codone=?

[sloracer]

After Knee-joint replacement in September, I was given, among other meds, Hydrocodone/APAP 5mg/500mg tabs. Rater casual directions to take one or two every 4 to 6 hours as needed for pain.

So I came down with an infection and among the medicine I am also taking is a cough syrup which wasn't covered by insurance, HIstinex HC, 2 tsp. by mouth 4 times daily. Ingredients are listed as:Phenylephrine,Chlorpheniramine and Hydrocodone.

I'm wondering if I should discontinue the first Rx until I finish with the second one, since they tend to duplicate each other.

[painmd]

Sloracer:

The pills you have are Vicodin (Hydrocodone and Tylenol). They are not very strong to begin with. If you discontinue the first Rx you will be in pain. Just continue to take the pills only as needed for breakthrough pain and the cough syrup so you don't cough and so you can sleep. Hydrocodone helps you not cough and induces drowsiness for sleep. You will not be in danger if you take both as directed. The cough syrup has such a little Hydrocodone concentration.

Regards,

Dr. T. Palmer, MD
Addiction/Emergency Medicine

[Jaybay]

Yes!  Or at least cut down on the pain pills while taking the cough medicine.