Hydrocodone pill identifier
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Hydrocodone Pill Identifier: Insights from Recent Research
Increase in Hydrocodone Identification Calls
Opioid Abuse in Military Communities
Opioid abuse, particularly involving hydrocodone, has been a growing concern in both civilian and military populations. A study focusing on three Texas military bases revealed a significant increase in calls to poison centers for pill identification, which serves as a marker for drug abuse. From 2002 to 2009, the total number of drug identification calls from these areas increased by 105%, with calls specifically for hydrocodone surging by 463%1. This data suggests a notable rise in hydrocodone abuse within military communities, highlighting the need for heightened awareness and improved prescription practices to combat this issue.
Ototoxicity Potential of Hydrocodone
Clinical Evaluation of Hearing Loss Risks
Hydrocodone, particularly in combination with acetaminophen, has been associated with rare cases of permanent hearing loss. However, the ototoxic effects of hydrocodone alone had not been systematically studied until recently. Two phase-3 clinical studies evaluated the potential ototoxicity of a novel, single-entity, once-daily, extended-release hydrocodone tablet (Hysingla® ER). These studies involved comprehensive audiologic assessments of 1207 patients with chronic pain2.
Study Findings on Hearing Impact
The results indicated that the mean changes from baseline in air-conduction thresholds were clinically unremarkable. Most patients (82%) did not experience significant changes in hearing thresholds, while a small percentage (7%) showed potential hearing decrement, and 10% experienced improved hearing sensitivity. Importantly, no significant differences were observed between patients receiving hydrocodone and those on placebo, nor between different hydrocodone doses2. Thus, no ototoxic signal was detected for single-entity hydrocodone tablets at the dosages and treatment durations investigated.
Conclusion
The increase in hydrocodone identification calls in military communities underscores the growing issue of opioid abuse, necessitating better prescription practices and educational programs. Meanwhile, clinical studies have shown that single-entity hydrocodone tablets do not pose a significant risk of ototoxicity, providing some reassurance regarding their safety profile in terms of hearing loss. These findings collectively contribute to a better understanding of hydrocodone's impact and inform strategies to mitigate its abuse and potential side effects.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Using Pill Identification Calls to Poison Centers as a Marker of Drug Abuse at Three Texas Military Bases
Hydrocodone abuse has increased within military communities in Texas, with most drug ID calls coming from areas surrounding military bases.
Observational StudyEvaluation of the Ototoxicity Potential of Once-Daily, Single-Entity Hydrocodone in Patients with Chronic Pain: Results of Two Phase-3 Clinical Studies.
No ototoxic signal was observed for single-entity hydrocodone tablets at the dosages and treatment durations studied in patients with chronic pain.
RCT
Large Human TrialFatal Fentanyl: One Pill Can Kill.
Fentanyl-adulterated tablets purchased on the street as hydrocodone/acetaminophen in California have led to a serious outbreak of exaggerated opioid toxicity, requiring higher doses and prolonged naloxone infusions.
Case Report
Highly CitedA Benefit Risk Review of Pediatric Use of Hydrocodone/Chlorpheniramine, a Prescription Opioid Antitussive Agent for the Treatment of Cough
Hydrocodone/chlorpheniramine has no robust evidence of efficacy for cough relief in children under 18, contributing to the FDA's decision to discontinue its use in children under 18.
Systematic ReviewOpioid Treatment Patterns Following Prescription of Immediate-Release Hydrocodone
Most patients prescribed IR hydrocodone for pain management remained on it for less than 2 months, with a small subset needing extended-release opioids.
Observational StudySingle-entity hydrocodone extended-release capsules in opioid-tolerant subjects with moderate-to-severe chronic low back pain: a randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
Extended-release hydrocodone is well-tolerated and effective for treating moderate-to-severe chronic low back pain, without acetaminophen-associated liver toxicity risks.
RCTLarge Human Trial
Rigorous JournalCodeine/acetaminophen and hydrocodone/acetaminophen combination tablets for the management of chronic cancer pain in adults: a 23-day, prospective, double-blind, randomized, parallel-group study.
Codeine phosphate and hydrocodone bitartrate combined with acetaminophen are effective and well-tolerated for chronic cancer pain relief in adults.
RCTHydrocodone
Hydrocodone is the second most frequently encountered opioid pharmaceutical in drug evidence submitted to forensic laboratories, after fentanyl, and is the most frequently encountered opioid in drug evidence submitted to federal, state, and local forensic laboratories.
Extended-release hydrocodone – gift or curse?
Long-acting hydrocodone formulations may offer advantages like familiarity and reduced acetaminophen toxicity, but may also introduce altered use patterns and high morphine equivalent dosing.
Rigorous JournalRandomized clinical trial of hydrocodone/acetaminophen versus codeine/acetaminophen in the treatment of acute extremity pain after emergency department discharge.
Oral hydrocodone/acetaminophen does not provide clinically or statistically superior pain relief compared to codeine/acetaminophen for patients discharged from the emergency department with acute extremity pain.
RCT