Sometimes the aches and pains we experience are not relieved by ordinary medicine, are they? The pain that comes after an operation or a serious injury is unbearable. Today we are talking about a special, powerful painkiller that doctors prescribe for times like these, when other painkillers don't work or can't be used.
What kind of medicine is this?
Simply put, this is a combination of two types of medication. That means one pill contains two types of painkillers.
1. Hydrocodone: This is a powerful opioid painkiller. To be precise, it works by blocking pain signals from reaching our brain. This means it reduces the sensation of pain.
2. Ibuprofen: This is a drug that belongs to the NSAID (Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug) class. It works by reducing swelling and inflammation at the site of pain.
When these two are combined, they have a great ability to control severe pain. But remember, this is not just a medicine for a common headache. This is a medicine that should only be used under the supervision of a doctor.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this medication
Okay, now this is very important. It is essential that your doctor is fully aware of your health condition before prescribing this medicine. Because this medicine may not be suitable for people with certain medical conditions, or it may need to be given with great caution. So if you have any of the conditions below, be sure to tell your doctor.
| Medical condition/habit | Why is that important? |
|---|---|
| Heart disease, high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, or recent bypass surgery (CABG) | This medicine may increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. |
| Stomach ulcers, stomach bleeding, or other stomach/intestinal diseases | Ibuprofen can worsen these conditions and increase the risk of bleeding. |
| Asthma or other breathing problems | Hydrocodone can make it difficult to breathe. |
| Kidney or liver disease | The process of removing medication from the body may be affected. |
| Frequent drinking, smoking, or drug addiction | The risk of side effects is very high. |
| Taking blood thinners | Greatly increases the risk of bleeding. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or are a breastfeeding mother | This medicine may be harmful to the baby (especially after 20 weeks of pregnancy). |
| Additionally: headache, seizures, depression, constipation, allergies. | It is important to inform the doctor about any of these conditions. |
How should I use the medicine?
- This medicine is to be taken orally as a tablet. Never break, crush, or chew the tablet. Swallow the tablet whole with water.
- Take it exactly as prescribed by the doctor, at the right time.
- If you feel uncomfortable after taking the medicine, eat some food.
- This medicine is usually given to people over the age of 16. If you are over the age of 65, the doctor may reduce the dosage because the effects of the medicine may be a little stronger.
Attention: If you suddenly think you have taken too much of this medicine, immediately go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital .
This medicine is for you only. Never give the medicine you gave to someone else who is also in pain. It is very dangerous.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
If you are a person who takes this at the same time every day, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once.
What other things are incompatible with this medicine?
You need to be very careful about what other medications and drinks you take while taking this medicine, as it can react with some things and cause serious side effects.
- Alcohol: Do not take alcohol with this medication for any reason . Doing so can cause excessive drowsiness, difficulty breathing, and even death.
- Other painkillers: Do not take other NSAID painkillers like Ibuprofen, Aspirin, or Naproxen with this medicine. Doing so greatly increases the risk of stomach bleeding. Even over-the-counter medications you buy from a pharmacy may contain these, so read the label carefully.
- Other medications that cause drowsiness: Taking this with sleeping pills, anxiety medications, and some allergy medications (antihistamines) can make drowsiness worse.
- Blood thinners: When taken with medications like Warfarin and Apixaban, the risk of bleeding increases.
In addition, it can interact with many other things, such as antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and antifungals. Therefore, tell your doctor about all the medications you take, including vitamins and herbal products .
Things to consider when taking medication
- If the pain doesn't go away: Over time, it may feel like the pain medication isn't working as well as it used to. This is called tolerance. This is normal. If this happens, talk to your doctor. Never increase the dose on your own.
- Stopping suddenly: It is not a good idea to stop taking this medicine suddenly. Doing so can cause withdrawal symptoms. If necessary, your doctor will gradually reduce the dose.
- Drowsiness and dizziness: This medication may make you feel drowsy and dizzy. So , do not drive or operate machinery until you know how it affects you.
- Risk of stomach bleeding: This risk is higher in smokers, alcoholics, and the elderly. If you have severe stomach cramps, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, or blood in your stool (the stool is black), tell your doctor immediately.
- Constipation: Constipation is very common with this medication. If you are unable to go to the bathroom for more than three days, tell your doctor. Drink plenty of water and eat foods high in fiber.
- Severe skin reactions: Although rare, severe skin reactions can occur. If you experience fever, body aches, and red, itchy skin, blistering, or peeling skin, seek medical attention immediately.
Possible side effects of the medicine
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
| Severe allergies | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, difficulty breathing. |
| Central nervous system depression (CNS Depression) | Slow or shallow breathing, excessive sleepiness, unconsciousness, and difficulty waking up. |
| Bleeding symptoms | Black or tarry stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, red/dark brown urine, red/purple spots on the skin. |
| Heart attack/Stroke | Chest, shoulder, arm pain, difficulty breathing, numbness in the face/hand/leg, difficulty speaking. |
| Liver/kidney damage | Pain in the upper right abdomen, yellowing of the eyes/skin, decreased urine output, and swelling of the legs. |
| Common (if it persists, tell your doctor ) | |
| Common side effects | Constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, headache, stomach upset, nausea. |
Take-Home Message
- This is a strong painkiller for severe pain. Use only under the advice of a doctor.
- Tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and all other medications you are taking before starting the medication.
- Do not drink alcohol while taking this medication for any reason. Be careful with other medications that can make you drowsy.
- Swallow the pill whole without breaking, crushing, or chewing.
- If you experience severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, severe stomach pain, black stools, or loss of consciousness, seek medical advice immediately.
- Keep this medicine in a safe place out of the reach of children and pets. Never give it to others.
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