Common brand names: Vicodin, Lortab (hydrocodone with acetaminophen); Vicoprofen (hydrocodone with ibuprofen); and others

Description: Hydrocodone is a pain reliever. It is closely related to codeine. This drug is most effective for dental pain when it is given with acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

Dental uses: Hydrocodone is most commonly given to relieve moderate to severe pain after dental surgery. It also is given to relieve toothache. Hydrocodone is about six times more potent than codeine.

Dosages for dental purposes: Hydrocodone prescriptions for pain include:

• Acetaminophen 325 milligrams plus hydrocodone 5 milligrams (Vicodin or Lortab 5/500), 1 or 2 tablets every 4 to 6 hours
• Acetaminophen 325 milligrams plus hydrocodone 7.5 milligrams (Vicodin ES), 1 tablet every 6 hours
• Ibuprofen 200 milligrams plus hydrocodone 7.5 milligrams (Vicoprofen), 1 tablet every 4 to 6 hours

Hydrocodone usually is given for less than five days.

Concerns and possible side effects: Hydrocodone and other oral narcotics (codeine, oxycodone and propoxyphene) can cause:

• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Dry mouth
• Constipation

At higher doses, hydrocodone can affect breathing. If you are given hydrocodone, do not drink alcohol, operate dangerous machinery or drive. Alcohol plus hydrocodone increases the risks of drowsiness, impaired thinking and unconsciousness. It also increases the risk of stomach bleeding and ulcers (from ibuprofen/hydrocodone combinations) and liver damage (from acetaminophen/hydrocodone combinations).

Some health professionals are concerned that people can become addicted to hydrocodone. Using this drug for a few days for dental pain will not lead to addiction.

People with codeine allergies should avoid hydrocodone. People with allergies to other drugs that are combined with hydrocodone should avoid these combination pills. Allergic reactions can range from a mild rash to life-threatening closure of the airway and a fall in blood pressure.