Uses
The combination of benzhydrocodone and acetaminophen is used to relieve acute pain (pain that begins suddenly, has a specific cause, and is expected to go away when the cause of the pain is healed) that cannot be relieved by other non-opioid pain medications. Benzhydrocodone is in a class of medications called opiate (narcotic) analgesics. It works by changing the way the brain and nervous system respond to pain. Acetaminophen is in a class of medications called analgesics (pain relievers) and antipyretics (fever reducers).
When acetaminophen is used in combination with benzhydrocodone to treat pain, it works by changing the way the body senses pain.
Side Effects Of Benzhydrocodone and Acetaminophen
Benzhydrocodone and acetaminophen may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- nausea
- vomiting
- itching
- headache
- abdominal swelling or pain
- gas
- lack of energy
- feeling faint
- a sudden feeling of warmth
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms or those listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:
- rash
- hives
- peeling, blistering skin
- sores in your mouth
- swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, and eyes
- difficulty swallowing or breathing
- extreme drowsiness
- lightheadedness when changing positions
- agitation, fever, confusion, fast heartbeat, severe muscle stiffness or twitching, loss of coordination
- seizures
- experiencing more than one of the following symptoms, especially if taking benzhydrocodone and acetaminophone for one month or longer: nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, extreme tiredness, weakness, dizziness, feeling faint
Benzhydrocodone and acetaminophen may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
Warnings & Precautions
Before taking benzhydrocodone and acetaminophen:
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to benzhydrocodone, hydrocodone, acetaminophen, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in benzhydrocodone and acetaminophen tablets. Ask your pharmacist or check the Medication Guide for a list of the ingredients.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, and nutritional supplements you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention the medications listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section and any of the following: antihistamines (found in cold and allergy medications); diuretics (‘water pills’); buprenorphine (Butrans, in Suboxone, in Zubsolv, others); butorphanol; medications for irritable bowel disease, Parkinson disease, and urinary problems; linezolid (Zyvox); medications for mental illness and nausea such as chlorpromazine, fluphenazine, prochlorperazine (Compro, Procomp), thioridazine, and trifluoperazine; methylene blue; medications for migraine headaches such as almotriptan (Axert), eletriptan (Relpax), frovatriptan (Frova), naratriptan (Amerge), rizatriptan (Maxalt), sumatriptan (Imitrex, in Treximet), and zolmitriptan (Zomig); mirtazapine (Remeron); nalbuphine; pentazocine (Talwin); 5-HT3 receptor antagonists such as alosetron (Lotronex), granisetron (Sancuso, Sustol), ondansetron (Zofran, Zuplenz), or palonosetron (Aloxi, in Akynzeo); selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors such as citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem, Selfemra, in Symbyax), fluvoxamine (Luvox), paroxetine (Brisdelle, Paxil, Pexeva), and sertraline (Zoloft); serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors such as duloxetine (Cymbalta), desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq), levomilnacipran (Fetzima); milnacipran (Savella), and venlafaxine (Effexor); tramadol (Conzip, Ultram, in Ultracet); trazodone; or tricyclic antidepressants (‘mood elevators’) such as amitriptyline, clomipramine (Anafranil), desipramine (Norpramin), doxepin (Silenor), imipramine (Tofranil, Surmontil), nortriptyline (Pamelor), protriptyline (Vivactil), and trimipramine (Surmontil). Also tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or receiving the following monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors or if you have stopped taking them within the past two weeks: isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar), or tranylcypromine (Parnate). Many other medications may also interact with benzhydrocodone and acetaminophen, so be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, even those that do not appear on this list.
- tell your doctor what herbal products you are taking, especially St. John’s wort.
- tell your doctor if you have any of the conditions mentioned in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, a blockage or narrowing of your stomach or intestines, or paralytic ileus (a condition in which digested food does not move through the intestines). Your doctor will probably tell you not to take benzhydrocodone and acetaminophen.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had seizures, difficulty urinating, or pancreas, gallbladder, thyroid, heart, or kidney disease.
- tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding. If you breastfeed while taking benzhydrocodone and acetaminophen, monitor the breastfed infant carefully for increased sleepiness, trouble breathing, or limpness. If you stop taking benzhydrocodone and acetaminophen, or if you stop breastfeeding the infant, monitor the infant carefully for signs of withdrawal such as restlessness, teary eyes, runny nose, yawning, sweating, chills, or dilated pupils. Call your doctor immediately if the breastfed infant has any of these symptoms.
- you should know that this medication may decrease fertility in men and women. Talk to your doctor about the risks of taking benzhydrocodone and acetaminophen.
- if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking benzhydrocodone and acetaminophen.
- you should know that benzhydrocodone and acetaminophen may make you drowsy, dizzy, or lightheaded. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
- you should know that benzhydrocodone and acetaminophen may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting when you get up too quickly from a lying position. This is more common when you first start taking benzhydrocodone and acetaminophen, or after a dose increase. To avoid this problem, get out of bed slowly, resting your feet on the floor for a few minutes before standing up.
- you should know that benzhydrocodone and acetaminophen may cause constipation. Talk to your doctor about changing your diet or using other medications to prevent or treat constipation while you are taking benzhydrocodone and acetaminophen.
Dosage Of Benzhydrocodone and Acetaminophen
The combination of benzhydrocodone and acetaminophen comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken with or without food every 4 to 6 hours as needed for pain for 2 weeks or less. You should not take more than 12 tablets in 24 hours. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take benzhydrocodone and acetaminophen exactly as directed.
Do not stop taking benzhydrocodone and acetaminophen without talking to your doctor. If you suddenly stop taking benzhydrocodone and acetaminophen, you may experience withdrawal symptoms such as restlessness, teary eyes, runny nose, yawning, sweating, chills, hair standing on end, muscle pain, widened pupils (black circles in the middle of the eyes), irritability, anxiety, back or joint pain, weakness, stomach cramps, difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, fast breathing, or fast heartbeat. Your doctor will probably decrease your dose gradually.
Other
Keep all appointments with your doctor.
Before having any laboratory test (especially those that involve methylene blue), tell your doctor and the laboratory personnel that you are taking benzhydrocodone and acetaminophen.
This prescription is not refillable. If you continue to have pain after you finish the benzhydrocodone and acetaminophen, call your doctor.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Source
All information has been provided courtesy of MedLinePlus from the National Library of Medicine and from the FDA.
