Description

Hydrocodone 7.5/500mg is a prescription pain-relief medication combining Hydrocodone bitartrate (7.5 mg), an opioid analgesic, and Acetaminophen (500 mg), a non-opioid pain reliever and fever reducer.

The medication provides dual-action pain control through:

• Hydrocodone, which acts on opioid receptors in the central nervous system (CNS) to reduce pain perception.

• Acetaminophen, which enhances the pain-relieving effects of hydrocodone and helps lower fever.

⚠️ Note: The 7.5/500mg strength has been discontinued in the United States due to the high acetaminophen content, which increases the risk of liver toxicity. The FDA now limits acetaminophen in prescription opioid combinations to no more than 325 mg per tablet.

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Features

• Contains 7.5 mg of Hydrocodone and 500 mg of Acetaminophen per tablet.

• Provides effective relief for moderate to moderately severe pain.

• Combines opioid and non-opioid mechanisms for enhanced analgesic benefit.

• Previously marketed under brand names such as Lortab® 7.5/500, Vicodin ES®, and Norco® 7.5/500.

• High acetaminophen levels raised risk for liver damage, especially with alcohol or overdose.

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Uses

• Relief of moderate to moderately severe pain, such as:

  • Post-surgical or injury-related pain

  • Dental pain

  • Musculoskeletal or back pain

• Prescribed when non-opioid medications are inadequate.

• Intended for short-term use due to the potential for tolerance, dependence, and acetaminophen-related toxicity.

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Effects

Therapeutic Effects

• Hydrocodone: Reduces pain by acting on the brain and spinal cord.

• Acetaminophen: Increases analgesic efficacy and reduces fever.

• The combination provides rapid and effective relief for acute pain.

Possible Side Effects

• Common: Drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, constipation, or lightheadedness.

• Serious: Respiratory depression, confusion, severe drowsiness, allergic reactions, or liver injury from excessive acetaminophen.

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Precautions

• Use only as prescribed by a qualified healthcare professional.

• Avoid alcohol and sedatives, which increase the risk of respiratory depression and liver toxicity.

• Do not exceed 4,000 mg of acetaminophen per day, including all sources.

• Use cautiously in patients with liver disease, breathing problems, or substance use history.

• May cause dependence or withdrawal symptoms if used long-term; taper under medical supervision when discontinuing.

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Important Note

Hydrocodone 7.5/500mg is a Schedule II controlled substance (U.S.) because of its opioid content and potential for abuse or dependence.
Due to safety concerns related to high acetaminophen content, this strength has been discontinued and replaced by safer formulations such as Hydrocodone 7.5/325mg, which reduce the risk of acetaminophen-related liver damage.

Always store securely, use only as prescribed, and keep out of reach of children or unauthorized users.