Hydrocodone Bitartrate and Acetaminophen (Page 3 of 4)

DRUG ABUSE AND DEPENDENCE

Hydrocodone bitartrate oral solution contains hydrocodone, an opioid agonist, and is a Schedule II controlled substance. Hydrocodone bitartrate oral solution, and other opioids used in analgesia can be abused and are subject to criminal diversion. Misuse Abuse and Diversion of Opioids

Addiction is a primary, chronic, neurobiologic disease, with genetic, psychosocial, and environmental factors influencing its development and manifestations. It is characterized by behaviors that include one or more of the following: impaired control over drug use, compulsive use, continued use despite harm, and craving. Drug addiction is a treatable disease utilizing a multidisciplinary approach, but relapse is common.

“Drug seeking” behavior is very common in addicts and drug abusers. Drug-seeking tactics include emergency calls or visits near the end of office hours, refusal to undergo appropriate examination, testing or referral, repeated “loss” of prescriptions, tampering with prescriptions and reluctance to provide prior medical records or contact information for other treating physician(s). “Doctor shopping” to obtain additional prescriptions is common among drug abusers and people suffering from untreated addiction.

Abuse and addiction are separate and distinct from physical dependence and tolerance. Physical dependence usually assumes clinically significant dimensions only after several weeks of continued opiod use, although a mild degree of physical dependence may develop after a few days of opioid therapy. Tolerance, in which increasingly large doses are required in order to produce the same degree of analgesia, is manifested initially by a shortened duration of analgesic effect, and subsequently by decreases in the intensity of analgesia. The rate of development of tolerance varies among patients. Physicians should be aware that abuse of opioids can occur in the absence of true addiction and is characterized by misuse for nonmedical purposes, often in combination with other psychoactive substances. Hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen oral solution like other opioids, may be diverted for non-medical use. Record-keeping of prescribing information, including quantity, frequency, and renewal requests is strongly advised.

Proper assessment of the patient, proper prescribing practices, periodic re-evaluation of therapy, and proper dispensing and storage are appropriate measures that help to limit abuse of opioid drugs.

OVERDOSAGE

Following an acute overdosage, toxicity may result from hydrocodone or acetaminophen.

: Serious overdose with hydrocodone is characterized by respiratory depressIon (a decrease in respiratory rate and/or tidal volume, Cheyne-Stokes respiration, cyanosis), extreme somnolence progressing to stupor or coma, skeletal muscle flaccidity, cold and clammy skin, and sometimes bradycardia and hypotension. In severe overdosage, apnea, circulatory collapse, cardiac arrest and death may occur. Signs and Symptoms:
Hydrocodone

: In acetaminophen overdosage: dose-dependent, potentially fatal hepatic necrosis is the most serious adverse effect. Renal tubular necrosis, hypoglycemic coma and coagulation defects may also occur. Early symptoms following a potentially hepatotoxic overdose may include: nausea, vomiting, diaphoresis and general malaise. Clinical and laboratory evidence of hepatic toxicity may not be apparent until 48 to 72 hours post-ingestion. Acetaminophen

A single or multiple drug overdose with hydrocodone and acetaminophen is a potentially lethal polydrug overdose, and consultation with a regional poison control center is recommended. Immediate treatment includes support of cardiorespiratory function and measures to reduce drug absorption. Oxygen, intravenous fluids, vasopressors, and other supportive measures should be employed as indicated. Assisted or controlled ventilation should also be considered. Treatment

For hydrocodone overdose, primary attention should be given to the reestablishment of adequate respiratory exchange through provision of a patent airway and the institution of assisted or controlled ventilation. The narcotic antagonist naloxone hydrochloride is a specific antidote against respiratory depression which may result from overdosage or unusual sensitivity to narcotics, including hydrocodone. Since the duration of action of hydrocodone may exceed that of the antagonist, the patient should be kept under continued surveillance, and repeated doses of the antagonist should be administered as needed to maintain adequate respiration. A narcotic antagonist should not be administered in the absence of clinically significant respiratory or cardiovascular depression.

Gastric decontamination with activated charcoal should be administered just prior to N-acetylcysteine (NAC) to decrease absorption if acetaminophen is known or suspected to have occurred within a few hours of presentation. Serum acetaminophen levels should be obtained immediately if the patient presents 4 hours or more after ingestion to assess potential risk of hepatotoxicity; acetaminophen levels drawn less than 4 hours post-ingestion may be misleading. To obtain best possible outcome, NAC should be administered as soon as possible where impending or evolving liver injury is suspected. Intravenous NAC may be administered when circumstances preclude oral administration.

Vigorous supportive therapy is required in severe intoxication. Procedures to limit the continuing absorption of the drug must be readily performed since the hepatic injury is dose-dependent and occurs in the course of intoxication.

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

Dosage should be adjusted according to severity of the pain and the response of the patient. However, it should be kept in mind that tolerance to hydrocodone can develop with continued use and that the incidence of untoward effects is dose related.

The usual adult dosage is one tablespoonful every 4 to 6 hours as needed for pain. The total daily dosage for adults should not exceed 6 tablespoonfuls.

The usual dosages for children are given by the table on the next page, and are to be given every 4 to 6 hours as needed for pain. These dosages correspond to an average individual dose of 0.27 mL/kg of hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen oral solution (providing 0.135 mg/kg of hydrocodone bitartrate and 5.85 mg/kg of acetaminophen). Dosing should be based on the weight whenever possible.

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The total daily dosage for children should not exceed 6 doses per day.

