Narcotic analgesic combinations

What are Narcotic analgesic combinations?

Narcotic analgesic combinations are products that contain a narcotic analgesic in combination with at least one other analgesic; for example, hydrocodone and acetaminophen, oxycodone and acetaminophen. Narcotic analgesic combinations should only be used to treat moderate-to-severe pain that is not responsive to other less potent analgesics. An analgesic is the name used to describe a medicine that relieves pain.

Experts believe that narcotic analgesic combinations have been overused, overprescribed, and misused in the past which has resulted in more than two million people in the U.S. alone having a substance misuse disorder involving prescription narcotic analgesics.

Narcotic analgesics work by binding to opioid receptors, which form part of the opioid system responsible for sensing pain and controlling pleasurable and addictive behaviors. Opioid receptors are more abundant in the brain and spinal cord but are also located elsewhere in the body such as the stomach and the lungs. The main opioid receptor that narcotic analgesics bind to is the mu receptor.

The other analgesics, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, typically found in narcotic analgesic combinations mainly work by inhibiting enzymes called cyclo-oxygenase (COX) enzymes that produce prostaglandins. Prostaglandins promote inflammation, pain and fever.

Narcotic analgesic combinations relieve acute and chronic severe pain by a dual mechanism of action: binding to opioid receptors and inhibiting COX enzymes. Even though narcotic analgesic combinations are very effective at relieving pain, they also tend to cause addiction, dependence, and tolerance (where increasing dosages are needed to provide the same pain-relieving effect).

What are narcotic analgesic combinations used for?

In the past, narcotic analgesic combinations have been used for all types of pain, which may explain why there are so many people addicted to them today.

The most appropriate use of narcotic analgesic combinations is for the relief of short-term, intense pain, such as that occurring immediately after surgery or due to a medical condition.

Narcotic analgesic combinations are also appropriate for relief of pain due to active cancer treatment, palliative care and end-or life care. However, they should only be considered to treat other types of chronic pain conditions under strict conditions and with close monitoring.

What are the differences between narcotic analgesic combinations?

Narcotic analgesic combinations differ in their ingredients. Some contain two active ingredients, others contain up to four. These ingredients all differ with regards to how they work in the body, how potent they are, and how they absorbed, distributed, metabolized and excreted. See narcotic analgesics for an explanation of the different types of narcotics (opioids) that are available.

Common narcotic analgesic combinations available in the U.S.

Generic name Examples Brand names
codeine + acetaminophen Generic
codeine + acetaminophen + butalbital + caffeine Fioricet with codeine
codeine + aspirin + butalbital + caffeine Ascomp with codeine, Fiorinal with codeine
dihydrocodeine + acetaminophen + caffeine Trezix
hydrocodone + acetaminophen Generic
hydrocodone + ibuprofen Generic
oxycodone + acetaminophen Percocet
tramadol + acetaminophen Ultracet

Are combination narcotic analgesics safe?

There are serious risks associated with narcotic analgesic combination use including respiratory depression (unusually slow and shallow breathing), opioid-use disorder, and potentially fatal overdose.

Opioid-use disorder is defined as the repeated occurrence of at least two out of 11 specific opioid-associated problems, including using opioids in increased amounts or for longer than intended; continued use despite interference with daily activities; or still using while in hazardous situations. Severe opioid-use disorder is defined as a cluster of 6 or more problems and it can affect people from all educational and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Narcotic analgesic combinations are potentially addictive and the risk of becoming emotionally and physically dependent on them increases the more you take and the longer you take them for. When prescribed by a doctor and used for short periods of time, such as for less than five days for pain relief after surgery, the risk of becoming addicted to them is relatively low.

The number of deaths from opioid overdose continues to rise and legislation has been enacted to restrict the prescribing of opioids. More than 110,000 people died in 2022 because of a drug overdose; many of these deaths involved a prescription narcotic analgesic.

When taken exactly as prescribed by a doctor, for short periods of time, for the relief of severe pain, and under strict monitoring, narcotic analgesic combinations are considered acceptable to use. However, they may still be associated with some severe side effects, despite proper use.

What are the side effects of combination narcotic analgesics?

Narcotic analgesic combinations have many side effects, although people with cancer or terminal illness taking these for the control of persistent pain may become tolerant to some of these side effects.

Drowsiness, sleepiness, or dizziness is common with the narcotic component of narcotic analgesic combinations. This can affect your driving or ability to operate machinery or perform other hazardous tasks. Alcohol may potentiate these effects.

Other commonly reported side effects related to the narcotic component include:

  • Constipation
  • Breathing difficulty
  • Itching or a skin rash
  • Loss of appetite
  • Low blood pressure
  • Miosis (constriction of the pupil of the eye)
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Problems with urination
  • Shakiness or a tremor
  • Slow heartbeat.

