Hydrocodone

Hydrocodone is often compounded with other, generally less effective non-opioid compounds such as [|paracetamol] (also known as acetaminophen) or [|ibuprofen], both often added to discourage recreational use (as paracetamol can cause potentially fatal liver toxicity at high doses), and to provide a possible synergy of analgesic effects between hydrocodone and the non-opioid compounds present. The particular niche in which hydrocodone is most commonly used is as an intermediate centrally acting analgesic. Abrupt discontinuation of hydrocodone (Vicodin, Vicodin ES, and Norco) may result in withdrawal symptoms.
 * Hydrocodone** or **dihydrocodeinone** is a semi-synthetic [|opioid] derived from either of two naturally occurring [|opiates] : [|codeine][|[1]] and [|thebaine][|[2]] . It is an orally active [|narcotic] [|analgesic] and [|antitussive] . It is available in tablet, capsule, and syrup form.

The formula for hydrocodone is [|C]18[|H]21[|N] [|O] 3
 * It has a molar mass of 299.368 g/mol
 * Hydrocodone is also known as dihydrocodeinone is a synthetic opioid that has been derived from natural opiates, such as codeine and thebaine
 * It is a drug which is taken orally as a narcotic.
 * If hydrocodone is aburptly stopped, there may be withdrawl symptoms.
 * Hydrocodone is a narcotic pain reliever.


 * __History of Hydrocodone:__**
 * Hydrocodone was first created in 1920 in Germany.
 * It was approved in 1943 for sale in the United States and Canada



Contraindications and interactions
Mixing hydrocodone with [|alcohol], [|cocaine] , [|amphetamines] , [|methylphenidate] , [|benzodiazapines] , [|barbiturates] , and a number of other medications can have severe adverse reactions including but not limited to heart failure, heart attack, respiratory distress, pulmonary failure, liver or kidney failure, jaundice, amnesia, seizures, blackouts, and coma.[// [|citation needed] //] Also, hydrocodone can cause false indications on blood and urinalysis testing for morphine, codeine, hydromorphone and cocaine depending on usage and dosing. Generally this effect is only present when doses are taken for long periods of time, and the effect ceases after cessation of use. It isn't a false positive if the test is designed to detect opiates.

Alcohol
There are serious health risks posed by concurrent consumption of alcohol with hydrocodone compounds. Most notably, ethanol increases the risk of respiratory depression when combined with hydrocodone containing compounds. The most common medication compounded with hydrocodone is paracetamol (acetaminophen). The role of ethanol consumption in acetaminophen overdose is controversial, and a debate that has not yet proven clinical significance. Chronic alcoholics tend to be malnourished, however, and can have redued stores of glutathione. This can lead to a decreased clearance of acetaminophen through the glucuronidation pathway in the body and increase NAPQI formation. Chronic consumption of alcohol upregulates CYP 450 enzymes. Theoretically, the risk of fatal overdose due to [|hepatotoxicity] can occur with significantly lower levels of paracetamol when combined with chronic binge drinking. Hypothetically acute alcohol ingestion decreases the formation of NAPQI(toxic metabolite that causes liver damage) from paracetamol because of competition for CYP 2E1 binding sites. Paracetamol overdose may increase the potential for coma, respiratory problems, and can damage the CNS liver, kidneys, and stomach wall.