DRUG INTERACTIONS
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility
Studies of hydrocodone bitartrate and homatropine methylbromide in animals to evaluate the carcinogenic and mutagenic potential and the effect on fertility have not been conducted.
Pregnancy
Teratogenic Effects
Pregnancy Category C; Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with hydrocodone bitartrate and homatropine methylbromide. It is also not known whether it can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity. Hydrocodone bitartrate and homatropine methylbromide should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.
Nonteratogenic Effects
Babies born to mothers who have been taking opioids regularly prior to delivery will be physically dependent. The withdrawal signs include irritability and excessive crying, tremors, hyperactive reflexes, increased respiratory rate, increased stools, sneezing, yawning, vomiting and fever. The intensity of the syndrome does not always correlate with the duration of maternal opioid use or dose.
|
OVERDOSAGE
Signs and Symptoms: Serious overdosage with hydrocodone is characterized by respiratory depression (a decrease in respiratory rate and/or tidal volume, Cheyne-Stokes respiration, cyanosis), extreme somnolence progressing to stupor or coma, skeletal muscle flaccidity, cold and clammy skin, and sometimes bradycardia and hypotension. In severe overdosage, apnea, circulatory collapse, cardiac arrest and death may occur. The ingestion of very large amounts of hydrocodone bitartrate and homatropine methylbromide may, in addition, result in acute homatropine intoxication.
Treatment: Primary attention should be given to the reestablishment of adequate respiratory exchange through provision of a patent airway and the institution of assisted or controlled ventilation. The narcotic antagonist naloxone hydrochloride is a specific antidote for respiratory depression which may result from overdosage or unusual sensitivity to narcotics including hydrocodone. Therefore, an appropriate dose of naloxone hydrochloride should be administered, preferably by the intravenous route, simultaneously with efforts at respiratory resuscitation. For further information, see full prescribing information for naloxone hydrochloride. An antagonist should not be administered in the absence of clinically significant respiratory depression. Oxygen, intravenous fluids, vasopressors and other supportive measures should be employed as indicated. Gastric emptying may be useful in removing unabsorbed drug.
|
