Prescription pain medications come in many forms, but not all of them are widely recognized by the letters and numbers seen on the tablet. One of those is the pill marked IP-110. While it may look like any other pill, it actually contains a powerful combination of drugs that can be used to relieve extreme pain. Whether you found this pill in a cabinet, heard a friend talking about it, or were recently prescribed it, understanding what it is (and isn’t) can help keep you safe.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
- What the marked IP-110 is
- What the pill is made of and used for
- Common brand names it comes as
- What the pill looks like and how to identify it
- Short-term and long-term side effects
- What makes it risky or addictive
- Where to find help for misuse or addiction
If you or a loved one is misusing the IP-110 pill or any other drug, First Step Behavioral Health is here to help. Deciding to ask for support is a big step, but we help make it simpler by walking you through each part of the process. Reach out to our team today to ask questions, explore programs, or verify your insurance coverage. Healing may be just one phone call or intake appointment away.
What Is the IP-110 Pill?
The pill marked IP-110 is a prescription medication used to treat pain that’s more severe than what over-the-counter options can handle. It contains a combination of two ingredients, which are hydrocodone and acetaminophen. Together, these substances work to reduce discomfort by targeting pain in different ways.
Hydrocodone is a type of opioid, which means it affects the way your brain and nervous system respond to pain. While it doesn’t remove the source of the pain, it does change the way your body feels it, and how intensely. Acetaminophen, the same active ingredient found in Tylenol, supports this process by reducing inflammation and lowering fevers.
Medications like IP-110 belong to a group called narcotic analgesic combinations. These types of medications have two parts. One is an opioid, which is a strong painkiller. The other is a non-opioid, which is a milder kind of pain relief. Together they’re used to treat pain while trying to use less of the opioid.
Even though the goal is to lower the risk, these drugs can still be dangerous if they’re not used correctly because opioids affect the brain in ways that can lead to addiction and other serious health issues. Because of its opioid content, the IP-110 pill is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. This means it has accepted medical uses but also carries a high potential for dependence or misuse if not taken exactly as prescribed by a medical provider. Its classification puts it in the same group as medications like oxycodone and morphine, which are also used to relieve more serious pain but require close monitoring.
People who are prescribed IP-110 usually take it on a short-term basis, especially during recovery from surgery, a serious injury, or certain medical procedures. While the pill can be highly effective when used under a doctor’s supervision, using it without guidance or for too long can lead to serious health risks, including addiction and overdose.
The Ingredients in the IP-110 Pill
Every IP-110 tablet contains two active ingredients, each of which has a specific role in managing pain:
- 10 milligrams of hydrocodone bitartrate
- 325 milligrams of acetaminophen
Hydrocodone is a semi-synthetic opioid that binds to pain receptors in the brain and spinal cord. This changes how the body interprets pain signals, making intense discomfort feel more manageable. While this effect can be helpful in medical settings, it also creates a risk for dependence. Hydrocodone can make people feel relaxed or even euphoric, which is one of the reasons it’s sometimes misused.
Acetaminophen is not an opioid. It works by lowering chemicals in the body that cause pain and fever. It’s considered safer than many other pain medications when used alone, but combining it with an opioid strengthens the overall effect.
However, there is a limit to how much acetaminophen a person can safely take. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends staying below 4,000 milligrams per day. Taking more than this amount, especially for multiple days at a time, can lead to liver damage.
When these two ingredients are combined into one pill, they provide stronger relief than either would be able to on their own. That is why doctors often prescribe medications like IP-110 after procedures or injuries that involve intense or lingering pain.
IP-110 Pill: Common Brand Names
The exact combination found in the IP-110 pill is also sold under several well-known brand names, including:
- Vicodin
- Lortab
- Lorcet-HD
- Hycodan
- Vicoprofen
All of these brand-name drugs contain the same two active ingredients (hydrocodone and acetaminophen) in similar ratios. The key differences often come down to manufacturers, branding, and the specific dosages available in each version. If someone is prescribed Vicodin, for example, they’re still receiving a medication that works the same way as the pill marked IP-110.
Doctors often choose between brand names and generics based on availability, cost, and patient preference. From a chemical and clinical standpoint though, the effects are largely the same.
What Is the IP-110 Pill Used For?
Doctors prescribe IP-110 to help get pain that’s moderate to moderately severe under control. This isn’t your everyday headache or toothache. Instead, it refers to pain that is interfering with daily life or negatively affecting recovery and has not responded well to non-opioid medications. In most cases, this pill is used in short-term situations where the person’s discomfort is high, but expected to improve over time.
