Hydrocodone and acetaminophen... Health Article

Definition

Hydrocodone and acetaminophen overdose occurs when someone accidentally or intentionally takes more than the normal or recommended amount of a painkiller containing both the opioid medication, hydrocodone, and acetaminophen (Tylenol).

Alternative Names

Lorcet overdose; Lortab overdose; Vicodin overdose

Poisonous Ingredient

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
• Hydrocodone (narcotic)

Where Found

Acetaminophen with hydrocodone is the main ingredient in many prescription painkillers, including:

• Anexsia
• Anolor DH
• Lortab
• Lorcet
• Norco
• Vicodin
• Zydone

Note: This list may not include all sources of hydrocodone and acetaminophen.

Symptoms

• Bluish skin (fingernails and lips)
• Cold and clammy skin
• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Eyes with small (pinpoint) pupils
• Liver failure due to acetaminophen overdose
• Loss of consciousness
• Low blood pressure
• Respiratory arrest
• Seizures
• Shallow breathing
• Slow and labored breathing
• Spasms of the stomach or intestinal tract
• Sweating
• Tiredness
• Vomiting
• Weakness

Home Treatment

Seek immediate medical help. DO NOT make a person throw up unless told to do so by Poison Control or a health care professional.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following:

• Patient's age, weight, and condition
• Name of the product (ingredients and strengths, if known)
• Time it was swallowed
• Amount swallowed
• If the medication was prescribed for the patient

Poison Control, or a local emergency number

The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.

This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the U.S. use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

See: Poison control center - emergency number

What to expect at the emergency room

The health care provider will measure and monitor your vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Symptoms will be treated as appropriate. You may receive:

• Activated charcoal
• Artificial respiration
• Fluids
• Laxative
• Medicine to lower acetaminophen levels in the blood (N-Acetyl cysteine)
• Medicine to reverse the effect of the hydrocodone (narcotic antagonist)
• Tube through the mouth into the stomach to wash out the stomach (gastric lavage)