WATSON 388 (Acetaminophen and Hydrocodone 500 mg / 2.5 mg)

Mechanism of Action and Use

It is a narcotic Analgesic and hence helps in treatment of pain and symptoms of arthritis and labor pain. It is an opioid agonist and hence helps with the treatment of torment. It is used in reducing back pain, rheumatoid pain, cough etc.

• It has high tendency and potential for abuse and hence it is classified under the Controlled Substance Act as the Schedule 2 Controlled Substance.
• The combination of both the medicines makes it more potent and effective in releasing and reducing pain
• It is found that acetaminophen inhibits the activation of cyclooxygenase enzyme and hence helps in reducing pain and torment.
• The hydrocodone is comparatively more potent, and it is first metabolized into hydromorphone. The metabolized product binds to mostly opioid receptor and hence it helps in blocking signals and hence reduce pain.

Precaution and Side Effect from the Pill

It causes some common side effect like dizziness, drowsiness, headache, constipation, nausea, vomiting, breathing difficulty, low blood pressure etc. Constipation can be treated with high intake of fluid and fiber rich food. The excess of acetaminophen is the reason for causing injury to liver and even death.

It can become habit-forming and lead to addiction if the right dose in not taken. Overdose can cause adverse impact and forms symptoms like breathing issues, faster heart rate, flushing, muscle tremor, stomachache etc. It can even cause withdrawal symptoms like runny nose, insomnia, gastrointestinal issues, pupil dilation, irritation etc. Dependency can be harmful.