Hydrocodone is a prescription drug that treats moderate to severe aches and pain. It is also a cough suppressant. It is similar to codeine, but the narcotic analgesic is comparable strength-wise to many euphoric-style drugs, such as oxycodone, heroin, and morphine. Hydrocodone is from one of two opiates that occur naturally, which are thebaine and codeine. The drug is available in capsule, tablet, or syrup form for oral administration. Read more to learn about hydrocodone history and how it has become so prevalent in the U.S. today.
Hydrocodone is one of the most prescribed drugs in the United States. In 2017 alone, there were more than 100 million prescriptions written for the medication. The pure form is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance; however, not prescribed in this form. Usually, this drug includes one or more other drugs such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, aspirin, and antihistamines.
Hydrocodone History: What are Its Origins?
Looking at hydrocodone history, we learn that the trade name for hydrocodone was initially Dicodid because it is similar to Dilaudid.
Furthermore, the Misuse of Drugs Act of 1971 transpired in the U.K. Hydrocodone was classified as a Class A drug, which is the highest possible level. British authorities were concerned about potential dangers when the drug is abused. However, in other parts of Europe, Dicodid is available commercially. Presently, the pure form in America is in the prescription cough remedy Codiclear DH.
Vicodin: The Strongest Form of Hydrocodone
Vicodin is the most popular prescription painkiller used and abused today. This drug contains up to six times the typical dose of hydrocodone (approximately five milligrams), plus 500 milligrams of acetaminophen. Hydrocodone with acetaminophen is a byproduct of coal/tar distillation in 1893. Although Vicodin is an excellent painkiller and cough suppressant, patients who use the drug on a regular basis build up tolerance slowly, causing many of them to become addicted.
Vicodin emerged as a prescription painkiller in 1978 by Knoll Pharmaceuticals. A generic version of the drug was introduced in 1983. Since 2009, advocates asked the FDA to ban the drug because of the increase in painkiller addictions. Currently, the drug is available by prescription. However, controls are in place on the amount that each patient can receive per month.
Hydrocodone History of Addiction and Future Changes
Recently, the FDA approved a new hydrocodone pill that’s tough to abuse. The medication, Hysingla ER, made by Purdue Pharmaceuticals, treats pain around the clock for patients who are unable to manage their pain by any other means. This tablet is to be taken once a day and is difficult to crush, break, or dissolve. Therefore, it is difficult to be abuse by snorting or injecting.
On the positive side, Purdue Pharmaceuticals creates drugs that discourage abuse and tampering. This is their fourth FDA approved drug. They also produce a crush-resistant alternative to oxycodone. Also, they offer a combination drug that blocks the effects of crushed oxycodone pills.
Efforts to Create Safer, Crush-Proof Painkillers
Consistent efforts over the past several years to ban Vicodin and other high-strength forms of hydrocodone. Obviously, it is vital that the FDA understands that there is a great need for prescription painkillers, even though the abuse rate continues to rise. Fortunately, many pharmaceutical companies offer drugs that are harder to crush or dissolve. This move allows legitimate users of the medication to eliminate their constant pain while decreasing the harmful effects of abuse.
More information about hydrocodone history is available in the following links. Also, if you or a loved one need treatment for hydrocodone addiction, or simply would like more information on hydrocodone history please contact A Forever Recovery today.
- Hydrocodone and Acetaminophen
- FDA Likely to Add Limits on Painkillers
- The Truth About Painkillers
- To Fight Addiction, FDA Advisers Endorse Limits On Vicodin
- Stronger Oversight for Prescription Pain Pills Recommended
- Zohydro is More Potent Than Vicodin
- Xanax, Oxycontin, and Vicodin Overdoses at Record Highs
- New Rules for Hydrocodone: What You Should Know
- Pharmacokinetic Study of Hydrocodone/APAP in Chronic Pain Patients
- Opioid Pain Killers Linked to Increased Risk of Some Birth Defects
- Prescription Drugs and Cold Medicine