see WARNINGS ].

    Opioid Analgesic Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS)

    Healthcare providers are strongly encouraged to complete a REMS-compliant education program and to counsel patients and caregivers on serious risks, safe use, and the importance of reading the Medication Guide with each prescription [see WARNINGS ].

    Cytochrome P450 3A4 Interaction

    The concomitant use of hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen tablets with all Cytochrome P450 3A4 inhibitors may result in an increase in hydrocodone plasma concentrations, which could increase or prolong adverse reactions and may cause potentially fatal respiratory depression. In addition, discontinuation of a concomitantly used Cytochrome P450 3A4 inducer may result in an increase in hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen plasma concentrations. Monitor patients receiving hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen tablets and any Cytochrome P450 3A4 inhibitor or inducer for signs of respiratory depression or sedation [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY , WARNINGS , and PRECAUTIONS ; Drug Interactions ].

    Hepatotoxicity

    Acetaminophen has been associated with cases of acute liver failure, at times resulting in liver transplant and death. Most of the cases of liver injury are associated with the use of acetaminophen at doses that exceed 4,000 milligrams per day, and often involve more than one acetaminophen-containing product [see WARNINGS and OVERDOSAGE ].







    Indications & Usage

    INDICATIONS & USAGE

    Hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen tablets are indicated for the management of pain severe enough to require an opioid analgesic and for which alternative treatments are inadequate.


    Limitations of Use

    Because of the risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse, with opioids, which can occur at any dosage or duration [see WARNINGS ], reserve hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen tablets for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options (e.g., non-opioid analgesics or combination products):

    • have not been tolerated or are not expected to be tolerated,
    • have not provided adequate analgesia or are not expected to provide adequate analgesia

    Hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen tablets should not be used for an extended period of time unless the pain remains severe enough to require an opioid analgesic and for which alternative treatment options continue to be inadequate.


    Dosage & Administration

    DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION

    Important Dosage and Administration Instructions

    Hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen tablets should be prescribed only by healthcare professionals who are knowledgeable about the use of opioids and how to mitigate the associated risks.

    Use the lowest effective dosage for the shortest duration of time consistent with individual patient treatment goals [see WARNINGS ].

    Because the risk of overdose increases as opioid doses increase, reserve titration to higher doses of hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen tablets for patients in whom lower doses are insufficiently effective and in whom the expected benefits of using a higher dose opioid clearly outweigh the substantial risks.

    Many acute pain conditions (e.g., the pain that occurs with a number of surgical procedures or acute musculoskeletal injuries) require no more than a few days of an opioid analgesic. Clinical guidelines on opioid prescribing for some acute pain conditions are available.

    There is variability in the opioid analgesic dose and duration needed to adequately manage pain due both to the cause of pain and to individual patient factors. Initiate the dosing regimen for each patient individually, taking into account the patient’s underlying cause and severity of pain, prior analgesic treatment and response, and risk factors for addiction, abuse, and misuse [see WARNINGS ].

    Respiratory depression can occur at any time during opioid therapy, especially when initiating and following dosage increases with hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen tablets. Consider this risk when selecting an initial dose and when making dose adjustments [see WARNINGS ].


    Patient Access to Naloxone for the Emergency Treatment of Opioid Overdose

    Discuss the availability of naloxone for the emergency treatment of opioid overdose with the patient and caregiver and assess the potential need for access to naloxone, both when initiating and renewing treatment with hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen tablets [see WARNINGS, Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression ; PRECAUTIONS , Information for Patients/Caregivers ].

    Inform patients and caregivers about the various ways to obtain naloxone as permitted by individual state naloxone dispensing and prescribing regulations (e.g., by prescription, directly from a pharmacist, or as part of a community-based program).

    Consider prescribing naloxone, based on the patient’s risk factors for overdose, such as concomitant use of CNS depressants, a history of opioid use disorder, or prior opioid overdose. The presence of risk factors for overdose should not prevent the proper management of pain in any given patient [see WARNINGS, Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse, Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression, Risks from Concomitant Use with Benzodiazepines or Other CNS Depressants ].

    Consider prescribing naloxone when the patient has household members (including children) or other close contacts at risk for accidental ingestion or overdose.