Some common examples of times when IP-110 may be prescribed include:
- Recovery after surgery, such as orthopedic or dental procedures
- Short-term relief following a traumatic injury, such as a torn ligament or broken bone
- Pain caused by certain chronic conditions, if other treatments have not worked
- Management of severe back pain, joint pain, or nerve-related pain
While the IP-110 pill is not normally the first option for treatment, it still plays an important part in cases where the pain is too strong for options like ibuprofen or acetaminophen alone. According to guidelines from the National Institutes of Health and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, opioid medications should only be used when other options have failed or cannot be tolerated. Even then, the dosage should be as low as possible for the shortest amount of time necessary.
Doctors will also evaluate a person’s full medical history before prescribing IP-110. That includes checking for past substance use, current medications, and any liver or respiratory issues. This is because the combination of hydrocodone and acetaminophen can affect multiple parts of the body, including the central nervous system and the liver.
It’s important to note that this pill is not used to treat long-term pain unless other treatments have been unsuccessful and the benefits outweigh the risks. For anyone taking this medication, it’s essential to have regular follow-ups with a healthcare provider to make sure the drug is still needed and that it’s being used safely.
How Long Does the IP-110 Pill Take to Work?
When someone is in pain, one of the first things they want to know is how quickly they’ll feel relief. The IP-110 pill doesn’t work instantly, but for most people, it begins to take effect within 30 minutes after swallowing it.
Before the medication reaches the bloodstream, it has to be absorbed through the digestive system. Once it’s in the body, the hydrocodone affects how the brain and nervous system react to pain, while the acetaminophen works to reduce inflammation and bring down the body’s internal temperature.
The effects usually last between 4 to 6 hours, depending on factors like body weight, metabolism, and what other medications the person might be taking. Since the relief doesn’t last all day, doctors may prescribe the pill to be taken every few hours. This is typically no more than once every four to six hours, up to a certain limit per day. That limit is meant to reduce the risk of side effects.
If the pill is taken too close together or at higher doses than recommended, the risk of side effects or overdose increases. If it’s taken too far apart, the person might be left unnecessarily uncomfortable. That’s why it’s important to follow the instructions closely and go to a doctor or pharmacist with any questions.
How to Identify the IP-110 Pill
The IP-110 pill is a specific formulation of hydrocodone and acetaminophen, and like all prescription medications, it has clear features designed to help patients, pharmacists, and medical professionals tell it apart from other tablets. Knowing what the pill should look like is an important part of using it safely. It also helps reduce the risk of accidentally taking the wrong medication, or something dangerous that only looks similar.
The IP-110 pill has the following features:
- Color: White or off-white
- Shape: Capsule-shaped or oval (sometimes called “oblong”)
- Size: About 15 mm in length
- Score line: A shallow line across the middle so that the pill can be split
- Imprint: The letters and numbers “IP 110” stamped clearly on one side, with the back side completely blank
This pill is manufactured by Amneal Pharmaceuticals and approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of moderate to moderately severe pain. Its appearance is regulated, which means the shape, color, and imprint should be consistent across all legitimate prescriptions filled in the United States.
If a pill looks different from this description, like if it’s missing the imprint or is a different color, it could be expired, damaged, or even fake. In those cases, it should not be taken until verified by a pharmacist. Counterfeit or altered pills, especially those purchased from unlicensed sources, may contain other substances or additives that increase the risk of an overdose. Some look nearly identical to the real thing but have been found to include dangerous opioids like fentanyl.
IP-110 Pill Side Effects and Potential Risks
Every medication carries the risk of side effects, and the IP-110 white pill is no exception. Most of these are mild when the pill is taken as directed, but some can be more serious if the dose is high, the pill is used for a long time, or if it’s mixed with other substances.
Common short-term effects include:
- Feeling tired, drowsy, or dizzy
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Nausea and vomiting
- Itchy skin or a mild rash
- Constipation
- Small pupils or blurred vision
These side effects can occur because hydrocodone slows down parts of your nervous system and acetaminophen affects digestion and body temperature. If side effects do show up, it’s usually within the first 24 to 72 hours of taking the pill. Most people adjust to the medication after a few days, but sometimes the temporary effects of the drug can interfere with daily activities like driving to work or doing homework.
More serious risks associated with the IP-110 pill include:
- Breathing problems: Hydrocodone can slow breathing down or even suppress it, especially in the first few days or when the dose is increased.
- Liver damage: Because acetaminophen is processed by the liver, when you take more than 4,000 mg in a day, you increase the risk of injury to your liver, which in rare cases can be fatal.
- Mood changes or confusion: Hydrocodone may cause mood swings, depression, anxiety, or confusion, particularly with long-term use.
- Allergic or serious skin reactions: In rare cases, IP-110 may cause hives, swelling, or other severe skin issues like Stevens-Johnson syndrome.
- Low blood pressure and dizziness: Using hydrocodone can lead to fainting or dizziness, usually when someone stands up too quickly.
