Maxidone

Maxidone is a medication licensed for treating moderate to moderately severe pain. This prescription medicine is a type of narcotic and is a combination of two pain relievers: hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen. The product is classified as a controlled substance, meaning special laws regulate its sale and use. Potential side effects of the drug include dizziness, nausea, and vomiting.

Maxidone Drug Information

What Is Maxidone?

Maxidone^® (hydrocodone/APAP) is a prescription medication approved to treat moderate to moderately severe pain. Because Maxidone contains a narcotic, it is classified as a controlled substance, which means that special federal and state laws and regulations control its sale and use.

(Click What Is Hydrocodone/APAP Used For? for more information, including possible off-label uses.)

Who Makes Maxidone?

Maxidone is made by Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

How Does Maxidone Work?

Maxidone contains hydrocodone bitartrate (usually shortened to just "hydrocodone") and acetaminophen. Hydrocodone is a narcotic opioid pain reliever. It acts similarly to codeine.

Hydrocodone relieves pain and coughing, but also causes drowsiness, mood changes, and mental "clouding." In the United States, hydrocodone is only available in combination with other medications; it is not available alone.

APAP is an acronym for one of the chemical names of acetaminophen, a pain reliever and fever reducer commonly found in non-prescription medications such as Tylenol^®. Combining hydrocodone with acetaminophen helps improve Maxidone's effectiveness at relieving pain and may limit the abuse potential of hydrocodone, as the maximum dose of Maxidone is usually limited by the acetaminophen content.

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