The white pill imprinted with IP 115 is a prescription generic formulation of Hydrocodone Bitartrate and Acetaminophen (7.5 mg / 325 mg). It is a powerful combination pain reliever widely known by brand names like Norco, Vicodin, and Lortab.
Because it contains an opioid, it is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance in the United States, meaning it has a high potential for abuse, physical dependence, and addiction.
Pill Identification
If you are trying to verify a tablet with this specific imprint, look for the following characteristics:
- Active Ingredients: Hydrocodone Bitartrate (7.5 mg) and Acetaminophen (325 mg)
- Appearance: A white, capsule-shaped (oblong) solid tablet.
- Imprint: The letters and numbers IP 115 are stamped clearly on one side.
- Manufacturer: Amneal Pharmaceuticals.
Standard Dosage & Guidelines
This medication must be taken exactly as directed by a healthcare provider. It is usually prescribed for short-term relief from acute, severe pain such as pain following surgery, severe dental procedures, or major physical injuries.
- Standard Adult Dose: Typically 1 tablet every 4 to 6 hours as needed for pain.
- Maximum Daily Dose: Do not exceed 6 tablets in a 24-hour period. Exceeding this limits your body to dangerous levels of both hydrocodone and acetaminophen.
- Administration: It can be taken with or without food. If you experience nausea, taking it with a meal or a glass of milk can help settle your stomach.
Side Effects
Like all narcotics, the IP 115 pill affects several bodily systems, particularly the nervous and digestive tracts.
Common Side Effects (Expected but manageable):
- Drowsiness and Dizziness: Lightheadedness is common, especially when standing up quickly.
- Constipation: Opioids inherently slow down bowel motility. Prolonged use almost always requires increasing fluid intake, dietary fiber, or using a mild stool softener.
- Nausea and Vomiting: Frequently occurs during the first few doses.
- Mild Itching: Opioids can trigger a non-allergic release of histamine, leading to itchy skin.
Serious Side Effects (Require immediate medical intervention):
- Respiratory Depression: Dangerously slowed, shallow, or labored breathing.
- Severe Hypotension: An intense drop in blood pressure, leading to fainting or a weak pulse.
- Serotonin Syndrome: Agitation, hallucinations, rapid heart rate, or muscle twitching (especially if taken with certain antidepressants).
Black Box Warnings & Precautions
Because the IP 115 pill is an opioid combination drug, the FDA attaches its strictest “Black Box” warnings to it due to severe public health risks.
Addiction, Misuse, and Abuse
Even when taken exactly as a doctor prescribes, hydrocodone carries an inherent risk of physical dependence and psychological addiction. Misusing the medication by crushing, chewing, or dissolving the pills bypasses the standard digestive absorption window, which can cause a rapid, fatal overdose.
Fatal Respiratory Depression
The most dangerous property of opioids is their capacity to suppress the brain’s respiratory drive. If you take too much, or if you combine it with other sedating substances, it can cause your breathing to stop entirely.
Acute Liver Failure (Acetaminophen Toxicity)
The acetaminophen component is processed entirely by the liver.
- The 4,000 mg Rule: You must never exceed 4,000 mg of acetaminophen in a single day from all sources.
- Hidden Interactions: Always double-check labels on over-the-counter medications like NyQuil, DayQuil, Sudafed, or Percocet. Taking them alongside IP 115 can easily push your liver into acute failure, requiring emergency medical care.
Banned Combinations: Alcohol and Benzodiazepines
- Lethal Combinations: Never drink alcohol or take anti-anxiety medications (like Xanax, Valium, or Klonopin) while taking IP 115. Combining opioids with other central nervous system depressants causes profound sedation, coma, respiratory arrest, and death.
Safe Storage and Disposal
Keep this medication safely locked away from children and pets; even a single accidental dose can be fatal to a child. If you have leftover medication after your pain resolves, dispose of it safely through a pharmacy take-back program or by flushing it down the toilet (as recommended by the FDA for high-risk opioids to prevent accidental poisoning or illegal diversion).