Watson 853: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions

Has your doctor prescribed you Watson 853 pills? Are you wondering what drug it is and does it have any side effects? Well, this article will guide you across essential information about the yellow pill.

Topics Covered

What is Watson 853?

Watson 853 is a prescription drug usually assigned to patients suffering from back pains, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and cough. Commonly known as Hydrocodone Bitrate and Acetaminophen, these medicines are known to relieve severe to moderate pain. Doctors prescribe this medicine as a severe painkiller and to persons who had surgeries.

Watson 853: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions

The medicine is a product of Watson Pharmaceuticals with an imprint name “Watson 853.” FDA has approved this medicine under pregnancy C drugs. The Controlled Substance Act (CSA) has classified this drug under Schedule 2 of controlled substances. That means the drug is highly addictive and sold on prescription only.

The pill is the yellow oval color with a line to divide it into the half. On one side, the name of the medicine “Watson 853” is inscribed.

Important ingredients of Watson 853

The Watson 853 pill is a combination of two basic ingredients;

  • Hydrocodone
  • Acetaminophen

Hydrocodone:

Hydrocodone belongs to a group of drugs commonly known as narcotic or opioid. Narcotics are pain relievers and highly addictive in nature. Thus, doctors prescribe smaller doses only. The drug reflects the habitual change in patient and needs professional monitoring.

The effect of Hydrocodone increases when it combines with Acetaminophen. Thus, the medicine is sold only under medical supervision. There is 10 mg of Hydrocodone in Watson 853.

Acetaminophen:

With 325mg of Acetaminophen present in Watson 853, the drug is a low potential pain reliever. Acetaminophen increases the effects of Hydrocodone and is used as an analgesic and antipyretic. The drug gives relief from osteoarthritis, back pain, menstrual pains, headaches, cold, flu, toothaches, and other severe to moderate pains. Acetaminophen combines with Hydrocodone and acts on the central nervous system and relieves pain.

Other inactive ingredients are:

  • Crospovidone
  • Croscarmellose sodium
  • Magnesium stearate
  • Microcrystalline cellulose
  • Povidone
  • Stearic acid
  • Cornstarch
  • D and C yellow no 10
  • Aluminum oxide

Uses of Watson 853

Watson 853 is a combination of Acetaminophen and Hydrocodone that releases moderate to severe pain. Doctors prescribe this drug under the following medical conditions;

  • Back pain
  • Surgical pain
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Cold
  • Severe flu
  • Menstrual pain

According to experts, the key ingredient used in manufacturing Watson 853, blocks a special type of cyclooxygenase enzymes. The enzymes bind the receptors and block the pain signals.

Side Effects of using Watson 853

The combination of Acetaminophen and Hydrocodone has prolonged side effects. The combination consists of narcotics and opioid that is strongly recommended under severe conditions only.

The narcotics are highly addictive and lead to habitual changes. The heavy dosage or unguided dosage may lead to the below side effects;

Common side effects

  • Dizziness
  • Lightheadedness
  • Stomach pain
  • Choking
  • A cough
  • Dark urine
  • A headache
  • Fever

Some uncommon effects

  • Bleeding gums
  • Decrease in urine
  • Blood in vomit
  • Increase in heartbeat
  • Shallow or irregular breathing
  • Loss of appetite
  • Back pain
  • Nosebleeds
  • Puffiness
  • A sore throat
  • Weakness
  • Yellow skin or eyes
  • Rashes, itchiness
  • Ulcers
  • Pale blue fingernails
  • Coma
  • No breathing
  • Seizure
  • Fainting
  • Blurred vision
  • Dry mouth

Under the above circumstances, the patient must seek emergency medical attention. The effect of overdose is fatal, and the patient must avoid driving or any activities that require you to stay awake.

Use of Watson 853 for pregnancy also leads to major side effects on the newborn babies. An overdose of Watson 853 leads to neonatal abstinence syndrome and can result in respiratory depression in the infants.

Watson 853 dosage

Watson 853 dosage typically depends on the severity of pain. Additionally, doses depend on the age, weight, etc. of the patient as well. It is important to consult the doctor before taking medicine.

Since the medicine is addictive in nature, it is important to get yourself checked and monitored before starting the medicine.

The medicines contain high narcotics that lead to mental and physical dependency. This is the reason that for some patient, doctors prescribe the drug only for a few days.

However, a few patients may suffer sudden side effects when the medicine is stopped. Thus, it is recommended to consult the doctor before withdrawing the medicines.

Dosages are further segregated according to following patients:

  • Adult dosage
  • Pediatric Dosage

Adult Dosage:

For adults, the doctor prescribes 1 to 2 tablets for every 6 hours. The time may reduce to 4 hours depending on the severity of pain. A maximum number of six pills are allowed for an adult patient.

  1. Dosage depends on the individual condition and additional medicines they take.
  2. For moderate pain, the dosage is low.
  3. During severe pain and high dosage, the patient is taken under medical observation to avoid the risk of shallow breathing
  4. It is important to take medicine same time each day to alleviate the pain effectively.

Pediatric Dosage:

Kids who weigh less than 46 kgs or are 6 years older are allowed maximum six pills for 24 hours. The same dosage is for all other age groups until the age of 13.

