Pill identification is a critical aspect of harm reduction, so every prescription medication is imprinted with a specific code that provides information on the drug, dosage and manufacturer. For instance, the code “M367” indicates a generic 10 mg hydrocodone tablet produced by Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals. However, this still leaves many vital questions unanswered. Whether you’ve found these tablets in your home or received them from the pharmacy, understanding the uses, risks and safety considerations of M367 hydrocodone can help you make safer, more informed decisions.

M367 Hydrocodone

What Is M367 Hydrocodone?

M367 pills are easily identified as white, capsule-shaped tablets with “M367” imprinted on one side. Each pill contains a mixture of 10 mg hydrocodone bitartrate and 325 mg acetaminophen. Hydrocodone is a synthetic opioid pain reliever derived from codeine, a naturally occurring alkaloid from the opium poppy. Acetaminophen, also known as paracetamol or APAP, is the active ingredient found in Tylenol and similar over-the-counter medications.

In combination with acetaminophen, hydrocodone is the most commonly prescribed opioid medication in the United States for the treatment of moderate to severe pain. Unfortunately, it’s also the most widely abused. While M367 hydrocodone is a generic drug, it’s frequently referred to by well-known brand names like Vicodin, Norco and Lortab. Other manufacturers produce equivalent generic versions of this drug bearing their own unique imprints, including:

  • Amneal Pharmaceuticals: IP 110
  • Watson Pharmaceuticals: WATSON 853
  • Rhodes Pharmaceuticals: R P H10/325
  • Qualitest Pharmaceuticals: V 36 01
  • Novel Laboratories: n 358 10

With 10 mg of the primary active ingredient, M367 tablets are among the most potent hydrocodone formulations on the market. Hydrocodone tablets are also available in 2.5 mg, 5 mg and 7.5 mg strengths, many of which include acetaminophen dosages ranging from 300 mg to 750 mg. These pills often appear very similar, so it’s important to double-check the imprint code to verify the exact strength.

Dosage and Administration

Because M367 pills contain a relatively high concentration of hydrocodone, they should always be taken exactly as directed. Never self-medicate with hydrocodone or take more than prescribed without first consulting a physician. In general, the recommended dosage is one tablet every four to six hours by mouth. Your doctor may increase the dose as needed, but the total dosage typically shouldn’t exceed six tablets per day.

Unless directed otherwise, swallow each tablet whole with plenty of water. M367 hydrocodone may cause nausea when taken on an upset stomach, so it’s best to eat a meal or snack before each dose. If you continue to feel ill, it can be helpful to lie down and keep your head still until the feeling subsides.

Indications and Effectiveness

As perhaps the most well-known and widely used opioid analgesic, hydrocodone has been a staple of pain management for decades. The combination of hydrocodone and acetaminophen found in M367 tablets is more potent than either drug alone, providing analgesia nearly equivalent to morphine. This makes it a reliable and effective therapeutic tool for controlling moderate or severe pain that can’t be adequately managed by over-the-counter drugs. In particular, it’s frequently prescribed for patients with traumatic injuries, postoperative pain and chronic illnesses like cancer.

Hydrocodone primarily works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, disrupting pain signals within the central nervous system. While this may not eliminate pain entirely, it can substantially reduce the perception of painful stimuli. As with other opioids, this mechanism of action also produces feelings of euphoria and sedation. These effects usually begin within 20 to 30 minutes and wear off within four to six hours.

Legal Status of M367 Hydrocodone

Like other prescription drugs, M367 hydrocodone is regulated under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). Though originally labeled as a Schedule III substance, federal authorities reclassified it as Schedule II in 2014 in response to the growing opioid crisis. Schedule II substances are considered to have a high potential for abuse and a risk of severe psychological or physical dependence. As such, hydrocodone prescriptions cannot be refilled and are limited to a maximum 30-day supply.

Depending on the quantities involved, possessing M367 tablets without a valid prescription may be classified as a misdemeanor or a felony. Even if you have a prescription, selling hydrocodone under any circumstances is a felony that could lead to a significant prison sentence. Likewise, writing or obtaining a hydrocodone prescription under false pretenses is also a crime that may be subject to felony charges.

