The “T 258” pill is a prescription medication that combines two active ingredients for pain relief. It is provided to manage significant discomfort when other non-opioid pain relief methods have proven insufficient. This medication is formulated as a tablet for oral administration.
Identifying the T 258 Pill
The imprint “T 258” on a white, capsule-shaped tablet identifies it as a combination of Acetaminophen and Hydrocodone Bitartrate. This pill contains 325 mg of acetaminophen and 7.5 mg of hydrocodone bitartrate. These two components work together, with acetaminophen acting as a non-opioid pain reliever and hydrocodone as an opioid analgesic that changes how the body responds to pain.
This generic formulation is equivalent to brand-name medications such as Norco and Vicodin. The “T 258” marking is an identifier used by the manufacturer, Camber Pharmaceuticals, Inc., to distinguish this specific strength and formulation. The pill’s appearance helps pharmacists and patients identify the medication.
Medical Uses and Prescriptions
This medication is prescribed for the short-term management of moderate to severe pain for which alternative treatments are inadequate. Doctors may prescribe it following a surgical procedure or a significant injury where pain levels are high.
The decision to prescribe this drug is based on an assessment of the patient’s pain intensity and history. It is not intended for mild pain that can be managed with over-the-counter medications. The goal is to provide relief while minimizing the duration of opioid exposure.
Dosage and Administration Guidelines
The dosage is determined by a healthcare professional based on the severity of pain and the patient’s response to treatment. It is important to adhere to the prescribed dosage, as taking more of the medication than directed can lead to dangerous consequences.
The tablet should be swallowed whole to avoid the rapid release of hydrocodone, which could result in an overdose. If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as remembered. However, if it is nearly time for the next scheduled dose, the missed one should be skipped to avoid a double dose. Abruptly stopping the medication after prolonged use can lead to withdrawal, so discontinuation should be managed by a doctor.
Potential Side Effects
Common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, and vomiting. Constipation is also a frequent side effect of the opioid component. These reactions should be discussed with a healthcare provider if they persist or become bothersome.
More serious side effects require immediate medical attention. These can include shallow breathing, a slow heart rate, fainting, and severe confusion. An allergic reaction, characterized by hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, is a medical emergency. Other adverse effects may include difficulty urinating or severe stomach pain.
Significant Warnings and Risks
The T 258 pill carries several warnings. A primary risk is the high potential for addiction, abuse, and misuse of hydrocodone, which can lead to overdose and death. The medication is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance because of this high abuse potential.
Another serious risk is life-threatening respiratory depression, or slowed or stopped breathing, which is most likely when initiating the medication or after a dose increase. Combining this pill with alcohol, benzodiazepines, or other central nervous system depressants increases the risk of sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death.
The acetaminophen component poses a risk of severe liver damage if the total daily dose exceeds 4,000 milligrams. This can happen if a person takes too much of the T 258 pill or takes it with other products containing acetaminophen. Accidental ingestion by children can be fatal due to the hydrocodone content.