    Initial Dosage

    Use of Hydrocodone Bitartrate and Acetaminophen Tablets as the First Opioid Analgesic


    2.5 mg/325 mg
    5 mg/325 mg
    Initiate treatment with hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen tablets in a dosing range of 1 to 2 tablets every 4 to 6 hours as needed for pain, at the lowest dose necessary to achieve adequate analgesia. Titrate the dose based upon the individual patient’s response to their initial dose of hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen tablets. The total daily dosage should not exceed 8 tablets.
    7.5 mg/325 mg
    10 mg/325 mg
    Initiate treatment with hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen tablets with 1 tablet every 4 to 6 hours as needed for pain, at the lowest dose necessary to achieve adequate analgesia. Titrate the dose based upon the individual patient’s response to their initial dose of hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen tablets. The total daily dosage should not exceed 6 tablets.


    Conversion from Other Opioids to Hydrocodone Bitartrate and Acetaminophen Tablets

    There is inter-patient variability in the potency of opioid drugs and opioid formulations. Therefore, a conservative approach is advised when determining the total daily dosage of hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen tablets. It is safer to underestimate a patient’s 24-hour hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen tablets dosage than to overestimate the 24-hour hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen tablets dosage and manage an adverse reaction due to overdose.


    Conversion from Hydrocodone Bitartrate and Acetaminophen Tablets to Extended-Release Hydrocodone

    The relative bioavailability of hydrocodone from hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen tablets compared to extended-release hydrocodone products is unknown, so conversion to extended-release products must be accompanied by close observation for signs of excessive sedation and respiratory depression.


    Titration and Maintenance of Therapy

    Individually titrate hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen tablets to a dose that provides adequate analgesia and minimizes adverse reactions. Continually reevaluate patients receiving hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen tablets to assess the maintenance of pain control, signs and symptoms of opioid withdrawal, and other adverse reactions, as well as to reassess for the development of addiction, abuse, or misuse [see WARNINGS ]. Frequent communication is important among the prescriber, other members of the healthcare team, the patient, and the caregiver/family during periods of changing analgesic requirements, including initial titration.


    If the level of pain increases after dosage stabilization, attempt to identify the source of increased pain before increasing the hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen tablets dosage. If after increasing the dosage, unacceptable opioid-related adverse reactions are observed (including an increase in pain after dosage increase), consider reducing the dosage [see WARNINGS ]. Adjust the dosage to obtain an appropriate balance between management of pain and opioid-related adverse reactions.


    Safe Reduction or Discontinuation of Hydrocodone Bitartrate and Acetaminophen Tablets

    Do not abruptly discontinue hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen tablets in patients who may be physically dependent on opioids.  Rapid discontinuation of opioid analgesics in patients who are physically dependent on opioids has resulted in serious withdrawal symptoms, uncontrolled pain, and suicide. Rapid discontinuation has also been associated with attempts to find other sources of opioid analgesics, which may be confused with drug-seeking for abuse. Patients may also attempt to treat their pain or withdrawal symptoms with illicit opioids, such as heroin, and other substances.

    When a decision has been made to decrease the dose or discontinue therapy in an opioid-dependent patient taking  hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen tablets, there are a variety of factors that should be considered, including the total daily dose of opioid (including hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen tablets) the patient has been taking, the duration of treatment, the type of pain being treated, and the physical and psychological attributes of the patient. It is important to ensure ongoing care of the patient and to agree on an appropriate tapering schedule and follow-up plan so that patient and provider goals and expectations are clear and realistic. When opioid analgesics are being discontinued due to a suspected substance use disorder, evaluate and treat the patient, or refer for evaluation and treatment of the substance use disorder. Treatment should include evidence-based approaches, such as medication assisted treatment of opioid use disorder. Complex patients with co-morbid pain and substance use disorders may benefit from referral to a specialist.

    There are no standard opioid tapering schedules that are suitable for all patients. Good clinical practice dictates a patient-specific plan to taper the dose of the opioid gradually. For patients on hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen tablets who are physically opioid-dependent, initiate the taper by a small enough increment (e.g., no greater than 10% to 25% of the total daily dose) to avoid withdrawal symptoms, and proceed with dose-lowering at an interval of every 2 to 4 weeks. Patients who have been taking opioids for briefer periods of time may tolerate a more rapid taper.

    It may be necessary to provide the patient with lower dosage strengths to accomplish a successful taper. Reassess the patient frequently to manage pain and withdrawal symptoms, should they emerge. Common withdrawal symptoms include restlessness, lacrimation, rhinorrhea, yawning, perspiration, chills, myalgia, and mydriasis. Other signs and symptoms also may develop, including irritability, anxiety, backache, joint pain, weakness, abdominal cramps, insomnia, nausea, anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea, or increased blood pressure, respiratory rate, or heart rate. If withdrawal symptoms arise, it may be necessary to pause the taper for a period of time or raise the dose of the opioid analgesic to the previous dose, and then proceed with a slower taper. In addition, evaluate patients for any changes in mood, emergence of suicidal thoughts, or use of other substances.

