The M366 White Oval Pill: Uses, Side Effects, & Risks

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Updated December 6, 2024

Authored By:

Joe Gilmore

Edited By

Amy Leifeste

Medically Reviewed By

Javier Rodriguez-Winter

Authored By:

Joe Gilmore

Edited By

Amy Leifeste

Medically Reviewed By

Javier Rodriguez-Winter

doctor talking representing How to flush prednisone out of your system

The M366 White Oval Pill: Uses, Side Effects, & Risks

The M336 pill is one of many forms of acetaminophen and hydrocodone, a combination medication used to treat pain and relieve coughs or colds. While effective when used as directed, the M366 pill has a high risk of dependence, addiction, and overdose.

This guide to the M366 white pill highlights its uses, side effects, and dangers. You can also find out how to connect with compassionate, science-based addiction treatment.

What Is the M366 Pill?

The M366 pill is a pain reliever frequently prescribed to help manage moderate to severe pain [1]. It contains two active ingredients:

  1. Acetaminophen: A widely-used pain reliever and fever reducer, commonly found in over-the-counter medications like Tylenol. Each M366 pill contains 325mg of acetaminophen. This ingredient helps reduce pain and fever [2].
  2. Hydrocodone: A potent opioid painkiller that alters how your brain and nervous system perceive pain, providing significant relief. The pill also has 7.5mg of hydrocodone bitartrate, a strong painkiller that helps with moderate to severe pain.

Due to the strength of hydrocodone, the M366 pill can become addictive if not taken as directed. Use this medication strictly under a doctor’s supervision and never in higher doses or more frequently than prescribed. 

What Does the M366 Pill Look Like?

The M366 pill is white and oval-shaped. It has a line down the middle on one side, making it easy to split if needed. On the other side, you will see the imprint M366 which helps identify the pill. This unique marking helps ensure you have the correct medication. Always make sure to check the pill’s appearance before taking it to avoid any mix-ups.

Common Uses of M366 Pills

The M366 pill is a medication that doctors often prescribe to help people manage pain. Here are some common reasons why someone might take a pill with m366 on it.

  • Injury pain: If you have a serious injury, like a broken bone or a bad cut, the M366 pill can help reduce the pain while you heal.
  • Surgery pain: After having surgery, many people feel a lot of pain. The M366 pill can make this pain easier to handle so you can recover more comfortably.
  • Chronic pain: Some people have long-term pain from conditions like arthritis or back problems. The M366 pill can help them feel better and move around more easily.
  • Dental pain: If you have a major dental problem ­– a tooth extraction or a root canal, for instance – the M366 pill can help ease the pain until your mouth heals.

The M366 pill should always be used exactly as prescribed by a doctor. Do not take more than the doctor says, as this can be dangerous. Using the pill correctly can help manage pain effectively and safely.

Dosages & Instructions for Taking M366 Pills

Taking the M366 pill correctly is essential to stay safe and manage pain effectively. Here are some guidelines to help you understand how to use the M366 white oblong pill.

  • Dosage for pain: Adults usually take one M366 pill every 4 to 6 hours as needed for pain. The exact amount can vary depending on how bad the pain is and how the person responds to the medication.
  • Maximum daily dosage: It is essential not to take more than the recommended amount of acetaminophen in a day. The limit is usually around 4,000mg. Taking too much can hurt your liver [3].
  • Individualized treatment: The right dosage might be different for each person. Factors like age, weight, medical condition, and other medications can affect how much you should take. Follow your doctor’s instructions for the best results.
  • Alcohol avoidance: Do not drink alcohol while taking the M366 pill. Combining alcohol with this medication can increase the risk of liver damage [4].
  • Caution with other medications: Tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements to prevent dangerous interactions between drugs.
  • Risks with other CNS depressants: Taking the M366 pill with other central nervous system depressants [5], like benzodiazepines, can increase the risk of severe side effects like low blood pressure, breathing problems, heavy sedation, coma, or even death.
  • Tapered reduction: If you need to stop taking the M366 pill, your doctor may recommend reducing the dosage slowly. This helps avoid withdrawal symptoms and makes it easier to stop using the medication safely.

Following these guidelines can help you use the M366 pill safely and effectively. Always listen to your doctor’s advice and never take more than prescribed.

How Does the M366 Pill Interact with Your Body?

The M366 pill, which contains acetaminophen and hydrocodone bitartrate, helps manage pain and improve well-being when used properly. Here’s how it works in the body:

Pain relief

Hydrocodone, an opioid, binds to receptors in the brain and spinal cord [6], reducing pain signals. Acetaminophen enhances this effect by also alleviating pain, making the combination effective for conditions like injuries, surgeries, or chronic issues such as arthritis.

Better functioning

By reducing pain, the M366 pill helps you move more easily and complete daily tasks with less discomfort, improving your overall ability to function.

Increased comfort

Pain can make life uncomfortable and stressful. The M366 pill helps ease pain, making you feel more comfortable and relaxed.

Supporting recovery

Pain control is central to healing after injuries or surgeries. The M366 pill helps manage pain, allowing your body to heal more quickly and effectively.

Improved sleep

Pain can disrupt sleep, leading to tiredness. By managing pain, the M366 pill can help you get better sleep, which is beneficial for overall health.

Enhanced mobility

Pain can restrict your movement and activity. The M366 pill helps reduce pain, allowing you to stay active and keep your muscles and joints flexible.

