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Hydrocodone
Hydrocodone is an
orally active analgesic and antitussive Schedule II narcotic that is marketed
in multi-ingredient Schedule III products. Hydrocodone has an analgesic
potency similar to or greater than that of oral morphine. Sales and production
of this drug have increased significantly in recent years (a four-fold
increase between 1990 and 2000), as have diversion and illicit use. Trade
names include Anexsia®, Hycodan®, Hycomine®, Lorcet®,
Lortab®, Tussionex®, Tylox®, Vicodin®, and Vicoprofen®.
These are available as tablets, capsules, and/or syrups. Generally; this
drug is abused by oral rather than intravenous administration. Currently,
about 20 tons of hydrocodone products are used annually in the United
States.
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