Directions

Take hydrocodone and acetaminophen exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take it in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Tell your doctor if the medicine seems to stop working as well in relieving your pain.

Side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• shallow breathing, slow heartbeat;
• feeling light-headed, fainting;
• confusion, fear, unusual thoughts or behavior;
• seizure (convulsions);
• problems with urination; or
• nausea, stomach pain, loss of appetite, itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Less serious hydrocodone and acetaminophen side effects may include:

• feeling anxious, dizzy, or drowsy;
• mild nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, constipation;
• headache, mood changes;
• blurred vision;
• ringing in your ears; or
• dry mouth.

Precautions

Avoid alcohol while taking hydrocodone and acetaminophen. Alcohol can increase drowsiness and dizziness caused by the medication, possibly resulting in unconsciousness and death. Also, acetaminophen can be damaging to the liver when taken with alcohol.

Hydrocodone and acetaminophen may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, pain relievers, anxiety medicines, seizure medicines, and muscle relaxants. Dangerous sedation, dizziness, or drowsiness may occur if hydrocodone and acetaminophen is taken with any of these medications. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and do not take any medicine without first talking to your doctor.

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Hydrocodone may cause drowsiness or dizziness. If you experience drowsiness or dizziness, avoid these activities.

Other products may also contain acetaminophen, especially over-the-counter pain, fever, cold, and allergy medications. Do not take any other products that contain acetaminophen without first talking to your doctor. Too much acetaminophen can be dangerous.

Missed dosage

Since hydrocodone and acetaminophen is taken as needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are taking the medication regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and wait until your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Storage

Store this medication at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from heat and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.