    When managing patients taking opioid analgesics, particularly those who have been treated for an extended period of time and/or with high doses for chronic pain, ensure that a multimodal approach to pain management, including mental health support (if needed), is in place prior to initiating an opioid analgesic taper. A multimodal approach to pain management may optimize the treatment of chronic pain, as well as assist with the successful tapering of the opioid analgesic [see WARNINGS, Withdrawal and DRUG ABUSE AND DEPENDENCE ].


    Contraindications

    CONTRAINDICATIONS

    Hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen tablets are contraindicated in patients with:

    • Significant respiratory depression [see WARNINGS ]
    • Acute or severe bronchial asthma in an unmonitored setting or in the absence of resuscitative equipment [see WARNINGS ]
    • Known or suspected gastrointestinal obstruction, including paralytic ileus [see WARNINGS ]
    • Hypersensitivity to hydrocodone or acetaminophen (e.g., anaphylaxis) [see WARNINGS and ADVERSE REACTIONS ]

    Adverse Reactions

    ADVERSE REACTIONS

    The following adverse reactions have been identified during post approval use of hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen tablets. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.


    The most frequently reported adverse reactions are light-headedness, dizziness, sedation, nausea and vomiting. Other adverse reactions include:

    Central Nervous System - Drowsiness, mental clouding, lethargy, impairment of mental and physical performance, anxiety, fear, dysphoria, psychological dependence, mood changes.

    Gastrointestinal System - Constipation.

    Genitourinary System - Ureteral spasm, spasm of vesical sphincters, and urinary retention.

    Special Senses - Cases of Hearing impairment, or permanent loss have been reported predominately in patients with chronic overdose.

    Dermatological - Skin rash, pruritus, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, allergic reactions.

    Hematological - Thrombocytopenia, agranulocytosis.

    Serotonin syndrome: Cases of serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition, have been reported during concomitant use of opioids with serotonergic drugs.

    • Adrenal insufficiency : Cases of adrenal insufficiency have been reported with opioid use, more often following greater than one month of use.
    • Anaphylaxis : Anaphylaxis has been reported with ingredients contained in hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen tablets.
    • Androgen deficiency : Cases of androgen deficiency have occurred with use of opioids for an extended period of time [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY ].

    Hyperalgesia and Allodynia : Cases of hyperalgesia and allodynia have been reported with opioid therapy of any duration [see WARNINGS ].

    Hypoglycemia: Cases of hypoglycemia have been reported in patients taking opioids. Most reports were in patients with at least one predisposing risk factor (e.g., diabetes).


    Drug Interactions

    Drug Interactions

    Inhibitors of CYP3A4 and CYP2D6

    The concomitant use of hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen tablets and CYP3A4 inhibitors, such as macrolide antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin), azole-antifungal agents (e.g. ketoconazole), and protease inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir), can increase the plasma concentration of the hydrocodone from hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen tablets, resulting in increased or prolonged opioid effects. These effects could be more pronounced with concomitant use of hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen tablets and both CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 inhibitors, particularly when an inhibitor is added after a stable dose of hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen tablets is achieved [see WARNINGS ].


    After stopping a CYP3A4 inhibitor, as the effects of the inhibitor decline, the hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen tablets plasma concentration will decrease [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY ], resulting in decreased opioid efficacy or a withdrawal syndrome in patients who had developed physical dependence to hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen tablets.


    If concomitant use is necessary, consider dosage reduction of hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen tablets until stable drug effects are achieved. Evaluate patients at frequent intervals for respiratory depression and sedation. If a CYP3A4 inhibitor is discontinued, consider increasing the hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen tablets dosage until stable drug effects are achieved. Evaluate for signs of opioid withdrawal.


    Inducers of CYP3A4

    The concomitant use of hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen tablets and CYP3A4 inducers, such as rifampin, carbamazepine, and phenytoin, can decrease the plasma concentration of hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen tablets [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY ], resulting in decreased efficacy or onset of a withdrawal syndrome in patients who have developed physical dependence to hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen tablets [see WARNINGS ].


