M367

M 367 pills are generic, prescription pain tablets combining the narcotic hydrocodone and the analgesic acetaminophen. It is a capsule-shaped, white tablet embossed with this alphanumeric code. On the other side is a groove down the middle for splitting them in half. Acetaminophen is combined with hydrocodone because it increases the effectiveness of both. It takes 15 to 20 minutes for the effects to reach their peak. The duration of the impact is between four to eight hours.

Contents

Each tablet contains these two ingredients:

• 10 mg of hydrocodone
• 325 mg of acetaminophen

Usage

People with acute to moderate pain take this medication to treat the following conditions;

• back discomfort
• post-operative pain
• dental care
• migraines
• arthritis

Hydrocodone

Hydrocodone is an opioid narcotic. It manages pain severe enough to require daily treatment. Therefore, healthcare professionals prescribe potent opioids to manage chronic pain. Hydrocodone targets the opioid receptors in the brain. Opioids convert to morphine in the liver.

According to the DOJ, “Hydrocodone is the most frequently prescribed opiate in the United States.”

When hydrocodone stimulates opioid receptors, it causes dopamine and serotonin to flood the brain. These neurotransmitters activate these “feel good” areas, giving a euphoric, pleasant sensation. If someone abuses or takes this drug for an extended period, the brain grows accustomed to having excess dopamine and serotonin, activating its reward centers. Conversely, when levels of these neurotransmitters decrease, the brain initiates cravings for more.

Hydrocodone can cause potential drug interactions; see box warnings and details.

As tolerance builds, users will experience longer times to feel its effects and “come down” from hydrocodone faster.

Other brand names of this drug include;

• Vicodin
• Lortab
• Norco
• Lorcet

Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen is considered a non-addicting pain reliever. However, liver disease may occur with excessive use of this drug. Therefore, consider all acetaminophen-containing products, including OTC.

Side Effects

The most common side effects of hydrocodone are:

• constipation
• nausea
• vomiting
• somnolence
• headache
• dizziness

Side effects can include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Allergic reactions
• Rash
• Feeling fearful or anxious
• Mood swings
• Inability to urinate
• Muscle tremors
• Overdose

Patients can overdose on this drug because it interferes with time perception. In most cases, overdoses happen when the user forgets how many they have taken in what amount of time.

As tolerance builds to the drug, the pain returns faster than it should, making the user think it is time to take another pill.

Signs of an overdose may include:

• Inability to stay awake
• Excessive perspiration
• Slowed pulse rate or irregular heartbeat
• Shallow breathing
• Blood in the urine
• Chest pain
• Clammy skin
• If an overdose is suspected, call 911 immediately.

Dependency

There is a risk of addiction, abuse, and misuse, even at recommended doses. And there are significant dangers of overdose and death. Therefore, use hydrocodone with extreme caution.

The DEA categorizes hydrocodone as a Schedule II narcotic, controlled substance. Its DEA number is 9193 and is the alternative name.

Patients with a history of drug abuse are at high risk for misuse.

Treating hydrocodone addiction requires medical detoxification, psychological counseling, and medication. In addition, people addicted to hydrocodone should never attempt to go “cold turkey” due to serious health issues arising from abrupt withdrawal.

The American Psychiatric Association (APA) guidelines identify the following treatments effective for managing opioid dependence and withdrawal.

NDC Codes

National Drug Codes (NDC) are a part of the FDA. Here is a table of the NDC codes. 

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