Hydrocodone APAP (acetaminophen) is a prescribed medication used to treat moderate to severe pain. According to Drugs.com, it is considered a narcotic pain reliever, and therefore can lead to addiction. As with all medications, you should be aware of the ingredients in Hydrocodone APAP and their possible side effects.
Hydrocodone
Drugs.com lists hydrocodone as an active ingredient in Hydrocodone APAP. The mechanism by which this ingredient works is not fully understood; however, researchers believe that it blocks receptors in the brain that sense pain signals. Serious side effects of hydrocodone that require prompt medical attention include shallow breathing, slower heartbeat, feeling light-headed, confusion, seizures, urinary problems, nausea and stomach pain, according to Drugs.com. Less serious side effects include anxiety, dizziness, constipation, headache, mood changes, blurry vision, ringing in the ears or dry mouth. Drugs.com also states that hydrocodone may be addictive, so only use as directed by your doctor. If hydrocodone is not relieving your pain, you are experiencing side effects or feel that you are becoming addicted to this ingredient, seek proper medical treatment.
Acetaminophen
Acetaminophen is also an active ingredient in Hydrocodone APAP, according to Drugs.com. This ingredient is used to increase the effectiveness of hydrocodone. In addition, acetaminophen is effective in reducing fever. It is not clear how this ingredient works, but researchers believe that it inhibits chemical signals in the brain that cause fever and sense pain, according to Drugs.com. The main side effect to be aware of with this ingredient is liver damage, which can occur if you take more than 4g of acetaminophen in a 24-hour period, according to Drugs.com. It is therefore important to know the amount of acetaminophen in Hydrocodone APAP and to use as directed by your doctor. If you are having stomach pain, dark urine or clay-colored stools, you may have taken too much acetaminophen. Alert your doctor immediately.
Inactive Ingredients
Inactive ingredients, or excipients, are substances introduced to active ingredients to help with ease of use or to support the effectiveness of active ingredients. They do not have direct effects on symptoms. Drugs.com lists crospovidone, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, povidone, pregelatinized starch, silicon dioxide and stearic acid as the inactive ingredients in Hydrocodone APAP. If you have had an allergy to any of these inactive ingredients, consult your doctor before using Hydrocodone APAP.