    After stopping a CYP3A4 inducer, as the effects of the inducer decline, the hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen tablets plasma concentration will increase [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY ], which could increase or prolong both the therapeutic effects and adverse reactions, and may cause serious respiratory depression.


    If concomitant use is necessary, consider increasing hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen tablets dosage until stable drug effects are achieved. Evaluate the patient for signs and symptoms of opioid withdrawal. If a CYP3A4 inducer is discontinued, consider hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen tablets dosage reduction and evaluate patients at frequent intervals for signs of respiratory depression and sedation.


    Benzodiazepines and Other Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants

    Due to additive pharmacologic effect, the concomitant use of benzodiazepines and other CNS depressants, such as benzodiazepines and other sedative hypnotics, anxiolytics, and tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, general anesthetics, antipsychotics, and other opioids, including alcohol, can increase the risk of hypotension, respiratory depression, profound sedation, coma, and death.


    Reserve concomitant prescribing of these drugs for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate. Limit dosages and durations to the minimum required. Inform patients and caregivers of this potential interaction, educate them on the signs and symptoms of respiratory depression (including sedation). If concomitant use is warranted, consider prescribing naloxone for the emergency treatment of opioid overdose [see WARNINGS ].

    Serotonergic Drugs

    The concomitant use of opioids with other drugs that affect the serotonergic neurotransmitter system, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), triptans, 5-HT3 receptor antagonists, drugs that affect the serotonin neurotransmitter system (e.g., mirtazapine, trazodone, tramadol), certain muscle relaxants (i.e., cyclobenzaprine, metaxalone), and monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors (those intended to treat psychiatric disorders and also others, such as linezolid and intravenous methylene blue), has resulted in serotonin syndrome [see PRECAUTIONS ; Information for Patients ].

    If concomitant use is warranted, frequently evaluate the patient, particularly during treatment initiation and dose adjustment. Discontinue hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen tablets immediately if serotonin syndrome is suspected.




    Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)

    The concomitant use of opioids and MAOIs, such as phenelzine, tranylcypromine, or linezolid, may manifest as serotonin syndrome, or opioid toxicity (e.g., respiratory depression, coma) [see WARNINGS ].


    The use of hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen tablets is not recommended for patients taking MAOIs or within 14 days of stopping such treatment.


    If urgent use of an opioid is necessary, use test doses and frequent titration of small doses to treat pain while closely monitoring blood pressure and signs and symptoms of CNS and respiratory depression.


    Mixed Agonist/Antagonist and Partial Agonist Opioid Analgesics

    The concomitant use of opioids with other opioid analgesics, such as butorphanol, nalbuphine, pentazocine, may reduce the analgesic effect of hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen tablets and/or precipitate withdrawal symptoms.


    Advise patient to avoid concomitant use of these drugs.


    Muscle Relaxants

    Hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen tablets may enhance the neuromuscular blocking action of skeletal muscle relaxants and produce an increased degree of respiratory depression.


    Because respiratory depression may be greater than otherwise expected, decrease the dosage of hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen tablets and/or the muscle relaxant as necessary. Due to the risk of respiratory depression with concomitant use of muscle relaxants and opioids, consider prescribing naloxone for the emergency treatment of opioid overdose [see WARNINGS ] .


    Diuretics

    Opioids can reduce the efficacy of diuretics by inducing the release of antidiuretic hormone.


    Evaluate patients for signs for diminished diuresis and/or effects on blood pressure and increase the dosage of the diuretic as needed.


    Anticholinergic Drugs

    The concomitant use of anticholinergic drugs may increase risk of urinary retention and/or severe constipation, which may lead to paralytic ileus.


    Evaluate patients for signs of urinary retention or reduced gastric motility when hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen tablets are used concomitantly with anticholinergic drugs.


    Description

    DESCRIPTION

    Hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen is available in tablet form for oral administration.