  1. Dosage is divided according to the individual’s medical conditions.
  2. Doctors prescribe Watson 853 according to the severity of pain.
  3. The dose is given according to the weight of the child. Calibrated measurement of medicine is highly recommended in case of children below 13 years.
  4. Compulsory medical supervision and monitoring are important while prescribing Watson 853 to children.

Contradictions of Watson 853

Not all drugs suit every medical condition. Watson 853 may cause an adverse reaction when you have certain medical problems. It is important to inform your doctor if you are suffering from major health ailments like the following;

  • Liver diseases
  • Kidney failure
  • A brain tumor or history of head injury
  • Blood pressure problems(low/high)
  • Intestinal disorder/ Diarrhea
  • Thyroid disorder
  • Spinal curvature
  • Mental illness
  • Alcohol addiction
  • Biliary Spasm
  • Urinary retention
  • Cirrhosis
  • Pregnant or planning a pregnancy
  • Breastfeeding mother
  • Older adults who are sensitive to high power medicines

Apart from the above conditions, you cannot take Watson 853 if you are allergic to Acetaminophen or Hydrocodone.

Interactions of Watson 853

When you are already on a certain type of medication, it is important to inform your doctor beforehand. There is a chance of severe interaction between two drugs that lead to adverse reactions.

Whether it is a daily vitamin, herbal supplements or any other drug for typical conditions; it is important to inform your doctor. Below are some lists of drugs that interact with Watson 853 and causes severe side effects.

1. Medication Interactions

  • Antidepressants like Clomipramine, Elavil, Etrafon, Tofranil, Janimine etc.
  • Urinal or bladder medicines such as Enablex, Oxybutnin, Flavoxate, Solifenacin, Tolterodine, Darifenacin.
  • MAO inhibitors like Phenelzine, Rasagiline, Selegiline, Tranylcypromine
  • Bowel medications like Hyoscyamine, Propantheline, and Bentyl.
  • Cantil, Pamine, Cogentine, Donnatal, Dramamine
  • Lipitor
  • Vitamin B12
  • Ascorbic Acid or Vitamin C
  • Cholecalciferol or Vitamin D3
  • Alprazolam or Xanax
  • Metoprolol
  • ProAir HFA
  • Synthroid
  • Cetrizine
  • Lyrica
  • Fish Oil or Omega 3 fatty acids
  • Cymbalta
  • Aspirin

2. Food Interaction

  • Alcohol

3. Disease Interaction

  • Prematurity
  • Impaired GI motility
  • Drug Dependency
  • Alcohol intoxication
  • Respiratory problem
  • Adrenal Insufficiency
  • PKU
  • Intracranial Pressure
  • Liver and kidney disease
  • Hypotension

It is necessary to inform your physician if you are under any kind of treatment process. Never start using Watson 853 on your own without consulting a doctor.

Precautions that need to be taken

Watson 853 is a habit-forming drug that must be taken under doctor’s supervision. However, it is also important to inform your physician about your pre-medical conditions.

Inform your doctor if you are taking more than three alcoholic beverages in a day. Additionally, inform if you are suffering from or ever had the chronic liver disease. Before taking the medicine, tell your doctor if you are suffering from any of the below ailment;

  • Inform the doctor if you are planning a pregnancy, pregnant or are a breastfeeding
  • Chronic heart ailment including any history of heart attack.
  • Fluctuating blood pressure
  • Uncertain circulation in the blood vessel or blood clotting problems
  • Alcoholism or history of Cirrhosis
  • Allergic reaction to medicines like aspirin, acetaminophen or hydrocodone
  • Kidney failure or liver problem
  • Diarrhea
  • Intestinal disorder
  • Urinary retention
  • Asthma or breathing disorder
  • A brain tumor or head injury

Also, you must take medicine exactly the way doctors prescribe. Always take it on time to adhere the effect of pain. Avoid overdosing and follow the medicine label as prescribed by your doctor.

In case of the pill, the maximum number is 1 or 2 pills for every 4 to 6 hours for adults. For kids less than 13 years, the maximum dose is 6 pills for 24 hours under medical observation.

You must take precaution while taking the dose and drink 6 to 8 glasses of water every day to avoid constipation. Do not stop taking medicine on your own or you might face withdrawal symptoms. If you are undertaking surgery, inform your surgeon about your medications.

In case you miss the dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is the time of the next dose, you must not take double doses. Avoid drinking alcohol when you are taking Watson 853.

Conclusion

The yellow/ white colored pills with imprints on it are available by prescription only. Watson 853 belongs to Narcotics analgesic combination class of drugs which cannot be taken when you are an alcoholic or any other serious ailments. Hence, it is important to inform the doctor about your previous health condition. Watson 853 interacts with various other drugs and gives adverse side effects.

Thus, always let your doctor know about the vitamins, minerals, herbal supplements or any other medicines that you have been taking. The drug is not recommended for pregnant, breastfeeding mothers and kids under the age of 6 years. Since the drug is habit forming in nature, it is highly recommended to consult the doctor before taking medicine. Always look for symptoms of an overdose of the medicine and call for immediate medical emergency. It is also recommended to keep the drug out of reach of children and pets due to high narcotic content. Always contact the emergency service if you experience any breathing difficulties or severe effects.


Post You May Like:

You May Also Like