Side Effects and Contraindications

Although M367 hydrocodone is generally safe and well-tolerated in therapeutic doses, it’s not without risks. The most commonly reported side effects are typically mild and short-lived, including:

  • Drowsiness
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Constipation
  • Dry mouth
  • Itching

In rare cases, hydrocodone can cause more serious and potentially life-threatening adverse reactions. Seek medical attention right away if you or someone you know is experiencing:

  • Slow, shallow or labored breathing
  • Swelling of the lips, tongue or throat
  • Acute upper right abdominal pain
  • Confusion or loss of motor control

Taking more hydrocodone than prescribed increases the likelihood of serious complications, as does combining it with alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines or other central nervous system (CNS) depressants. It’s also important to avoid products containing acetaminophen while taking this medication, which can be toxic to the liver in large doses.

Dependency and Addiction Potential

While severe side effects are unusual with M367 pills, dependency and addiction are not. Like many related opioids, hydrocodone hijacks the reward pathways that are naturally activated in the brain when you engage in various positive or beneficial activities. This produces strong feelings of pleasure and euphoria, causing the brain to seek out these rewards again and again. Over time, however, progressively larger and more frequent doses are needed to achieve the same effects.

As the brain gradually adapts to the effects of prolonged hydrocodone use, it becomes unable to function properly without it. This physical dependence triggers unpleasant withdrawal symptoms whenever the user stops taking opioids, compelling them to do whatever is necessary to continue using. The resulting condition, known clinically as substance use disorder (SUD), may render the person unable to stop using or engaging in drug-seeking behaviors regardless of the possible consequences.

Opioid addiction, like other substance use disorders, is a complex condition that manifests in many different ways. This can make it difficult to recognize the problem, especially when it’s affecting someone you love. Some of the most common signs to watch for include:

  • Unusual changes in mood or appearance
  • Missing money or medications
  • Unexplained loss of appetite
  • Disconnected, non-responsive behavior
  • Growing problems at work or school
  • Increased isolation or apathy
  • Careless or reckless decision-making

Safe Use and Alternatives

Despite the risk of overdose and addiction, M367 hydrocodone remains a valid and essential option for pain relief. The key to safe and effective hydrocodone use lies primarily in working with a trusted healthcare provider. In addition to strictly following your prescribed dosage, it’s important to be honest about both your pain management needs and any history of drug abuse or addictive behavior.

Whenever possible, hydrocodone should only be used for as long as necessary and only at the lowest dose that offers adequate relief. Consider asking your doctor about alternative pain management treatments like non-opioid medications, topical analgesics, physical therapy and other interventions. If you have remaining pills that you no longer need, contact your nearest drug take-back facility to find out how to dispose of them safely.

Treatment for Hydrocodone Addiction

Regardless of age, gender or background, the sad truth is that anyone can fall victim to substance abuse. It’s an insidious disease that wrecks lives and imposes an immense burden on everyone involved. If you or a loved one are struggling with hydrocodone addiction, you don’t have to carry that burden alone. Real and lasting recovery is possible, but it starts with the right treatment plan.

Seeking the help of qualified professionals is the critical first step in your rehabilitation journey. The road may be filled with unpredictable twists and turns and bumps along the way, but drug rehab specialists can offer the resources and support you need to ensure you reach your destination. There are many evidence-based tools and programs available to aid in breaking the cycle of hydrocodone addiction, including intervention, opioid detox, counseling, residential treatment, sober coaches and more.

Conclusion

For those suffering from chronic and severe pain, the potent analgesic properties of M367 hydrocodone can offer profound relief and a restored quality of life. Given the very real dangers of overdose, dependence and addiction, however, it demands thoughtful consideration and a firm understanding of how to mitigate the potential risks.

Once hydrocodone has tightened its grip, it can feel almost impossible to escape. At Long Island Interventions, we’re here to show you that it’s not. If you or someone you love is battling opioid addiction, give us a call today to see how you can get the help you need to break free and start navigating the road to recovery.

References and Further Reading

Published on: 2024-01-30
Updated on: 2024-03-15

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