Monograph: |
Dihydrocodeinone Acid Tartrate:
Fine, white crystals or crystalline powder. Soluble in water;
slightly soluble in alcohol: insoluble in chloroform and in
ether. A 2% solution in water has a pH of 3.2 to 3.8. Store in
airtight containers. Protect from light.
Hydrocodone. a phenanthrene derivative, is an opioid analge-
sic related to codeine and has similar actions, but
is more potent on a weight for weight basis. Hydromorphone
is one of the metabolites of hydrocodone.
Hydrocodone is used chiefly as the tartrate for the relief of
irritant cough, though it has no particular advantage over co-
deine. It is also used for the relief of moderate to moderately
severe pain.
Hydrocodone tartrate is taken by mouth in doses of 5 to
10 mg every 4 to 6 hours.
Hydrocodone hydrochloride is given by injection. The
polistirex (a hydrocodone and sulphonated diethenylbenzene-
ethenylbenzene copolymer complex) is used in modified-re-
lease preparations.
Hydrocodone has also been used in the treatment of dysp-
noea.
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