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Hydrocodone
is an effective antitussive (anti-cough) agent, and as an opiate
it is also an effective analgesic for mild to moderate pain control.
Five mg of hydrocodone is equivalent to 30 mg of codeine when administered
orally. Early comparisons concluded that hydrocodone and morphine
were equipotent for pain control in humans. However, it is now considered
that a dose of 15 mg (1/4 gr) of hydrocodone is equivalent to 10
mg (1/6 gr) of morphine. Hydrocodone is considered to be morphine-like
in all respects.
There
are over 200 products containing hydrocodone in the U.S. In its
most usual product forms hydrocodone is combined with acetaminophen
(Vicodin,
Lortab), but it is also combined with aspirin (Lortab ASA),
ibuprofen (Vicoprofen), and antihistamines (Hycomine). Both tablet
and liquid forms of hydrocodone are available (e.g., Tussionex)
Hydrocodone
is in Schedule II of the Controlled Substances Act. Preparations
containing hydrocodone in combination with other non-narcotic
medicinal ingredients are in Schedule III.
Vicodin,
hydrocodone
in combination with acetaminophen, is a commonly abused version
of hydrocodone. Vicodin, as with all narcotic analgesics, can
be habit forming — causing dependence, tolerance, and withdrawal
symptoms if not used as it is prescribed.
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