    Hydrocodone bitartrate is an opioid analgesic and occurs as fine, white crystals or as a crystalline powder. It is affected by light. The chemical name is 4,5α-epoxy-3-methoxy-17-methylmorphinan- 6-one tartrate (1:1) hydrate (2:5). It has the following structural formula:

    Referenced Image

    Acetaminophen, 4’-hydroxyacetanilide, a slightly bitter, white, odorless, crystalline powder, is a non-opiate, non-salicylate analgesic and antipyretic.  It has the following structural formula:

    Referenced Image

    Each Hydrocodone Bitartrate and Acetaminophen Tablet, 2.5 mg/325 mg contains:

    Hydrocodone Bitartrate .......... 2.5 mg

    Acetaminophen ...................... 325 mg


    Each Hydrocodone Bitartrate and Acetaminophen Tablet, 5 mg/325 mg contains:

    Hydrocodone Bitartrate .......... 5 mg

    Acetaminophen ...................... 325 mg


    Each Hydrocodone Bitartrate and Acetaminophen Tablet, 7.5 mg/325 mg contains:

    Hydrocodone Bitartrate ......... 7.5 mg

    Acetaminophen ...................... 325 mg


    Each Hydrocodone Bitartrate and Acetaminophen Tablets, 10 mg/325 mg contains:

    Hydrocodone Bitartrate ........ 10 mg

    Acetaminophen ..................... 325 mg


    Inactive Ingredients

    The tablets contain: microcrystalline cellulose, talc, croscarmellose sodium, and magnesium stearate. Additional inactive ingredients from acetaminophen (90%) may contain pregelatinized starch, crospovidone, povidone, and stearic acid.


    Meets USP Dissolution Test 2.

    Pharmacology

    CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

    Mechanism of Action

    Hydrocodone is full opioid agonist with relative selectivity for the mu-opioid (μ) receptor, although it can interact with other opioid receptors at higher doses. The principal therapeutic action of hydrocodone is analgesia. Like all full opioid agonists, there is no ceiling effect for analgesia with hydrocodone. Clinically, dosage is titrated to provide adequate analgesia and may be limited by adverse reactions, including respiratory and CNS depression.


    The precise mechanism of the analgesic action is unknown. However, specific CNS opioid receptors for endogenous compounds with opioid-like activity have been identified throughout the brain and spinal cord and are thought to play a role in the analgesic effects of this drug.


    The precise mechanism of the analgesic properties of acetaminophen is not established but is thought to involve central actions.


    Pharmacodynamics


    Effects on the Central Nervous System

    The principal therapeutic action of hydrocodone is analgesia. Hydrocodone produces respiratory depression by direct action on brain stem respiratory centers. The respiratory depression involves a reduction in the responsiveness of the brain stem respiratory centers to both increases in carbon dioxide tension and electrical stimulation.


    Hydrocodone causes miosis, even in total darkness. Pinpoint pupils are a sign of opioid overdose but are not pathognomonic (e.g., pontine lesions of hemorrhagic or ischemic origins may produce similar findings). Marked mydriasis rather than miosis may be seen due to hypoxia in overdose situations.


    Therapeutic doses of acetaminophen have negligible effects on the cardiovascular or respiratory systems; however, toxic doses may cause circulatory failure and rapid, shallow breathing.


    Effects on the Gastrointestinal Tract and Other Smooth Muscle

    Hydrocodone causes a reduction in motility associated with an increase in smooth muscle tone in the antrum of the stomach and duodenum. Digestion of food in the small intestine is delayed and propulsive contractions are decreased. Propulsive peristaltic waves in the colon are decreased, while tone may be increased to the point of spasm, resulting in constipation. Other opioid-induced effects may include a reduction in biliary and pancreatic secretions, spasm of sphincter of Oddi, and transient elevations in serum amylase.


    Effects on the Cardiovascular System

    Hydrocodone produces peripheral vasodilation which may result in orthostatic hypotension or syncope. Manifestations of histamine release and/or peripheral vasodilation may include pruritus, flushing, red eyes, sweating, and/or orthostatic hypotension.


    Effects on the Endocrine System

    Opioids inhibit the secretion of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), cortisol, and luteinizing hormone (LH) in humans [see ADVERSE REACTIONS ]. They also stimulate prolactin, growth hormone (GH) secretion, and pancreatic secretion of insulin and glucagon.


    Use of opioids for an extended period of time may influence the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, leading to androgen deficiency that may manifest as symptoms as low libido, impotence, erectile dysfunction, amenorrhea, or infertility. The causal role of opioids in the syndrome of hypogonadism is unknown because the various medical, physical, lifestyle, and psychological stressors that may influence gonadal hormone levels have not been adequately controlled for in studies conducted to date [see ADVERSE REACTIONS ].


    Effects on the Immune System

    Opioids have been shown to have a variety of effects on components of the immune system. The clinical significance of these findings is unknown. Overall, the effects of opioids appear to be modestly immunosuppressive.


