ABSTRACT
This chapter aims to measure serum levels in patients with chronic nonmalignant pain requiring larger than the usual doses of a combination of acetaminophen and hydrocodone. Serum levels were measured in these patients from 1.5 to 2.5 hours following ingestion of the dose of acetaminophen and hydrocodone that they were taking for pain relief. The setting was the office of a solo family practitioner, and bloods were drawn by that practitioner in the office. The data show that the amount of acetaminophen, even when large doses were taken, did not exceed the reference lab level; the amount of hydrocodone did exceed reference lab levels in a few patients. In patients who require larger than usual doses of acetaminophen and hydrocodone, it is important to obtain serum levels to be sure that toxic levels of acetaminophen do not occur and also to make sure that patient is taking the medicine and is achieving serum level that may ensure some analgesic effect.
