DRUGS AND SUPPLEMENTS

Hydrocodone; Ibuprofen

March 21, 2017

Hydrocodone Bitartrate, Ibuprofen Oral tablet

What is this medicine?

HYDROCODONE; IBUPROFEN (hye droe KOE done; eye BYOO proe fen) is a pain reliever. It is used to treat moderate to severe pain.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • brain tumor

  • cigarette smoker

  • Crohn's disease, inflammatory bowel disease, or ulcerative colitis

  • drink more than 3 alcohol-containing drinks per day

  • drug abuse or addiction

  • head injury

  • heart disease or circulation problems such as heart failure or leg edema (fluid retention)

  • hemophilia or bleeding problems

  • high blood pressure

  • kidney disease or problems going to the bathroom

  • liver disease

  • lung disease, asthma, or breathing problems

  • stomach bleeding or ulcers

  • an unusual or allergic reaction to ibuprofen, hydrocodone, aspirin, other NSAIDs, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant

  • breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a full glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Try to not lie down for at least 10 minutes after you take the medicine. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 16 years of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

  • alcohol

  • antihistamines

  • aspirin

  • cidofovir

  • diuretics

  • medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances

  • medicines for sleep

  • methotrexate

  • muscle relaxants

  • naltrexone

  • narcotic medicines (opiates) for pain

  • other drugs for inflammation like ketorolac or prednisone

  • pemetrexed

  • phenobarbital

  • ritonavir

  • tramadol

  • warfarin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or health care professional if your pain does not go away, if it gets worse, or if you have new or a different type of pain. You may develop tolerance to the medicine. Tolerance means that you will need a higher dose of the medicine for pain relief. Tolerance is normal and is expected if you take this medicine for a long time.

Do not suddenly stop taking this medicine because you may develop a severe reaction. Your body becomes used to this medicine. This does NOT mean you are addicted. Addiction is a behavior related to getting and using a drug for a non-medical reason. If you have pain, you have a medical reason to take pain medicine. Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to take. If your doctor wants you to stop this medicine, the dose will be slowly lowered over time to avoid any side effects.

There are different types of narcotic medicines (opiates) for pain. If you take more than one type at the same time, you may have more side effects. Give your health care provider a list of all medicines you use. Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to take. Do not take more medicine than directed. Call emergency for help if you have problems breathing.

This medicine will cause constipation. Try to have a bowel movement at least every 2 to 3 days. If you do not have a bowel movement for 3 days, call your doctor or health care professional.

This medicine does not prevent heart attack or stroke. In fact, this medicine may increase the chance of a heart attack or stroke. The chance may increase with longer use of this medicine and in people who have heart disease. If you take aspirin to prevent heart attack or stroke, talk with your doctor or health care professional.

Do not take naproxen with this medicine. Side effects such as stomach upset, nausea, or ulcers may be more likely to occur. Many medicines available without a prescription should not be taken with this medicine.

This medicine can cause ulcers and bleeding in the stomach and intestines at any time during treatment. Do not smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol. These increase irritation to your stomach and can make it more susceptible to damage from this medicine. Ulcers and bleeding can happen without warning symptoms and can cause death.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.

This medicine can cause you to bleed more easily. Try to avoid damage to your teeth and gums when you brush or floss your teeth.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • confusion

  • black or bloody stools, blood in the urine or vomit

  • blurred vision

  • chest pain

  • difficulty breathing or wheezing

  • skin rash, skin redness, blistering or peeling skin, hives, or itching

  • slurred speech or weakness on one side of the body

  • swelling of eyelids, throat, lips

  • unexplained weight gain or swelling

  • unusually weak or tired

  • yellowing of eyes or skin

  • vomiting

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

  • headache

  • heartburn

  • nausea

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children. This medicine can be abused. Keep your medicine in a safe place to protect it from theft. Do not share this medicine with anyone. Selling or giving away this medicine is dangerous and against the law.

This medicine may cause accidental overdose and death if it taken by other adults, children, or pets. Mix any unused medicine with a substance like cat litter or coffee grounds. Then throw the medicine away in a sealed container like a sealed bag or a coffee can with a lid. Do not use the medicine after the expiration date.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F).

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Updated:  

March 21, 2017

Sources:  

U.S. FDA-approved Package Insert