    Concentration–Efficacy Relationships

    The minimum effective analgesic concentration will vary widely among patients, especially among patients who have been previously treated with opioid agonists. The minimum effective analgesic concentration of hydrocodone for any individual patient may increase over time due to an increase in pain, the development of a new pain syndrome, and/or the development of analgesic tolerance [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION ].


    Concentration–Adverse Reaction Relationships

    There is a relationship between increasing hydrocodone plasma concentration and increasing frequency of dose-related opioid adverse reactions such as nausea, vomiting, CNS effects, and respiratory depression. In opioid-tolerant patients, the situation may be altered by the development of tolerance to opioid-related adverse reactions [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION] .


    Pharmacokinetics


    The behavior of the individual components is described below.


    Hydrocodone

    Following a 10 mg oral dose of hydrocodone administered to five adult male subjects, the mean peak concentration was 23.6 ± 5.2 ng/mL. Maximum serum levels were achieved at 1.3 ± 0.3 hours and the half-life was determined to be 3.8 ± 0.3 hours.


    Hydrocodone exhibits a complex pattern of metabolism including O-demethylation, N-demethylation and 6-keto reduction to the corresponding 6-α- and 6-β-hydroxymetabolites. See OVERDOSAGE for toxicity information.


    CYP3A4 mediated N-demethylation to norhydrocodone is the primary metabolic pathway of hydrocodone with a lower contribution from CYP2D6 mediated O-demethylation to hydromorphone. Hydromorphone is formed from the O-demethylation of hydrocodone and may contribute to the total analgesic effect of hydrocodone. Therefore, the formation of these and related metabolites can, in theory, be affected by other drugs [see PRECAUTIONS ; Drug Interactions ] . N-demethylation of hydrocodone to form norhydrocodone via CYP3A4 while O-demethylation of hydrocodone to hydromorphone is predominantly catalyzed by CYP2D6 and to a lesser extent by an unknown low affinity CYP enzyme. Hydrocodone and its metabolites are eliminated primarily in the kidneys.


    Acetaminophen

    Acetaminophen is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and is distributed throughout most body tissues. A small fraction (10-25%) of acetaminophen is bound to plasma proteins. The plasma half-life is 1.25 to 3 hours, but may be increased by liver damage and following overdosage. Elimination of acetaminophen is principally by liver metabolism (conjugation) and subsequent renal excretion of metabolites. Acetaminophen is primarily metabolized in the liver by first-order kinetics and involves three principal separate pathways: conjugation with glucuronide; conjugation with sulfate; and oxidation via the cytochrome, P450-dependent, mixed-function oxidase enzyme pathway to form a reactive intermediate metabolite, which conjugates with glutathione and is then further metabolized to form cysteine and mercapturic acid conjugates. The principal cytochrome P450 isoenzyme involved appears to be CYP2E1, with CYP1A2 and CYP3A4 as additional pathways. Approximately 85% of an oral dose appears in the urine within 24 hours of administration, most as the glucuronide conjugate, with small amounts of other conjugates and unchanged drug.


    See OVERDOSAGE for toxicity information.


    How Supplied/Storage & Handling

    HOW SUPPLIED

    Hydrocodone Bitartrate and Acetaminophen Tablets, USP are supplied as follows:


    2.5 mg/325 mg


    White to off white capsule shaped tablet debossed on one side with “EHCA” and “2.5/325” on the other side


    Bottles of 100              NDC 64850-630-01


    5 mg/325 mg


    White to off white capsule shaped tablet debossed on one side with “EH” and “CA” on either side of the bisect and “5/325” on the other side


    Bottles of 100              NDC 64850-631-01


    7.5 mg/325 mg


    White to off white capsule shaped tablet debossed on one side with “EH” and “CA” on either side of the bisect and “7.5/325” on the other side


    Bottles of 100              NDC 64850-632-01


    10 mg/325 mg


    White to off white capsule shaped tablet debossed on one side with “EH” and “CA” on either side of the bisect and “10/325” on the other side


    Bottles of 100              NDC 64850-633-01


    Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F). [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].


    Dispense in a tight, light-resistant container as defined in the USP with a child-resistant closure.

    Store hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen tablets securely and dispose of properly [see PRECAUTIONS / Information for Patients ].


    Manufactured by:

    Elite Laboratories Inc.

    Northvale, NJ 07647


    IN0517

    Rev.  08/2024


    Data SourceWe receive information directly from the FDA and PrescriberPoint is updated as frequently as changes are made available
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