Withdrawal symptoms may occur when people who have been taking narcotic analgesic combinations abruptly stop taking them. Symptoms are like having the flu, and may include body aches, chills, depression, diarrhea, goose-bumps, headaches, high blood pressure, insomnia, irritability, a runny nose and sweats. Withdrawal symptoms usually last about a week.

Side effects can also occur due to other ingredients included in the narcotic analgesic combination, for example:

  • Acetaminophen: potential for liver damage particularly in people who exceed the recommended dosage, drink more than three alcoholic drinks a day, or with pre-existing liver disease
  • Ibuprofen: stomach related side effects (such as indigestion and heartburn) and potential for cardiac-related events although risk with ibuprofen is low
  • Aspirin: high risk of stomach-related side effects and may interact with some medicines
  • Butalbital: may cause drowsiness, constipation, and is potentially addictive
  • Caffeine: may cause constipation, headaches or insomnia.

List drug with Narcotic analgesic combinations

Drug Name
Acetaminophen and benzhydrocodone
Generic name: Acetaminophen And Benzhydrocodone
Acetaminophen and codeine
Generic name: Acetaminophen And Codeine
Acetaminophen and Oxycodone
Generic name: Oxycodone And Acetaminophen
Acetaminophen and tramadol
Generic name: Acetaminophen And Tramadol
Acetaminophen, butalbital, caffeine, and codeine
Generic name: Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine, And Codeine
Acetaminophen, caffeine, and dihydrocodeine
Generic name: Acetaminophen, Caffeine, And Dihydrocodeine
Anexsia
Generic name: Hydrocodone And Acetaminophen
Apadaz
Generic name: Acetaminophen And Benzhydrocodone
APAP w/Codeine
Generic name: Acetaminophen And Codeine
Ascomp w/Codeine
Generic name: Butalbital, Aspirin, Caffeine, And Codeine
Ascomp with Codeine
Generic name: Aspirin, Butalbital, Caffeine, And Codeine
Aspirin, butalbital, caffeine, and codeine
Generic name: Aspirin, Butalbital, Caffeine, And Codeine
Aspirin, caffeine, and dihydrocodeine
Generic name: Aspirin, Caffeine, And Dihydrocodeine
Co-Gesic
Generic name: Hydrocodone And Acetaminophen
Combunox
Generic name: Ibuprofen And Oxycodone
Belladonna and opium
Generic name: Belladonna And Opium
Belladonna and opium rectal
Generic name: Belladonna And Opium (rectal)
Benzhydrocodone and acetaminophen
Generic name: Benzhydrocodone And Acetaminophen
Bunavail
Generic name: Buprenorphine And Naloxone (oral/sublingual)
Buprenorphine & Naloxone
Generic name: Buprenorphine And Naloxone (oral/sublingual)
Buprenorphine/naloxone
Generic name: Buprenorphine/naloxone
Butalbital, acetaminophen, caffeine, and codeine
Generic name: Butalbital, Acetaminophen, Caffeine, And Codeine
Butalbital, aspirin, caffeine, and codeine
Generic name: Butalbital, Aspirin, Caffeine, And Codeine
Capital w/Codeine
Generic name: Acetaminophen And Codeine
Cassipa
Generic name: Buprenorphine/naloxone
Celecoxib and tramadol
Generic name: Celecoxib And Tramadol
Ceta Plus
Generic name: Hydrocodone And Acetaminophen
Darvocet
Generic name: Acetaminophen And Propoxyphene
Dolorex Forte
Generic name: Hydrocodone And Acetaminophen
Dvorah
Generic name: Acetaminophen, Caffeine, And Dihydrocodeine
Embeda
Generic name: Morphine And Naltrexone
Endocet
Generic name: Acetaminophen And Oxycodone
Endocet 10/325
Generic name: Acetaminophen And Oxycodone
Endocet 2.5/325
Generic name: Acetaminophen And Oxycodone
Endocet 5/325
Generic name: Acetaminophen And Oxycodone
Endocet 7.5/325
Generic name: Acetaminophen And Oxycodone
Endodan
Generic name: Oxycodone And Aspirin
Fioricet with Codeine
Generic name: Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine, And Codeine
Fiorinal w/Codeine
Generic name: Butalbital, Aspirin, Caffeine, And Codeine
Fiorinal with Codeine
Generic name: Aspirin, Butalbital, Caffeine, And Codeine
Hycet
Generic name: Acetaminophen And Hydrocodone
Hydrocodone and Acetaminophen
Generic name: Acetaminophen And Hydrocodone
Hydrocodone and ibuprofen
Generic name: Hydrocodone And Ibuprofen
