Uses
Hydrocodone is a cough suppressant and analgesic agent for the treatment of moderate to moderately severe pain. Many studies show that hydrocodone is more effective than codeine for cough suppression and equal in effectiveness as morphine for pain relief.
Hydrocodone is abused to achieve its opioid effects. Hydrocodone pills are the most frequently encountered physical form through drug trafficking. Hydrocodone is generally abused orally, often in combination with alcohol for increased effects. This is extremely dangerous. Hydrocodone and alcohol should never be mixed because they both depresses the central nervous system. When the central nervous system is depressed, side effects such as unconsciousness, decreased breathing and slowed heart rate develop.
Just as most opiates, abuse of hydrocodone is associated with tolerance, dependence, and addiction. The mixture with acetaminophen carries a stronger risk of liver toxicity when high, acute doses are consumed. Some people who abuse very high doses of acetaminophen-containing hydrocodone products may be saved of this liver toxicity if they have been taking these products for a while and have slowly increased the dosage.
Image 1: Various dosages of Vicodin, a hydrocodone-based medication