What it means
An opioid analgesicOH-pee-oyd an-ul-JEE-zikA strong drug that relieves moderate to severe pain by acting on the brain and spinal cord.Full entry for moderate to severe pain. Most often it comes combined with acetaminophenuh-see-tuh-MIN-uh-fenA drug that relieves mild to moderate pain and lowers fever.Full entry (as in Norco); long-acting forms that contain hydrocodone alone (Hysingla ER, Zohydro ER) are for constant, long-term pain. It is also in some prescription cough syrups. Its risks are those of all opioids: slow breathing, sedation, constipation, and misuse or addiction.
For the nurse
Check pain, respiratory rate and level of sedation before and after doses, and keep naloxone available. Extended-release capsules and tablets must be swallowed whole. With combination tablets, count all acetaminophen the client takes from every source toward the daily limit.
At a glance
| Drug class | opioid agonist |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Hysingla ER, Zohydro ER; with acetaminophen: Norco |
| Spanish | hidrocodona |
| Also written | Hysingla ER, Zohydro ER, Norco |
Easy to confuse with
oxycodone
An opioid pain medicine taken by mouth, as quick-acting or long-acting tablets.
Related terms
opioid analgesic
A strong drug that relieves moderate to severe pain by acting on the brain and spinal cord.
analgesic
A drug that relieves pain.
oxycodone
An opioid pain medicine taken by mouth, as quick-acting or long-acting tablets.
acetaminophen
A drug that relieves mild to moderate pain and lowers fever.