Ibudone
Generic name: Hydrocodone And Ibuprofen
Lorcet
Generic name: Acetaminophen And Hydrocodone
Lortab
Generic name: Acetaminophen And Hydrocodone
Lortab Elixir
Generic name: Acetaminophen And Hydrocodone
Magnacet
Generic name: Oxycodone And Acetaminophen
Maxidone
Generic name: Hydrocodone And Acetaminophen
Morphine and naltrexone
Generic name: Morphine And Naltrexone
Nalocet
Generic name: Acetaminophen And Oxycodone
Naloxone and pentazocine
Generic name: Naloxone And Pentazocine (oral)
Narvox
Generic name: Oxycodone And Acetaminophen
Norco
Generic name: Acetaminophen And Hydrocodone
Oxycodone and acetaminophen
Generic name: Oxycodone And Acetaminophen
Oxycodone and aspirin
Generic name: Oxycodone And Aspirin
Oxycodone and ibuprofen
Generic name: Oxycodone And Ibuprofen
Oxycodone and naloxone
Generic name: Oxycodone And Naloxone
Oxycodone and naltrexone
Generic name: Oxycodone And Naltrexone
Panlor Tablet
Generic name: Acetaminophen, Caffeine, And Dihydrocodeine
Panlor-DC
Generic name: Acetaminophen, Caffeine, And Dihydrocodeine
Panlor-SS
Generic name: Acetaminophen, Caffeine, And Dihydrocodeine
Pentazocine and naloxone
Generic name: Pentazocine And Naloxone
Percocet
Generic name: Acetaminophen And Oxycodone
Percodan
Generic name: Aspirin And Oxycodone
Perloxx
Generic name: Oxycodone And Acetaminophen
Phrenilin with Caffeine and Codeine
Generic name: Butalbital, Acetaminophen, Caffeine, And Codeine
Primalev
Generic name: Oxycodone And Acetaminophen
Primlev
Generic name: Acetaminophen And Oxycodone
Prolate
Generic name: Acetaminophen And Oxycodone
Pyregesic-C
Generic name: Acetaminophen And Codeine
Reprexain
Generic name: Hydrocodone And Ibuprofen
Roxicet
Generic name: Acetaminophen And Oxycodone
Roxilox
Generic name: Oxycodone And Acetaminophen
Seglentis
Generic name: Celecoxib And Tramadol Hydrochloride
Stagesic
Generic name: Hydrocodone And Acetaminophen
Suboxone
Generic name: Buprenorphine And Naloxone (oral/sublingual)
Synalgos-DC
Generic name: Aspirin, Caffeine, And Dihydrocodeine
Talwin NX
Generic name: Pentazocine And Naloxone
Targiniq ER
Generic name: Naloxone And Oxycodone Extended Release Tablets
Tramadol and acetaminophen
Generic name: Tramadol And Acetaminophen
Trezix
Generic name: Acetaminophen, Caffeine, And Dihydrocodeine
Tylenol w/Codeine
Generic name: Acetaminophen And Codeine
Tylenol w/Codeine #3
Generic name: Acetaminophen And Codeine
Tylenol w/Codeine #4
Generic name: Acetaminophen And Codeine
Tylenol with Codeine #3
Generic name: Acetaminophen And Codeine
Tylenol with Codeine #4
Generic name: Acetaminophen And Codeine
Tylenol with Codeine No. 3
Generic name: Acetaminophen And Codeine
Tylox
Generic name: Acetaminophen And Oxycodone
Ultracet
Generic name: Acetaminophen And Tramadol
Verdrocet
Generic name: Acetaminophen And Hydrocodone
Vicodin
Generic name: Acetaminophen And Hydrocodone
Vicodin HP
Generic name: Hydrocodone And Acetaminophen
Vicoprofen
Generic name: Hydrocodone And Ibuprofen
Vopac
Generic name: Acetaminophen And Codeine
Xartemix XR
Generic name: Oxycodone And Acetaminophen
Xodol
Generic name: Acetaminophen And Hydrocodone
Xolox
Generic name: Oxycodone And Acetaminophen
Zamicet
Generic name: Acetaminophen And Hydrocodone
Zerlor
Generic name: Acetaminophen, Caffeine, And Dihydrocodeine
Zubsolv
Generic name: Buprenorphine And Naloxone (sublingual Tablets)
Zydone
Generic name: Hydrocodone And Acetaminophen

Disclaimer

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Drugslib.com is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Drugslib.com information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Drugslib.com does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Drugslib.com's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Drugslib.com's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners.

The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Drugslib.com does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Drugslib.com provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

Popular Keywords