Hydrocodone [Dihydrocodeinone]

This chapter describes trade name, classification, approved indications for psychological disorders, available dosage forms, storage, and compatibility, usual dosage and administration, relative contraindications, and clinically significant drug interactions of Hydrocodone. Hydrocodone pharmacotherapy during pregnancy will result in addiction of the neonate, who will display the opiate withdrawal syndrome. Hydrocodone is adequately absorbed following oral ingestion. Peak concentrations generally are achieved within 1.5 hours. Duration of action is 4 to 8 hours. Hydrocodone is extensively metabolized in the liver. Hydrocodone is addicting and habituating and has significant abuse potential. Short-term hydrocodone pharmacotherapy for the management of acute pain rarely results in addiction and habituation. Long-term hydrocodone pharmacotherapy, or regular personal use, will result in addiction and habituation. Hydrocodone pharmacotherapy has been commonly associated with constipation, dizziness, and drowsiness. Hydrocodone overdosage requires emergency symptomatic medical support of body systems with attention to increasing hydrocodone elimination. The opiate antagonist naloxone generally is effective for the medical management of associated respiratory depression.