It is of utmost importance that the dose of hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen oral solution be administered accurately. A household teaspoon or tablespoon is not an adequate measuring device, especially when one-half or three-fourths of a teaspoonful is to be measured. Given the inexactitude of the household spoon measure and the possibility of using a tablespoon instead of a teaspoon, which could lead to overdosage, it is strongly recommended that caregivers obtain and use a calibrated measuring device. Health care providers should recommend a dropper that can measure and deliver the prescribed dose accurately, and instruct caregivers to use extreme caution in measuring the dosage.

HOW SUPPLIED

NDC:17856-0640-2 in a CUP, UNIT-DOSE of 15 SOLUTIONS

STORAGE:

Store at 20° — 25°C (68° — 77°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].

Dispense in a tight, light-resistant container with a child-resistant closure. Dispense the Patient Information Leaflet with the drug product. PHARMACIST:

A Schedule CII Narcotic.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Manufactured for: a Subsidiary of Qualitest Pharmaceuticals Huntsville, AL 35811 1-800-444-4011 Rev. 09/2014 500309-01
Boca Pharmacal, LLC

Patient Information Leaflet

H ydrocodone Bitartrate and Acetaminophen Oral Solution (7.5 mg/325 mg per 15 mL)

CII

Rx only

Hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen oral solution is used to relieve moderate to moderately severe pain. You should not take hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen oral solution if you are allergic to hydrocodone or acetaminophen. The most common side effects of hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen oral solution are abdominal pain, dizziness, drowsiness, lightheadedness, nausea, shortness of breath, unusual tiredness, and vomiting. Take this medicine as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take more often, and do not take for a longer time than your doctor ordered. Summary

Hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen oral solution is an analgesic used to relieve moderate to moderately severe pain. Hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen oral solution is a combination product containing hydrocodone (hye-droe-KO-done) bitartrate and acetaminophen (a-seat-a-MIN-oh-fen). Hydrocodone is a narcotic pain reliever and a cough suppressant. Acetaminophen is a non-narcotic pain reliever and fever reducer. A narcotic analgesic and acetaminophen used together may provide better pain relief than either product used alone. If you have any questions, please call your doctor or pharmacist. Uses

General Cautions:

  • Do not take this drug if you have allergies or unusual reactions to narcotic pain relievers or acetaminophen because it is likely that you may also be allergic to hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen oral solution.
  • This product may inhibit your mental and physical abilities required for the performance of potentially hazardous tasks such as driving a car or operating machinery. Such tasks should be avoided while you are taking this product.
  • This medicine may not be right for you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you:
  • are pregnant

  • are nursing

  • are taking other medications: narcotic pain relievers; allergy medicines; antidepressant medicines; acetaminophen-containing medicines or other medicines that cause central nervous system depression, including alcohol.

  • have other medical problems: a history of drug or alcohol abuse; recent head injury; emphysema, asthma, or other chronic lung disease; liver disease; kidney disease; underactive thyroid, Addison’s disease, enlarged prostate or difficulty urinating.

Take this medicine as directed by your doctor. Do not share it with anyone else. This medicine can cause drug dependence and has the potential for abuse. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. If you think that this medicine is not working properly after taking it for some time, do not increase the dose. Check with your doctor or pharmacist. Proper Use

The dose of this medication will be different for different patients. Follow the directions provided by your doctor. The following information includes only the average doses of this medication. If your dose is different, do not change doses unless your doctor tells you to do so. Dosing

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It is very important that hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen oral solution be dosed accurately. A household teaspoon or tablespoon is not an adequate measuring device, especially when one-half or three-fourths of a teaspoonful is to be measured.

Since a household teaspoon is not accurate and can be mixed-up with a tablespoon (which can cause overdosage), it is strongly recommended that you obtain and use a proper measuring device. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for help to find a dropper that can measure the needed dose properly and ask for help if you do not understand how to use the dropper.

Missed Dose

  • To avoid a possible overdose, it is important that you do not take more than a single dosage at one time, or that you don’t take doses at intervals less than 4 hours apart.
  • If you miss taking a dose of hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen oral solution, take it as soon as you remember. However, make sure to wait at least 4 hours before taking your next dose.
  • If you missed taking a dose and it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your medicine as scheduled.
  • Do not double the prescribed dose.

Side effects you may experience include abdominal pain, constipation, difficulty urinating, dizziness and drowsiness, fear, fuzzy thinking, general feeling of discomfort or illness, lightheadedness, mood changes, nausea, nervousness, rash, shortness of breath, slower reactions, unusual tiredness, and vomiting. Call your doctor if these effects continue or are bothersome. Side effects not listed above may sometimes occur. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor. Possible Side Effects

Storage

  • Keep out of reach of children.
  • Store at room temperature (protect from heat, do not refrigerate).
  • Keep in original labeled bottle.
  • Discard medicines that are old or no longer needed.
  • Even a single overdose of this medicine may be a life-threatening situation. If you suspect that you or someone else may have taken more than the prescribed dose of this medicine, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. This medicine was prescribed for your particular condition. Do not use it for another condition or give the drug to others.
  • This leaflet provides a summary of information about hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen oral solution. If you have any questions or concerns, or want more information about hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen oral solution, contact your doctor or pharmacist. Your pharmacist also has a longer leaflet about hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen oral solution that is written for health professionals that you can ask to read.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Manufactured for: a Subsidiary of Qualitest Pharmaceuticals Huntsville, AL 35811 1-800-444-4011
Boca Pharmacal, LLC

Rev. 09/2014 500309-01

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