What is acetaminophen + hydrocodone?
Acetaminophen with hydrocodone (brand name Vicodin®, Lortab®, Norco®, Nortab®) is a combination drug used to aleviate pain in humans that is severe enough to require opioid treatment or used when other pain medications did not work well enough or cannot be tolerated. Acetaminophen + hydrocodone should only be given under the direction of a veterinarian.
Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and fever reducer. It is not often used in animals and, when done so, must only be used in dogs. Hydrocodone is a potent narcotic pain reliever that is also used as an anti-cough medication in humans. In dogs it is commonly used for its anti-cough effects.
There is no approved veterinary brand of acetaminophen + hydrocodone. It is used off label to treat pain in dogs. Many drugs are commonly prescribed for off-label use in veterinary medicine. “Off label” means the drug is being used in a way that has not been reviewed or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or Health Canada. In these instances, follow your veterinarian’s directions and cautions carefully, as they may be significantly different from those on the label. NEVER use acetaminophen + hydrocodone in cats or ferrets. In these species, acetaminophen is toxic at any dose.
How do I give my pet acetaminophen + hydrocodone?
- Acetaminophen + hydrocodone is given by mouth as a tablet, elixir, or liquid solution, and may be combined with other drugs in different formulations.
- Measure liquid forms of this medication carefully, using a medication measuring device.
- Acetaminophen + hydrocodone may be given with food or on an empty stomach.
- If your dog vomits or appears unwell when dosed on an empty stomach, give future doses with a small amount of food. Contact your veterinarian if the vomiting persists.
- Do not give acetaminophen + hydrocodone with other pain- or fever-reducing medicines unless instructed by your veterinarian.
- Do not stop this medication suddenly.
- Ideally, give this medication at the same time every day.
This medication should take effect within 1 to 2 hours and improvement in clinical signs should follow.
What if I miss giving my pet the medication?
If you miss a dose, give it as soon as you remember, and then continue with the regular dosing schedule. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume the regular dosing schedule. Do not give the pet two doses at once or give extra doses.
Are there any potential side effects?
Acetaminophen + hydrocodone may cause the following side effects:
- Sedation, sleepiness
- Constipation
- Reduced appetite
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
The following reactions are rare, but if they occur, stop giving acetaminophen + hydrocodone and contact your veterinarian immediately:
- Loss of appetite
- Yellowing of the whites of the eyes, skin, or gums (jaundice)
- Vomiting or diarrhea that persists or worsens
- Blood in vomit (looks like coffee grounds) or in stools (black, tarry)
Drug sensitivities can develop over time, with repeated exposure. Your pet may have no reaction after the first few doses but may develop a sensitivity later. It is important to watch for signs of an allergic reaction over the entire course of treatment. Other side effects may occur. If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian immediately. This short-acting medication should stop working within 24 hours, although effects can be longer in pets with liver or kidney disease.
Are there any risk factors for this medication?
NEVER give acetaminophen + hydrocodone to a dog without a veterinarian's advice.
DO NOT USE acetaminophen + hydrocodone in:
- Cats or ferrets: Even small amounts of acetaminophen + hydrocodone in these species can be fatal
- Hedgehogs and sugar gliders: safety is unknown
- Dogs that are allergic to acetaminophen, hydrocodone, or other opioid drugs
- Dogs that are taking other pain medications (unless directed by your veterinarian)
- Dogs that have diarrhea caused by a toxic substance
USE WITH CAUTION in:
- Dogs with liver disease
- Dogs with gastrointestinal problems, due to the risk of constipation
- Dogs with severe kidney disease
- Dogs with breathing problems
- Dogs with bleeding disorders
- Dogs with Addison’s disease (Low cortisol levels)
- Dogs with brain injury
- Dogs with low thyroid hormone levels
- Dogs that are young or very old
- Dogs that are in a poor state of health
- Working or service dogs (e.g., guide dogs, search dogs, hunting dogs, sled dogs, rescue dogs), as they may become overly sedated (sleepy) and unable to perform their duties
- Dogs that will have surgery soon
- Dogs that are breeding, pregnant, or nursing, as safety has not been established
Are there any drug interactions I should be aware of?
Certain medications should be used WITH CAUTION when given with acetaminophen + hydrocodone, including:
- Anticonvulsants (e.g., phenobarbital, pregabalin)
- Fenbendazole (dewormer)
- Other oral, anti-clotting medications
- Selegiline (Anipryl, Eldepryl®, l-deprenyl, Selgian®, Zelapar®)
Be sure to tell your veterinarian about any medications (including vitamins, supplements or herbal therapies) that your dog is taking before starting any treatment.
Is any monitoring needed with this medication?
- Your veterinarian should perform baseline blood work before starting your dog on acetaminophen + hydrocodone to assess general health.
- Your veterinarian may recommend periodic bloodwork if your dog is receiving acetaminophen + hydrocodone for long periods.
- Tear production should be monitored for 72 hours after exposure to higher-than-normal doses of acetaminophen in dogs.
- At home, monitor for any side effects such as those noted above. If any side effects occur, discontinue the medication, and contact your veterinarian.
How do I store acetaminophen + hydrocodone?
- Store this medication at room temperature, in a tightly sealed container, out of direct sunlight.
- Keep the container out of reach of children and pets.
- Store compounded forms of this medication according to the label.
- Keep this drug secure as it has been known to be abused by humans due to its addictive nature.
- Ask your veterinarian for specific disposal instructions. Do not flush medicines down the sink or toilet unless instructed to do so.
Acetaminophen + hydrocodone is a controlled substance, which means that it has been designated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) as having a potential for diversion to people other than the patient it was prescribed for. Use of a controlled substance in any person or animal other than that for which it is prescribed is illegal. Therefore, this medication should be stored in a locked cabinet or safe that cannot be easily moved, with access limited to only those that need to administer the medication. Monitor the amount of medication remaining to ensure the expected amount is present.
What should I do in case of emergency?
If you suspect an overdose or an adverse reaction to the medication, call your veterinary office immediately. If they are not available, follow their directions in contacting an emergency facility. Be prepared to provide information about the product and your pet's weight and symptoms.