- Hearing loss: Some studies have linked long-term hydrocodone-acetaminophen use to hearing damage.
- Adrenal, kidney, or heart issues: Some people may notice changes in blood pressure, fluid retention, or rare problems with their adrenal glands.
While the issues above can be concerning, experiencing the following side effects are reason enough to contact your healthcare provider right away:
- Trouble breathing or very shallow breaths
- Severe stomach pain or bloody stools
- Rash or swelling around the face, throat tightening, or trouble swallowing
- Confusion or sudden mood changes
- Yellowing of the eyes or dark urine
- Fainting or feeling lightheaded often
Your doctor may recommend reducing the dose, switching medications altogether, or seeking a second opinion through another medical evaluation. These side effects aren’t common when the IP-110 white pill is used only as prescribed, but it’s important to be aware of them and get yourself looked at if something doesn’t feel right.
Is the IP-110 Pill Addictive?
The IP-110 white pill can be addictive, largely due to the presence of hydrocodone, which affects how the brain processes pain and reward. While it’s meant to relieve discomfort, it can also produce feelings of being calm or high, especially when taken in high doses or used for longer than intended.
These effects may seem harmless at first, but they can significantly contribute to the development of an addiction. The more often someone takes hydrocodone, the more their brain begins to expect it. As time goes on, they may notice that they need a higher dose to feel the same type of relief, which is known as tolerance. If they try to give up the drug, they might experience withdrawal symptoms like chills, sweating, restlessness, nausea, or anxiety. This means they’ve started to become dependent on the pill.
Addiction goes a step further than tolerance and dependence. You can usually tell someone is addicted when they keep using the drug even though it’s causing problems in their life. They might try to stop but can’t, or they may use the drug even when they know it’s risky. This happens because the drug changes how the brain works, particularly the part that controls habits and rewards (the basal ganglia).
Some warning signs of a developing problem include:
- Using the medication for reasons other than pain, like stress or sleep
- Thinking about the medication constantly
- Taking someone else’s medication
- Feeling sick or anxious between doses
- Taking more pills than prescribed or running out early
- Hiding one’s use from friends, family, or doctors
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), hydrocodone is one of the most commonly misused prescription opioids in the U.S. Even people who start with a legitimate prescription can find themselves using the drug in ways they didn’t expect. What began as a way to find relief from pain can slowly build into a habit. This is why it’s important to seek help sooner rather than later if anything about you or a loved one’s use starts to feel out of control.
Can The IP-110 Pill Be Taken Long-Term?
In most cases, the IP-110 white pill is not intended for long-term use. Although the medication can be highly effective for treating short-term or sudden spikes in pain, its ingredients carry risks that can get worse the longer it’s used. This is partly because the medication contains hydrocodone, a strong opioid that can lead to physical dependence even when used as prescribed. With time, the body may start to rely on it not only to manage pain, but function as usual, which is not the intended use.
There are also medical reasons doctors hesitate to keep patients on hydrocodone-acetaminophen medications like IP-110 for extended periods. First, the acetaminophen component can cause serious liver damage if taken in high amounts over weeks or months. Second, long-term opioid use has been linked to problems with hormone levels, bone density, and immune system function.
That doesn’t mean people with chronic pain are out of options. It just means that their doctor may need to suggest an alternative treatment plan that includes:
- Non-opioid medications like NSAIDs or certain antidepressants
- Physical therapy or occupational therapy
- Pain management programs
In some cases, weaker opioids or long-acting formulations with less risk of misuse can also be useful. Long-term opioid therapy is sometimes used, but only when all other approaches have failed, and even then, it requires close monitoring.
Doctors regularly check how the person is doing, adjust the dose if needed, and see how the medicine is affecting their daily life. This helps ensure the treatment is still necessary and that it’s doing more good than harm.
Finding Help for IP-110 Dependence
If you or someone you care about is struggling with an addiction, whether to the IP-110 pill or another substance, recovery is within reach. At First Step Behavioral Health, you’ll receive support beginning the moment you reach out.
We understand that addiction doesn’t look the same for everyone, which is why our treatment plans are designed around individual needs and goals.
Contact us at any time to learn more about our programs or schedule your intake appointment. Healing starts with just one step, and we’re here whenever you’re ready to take it.
Resources:
- https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=e0cefc7b-e81c-4e15-89a0-fe71dc94338b
- https://www.drugs.com/drug-class/narcotic-analgesic-combinations.html
- https://www.drugs.com/imprints/ip-110-13087.html
- https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601006.html
- https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/dont-overuse-acetaminophen
- https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_chem_info/hydrocodone.pdf
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK572085/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK424849/
- https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/misuse-prescription-drugs/what-classes-prescription-drugs-are-commonly-misused
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4590093/