Using the M366 pill as your doctor prescribes can help manage pain effectively and improve your quality of life. Always follow your doctor’s directions to use the medication safely.

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How Long Does the M366 Pill Stay In Your System?

Even though the pain relief from the M366 pill lasts a few hours, the drug can stay in your system longer. Here’s a how long it can be detected using different drug tests:

  • Blood: The M366 pill can be detected in your blood for up to 24 hours after taking it.
  • Urine: It can show up in urine tests for about 2 to 4 days.
  • Saliva: The pill can be detected in saliva for 1 to 4 days.
  • Hair: It can stay in hair for up to 90 days.

The exact time can vary depending on factors like your age, weight, metabolism, and how much of the drug you’ve taken. Take M366 hydrocodone and acetaminophen only as directed by your doctor to avoid any problems.

Duration of M366 Oval Pill

The pain relief from the M366 pill can last between 4 to 6 hours. This means you might need to take it every 4 to 6 hours to manage your pain effectively. Follow your doctor’s guidance on how often to take the pill to ensure it works properly and safely.

Risks Associated with the M366 Hydrocodone

Using the M366 pill, which contains hydrocodone, comes with several risks. Hydrocodone is an opioid, which can be very addictive. Taking this medication without following your doctor’s instructions can lead to serious problems, including dependence and addiction. Long-term use can make your body need more of the drug to get the same pain relief, leading to higher doses and increased risk of side effects.

Negative Side-Effects of Taking an M366 Pill

Taking the M366 pill can cause some negative side effects. Common side effects include:

  • Drowsiness: You might feel very sleepy or tired.
  • Nausea and vomiting: Some people feel sick to their stomach or throw up.
  • Constipation: This medication can make it hard to have a bowel movement.
  • Dizziness: You might feel lightheaded or dizzy.

More serious side effects can occur, such as:

  • Slow breathing: The pill can slow your breathing, which can be dangerous.
  • Confusion: Some people might feel very confused or have trouble thinking clearly.
  • Liver damage: Taking too much acetaminophen can harm your liver.

If you experience any severe side effects, you should contact your doctor right away.

Possibility of Addiction

Any sustained use of M366 white oval pill causes tolerance to form. When this occurs, the effects of the medication diminish and more opioids are required [7] to deliver the initial effects. Misusing the medication by taking more than the prescribed dose will lead to physical dependence. When someone is dependent on opioids, they need to the drug to function normally and experience withdrawal symptoms when they quit. Dependence may lead to addiction (opioid use disorder).

M366 Overdose

An overdose of the M366 pill is serious and can be life-threatening. Opioid overdose symptoms include:

  • Severe drowsiness: You might be unable to stay awake.
  • Slow or shallow breathing: Your breathing may become very slow or stop.
  • Loss of consciousness: You might pass out or become unresponsive.
  • Cold or clammy skin: Your skin might feel cold and damp.

If you feel you or someone you know is experiencing an overdose, seek immediate medical assistance.

Interactions With Alcohol & Substances

Taking the M366 pill with alcohol or other substances can be hazardous. Combining this medication with alcohol increases the risk of severe liver damage due to acetaminophen. It can also intensify the effects of hydrocodone, leading to extreme drowsiness, slow breathing, or even death.

Additionally, using the M366 pill with other CNS depressants like benzos can increase the risk of severe side effects, including:

  • Low blood pressure: Your blood pressure might drop too low.
  • Respiratory depression: Your breathing can slow down dangerously.
  • Severe sedation: You might become excessively sleepy or unresponsive.
  • Coma or death: In the worst cases, combining these substances can be fatal.

Always inform your doctor about all the substances you are taking to avoid dangerous interactions.

What Is Opiate Addiction?

Opiate addiction (opioid use disorder) is a chronic condition that involves the compulsive use of opiates, despite adverse outcomes. These substances, including prescription medications like hydrocodone, interact with opioid receptors in the brain to produce pain relief and euphoria. Over time, repeated use can lead to tolerance, dependence, and, eventually, addiction.

Signs and symptoms of opiate addiction include:

  • Physical signs: Constricted pupils, drowsiness, weight loss, and decreased appetite.
  • Behavioral signs: Neglecting responsibilities, social withdrawal, and continued use despite negative consequences.
  • Psychological signs: Mood swings, anxiety, and depression.

Opiate Addiction Treatment

Recovering from opiate addiction is a process that often requires a combination of medical, psychological, and social interventions. Here are the primary treatment options:

Medical detoxification

  • Purpose: Safely manage withdrawal symptoms under medical supervision.
  • Process: Gradual tapering off the drug or using medications like methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone to ease withdrawal.

Inpatient rehab

  • Purpose: Provide a structured environment for intensive therapy and support.
  • Features: 24/7 medical care, individual and group therapy, and holistic therapies like yoga and meditation.

Outpatient programs

  • Purpose: Offer flexibility for those who cannot commit to inpatient treatment.
  • Features: Regular therapy sessions, support groups, and continued medical supervision.

Counseling and behavioral therapies:

  • Types: CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), motivational interviewing, and contingency management.
  • Goals: Address underlying psychological issues, develop coping strategies, and prevent relapse.

Support groups

  • Examples: NA (Narcotics Anonymous), SMART Recovery.
  • Benefits: Peer support, shared experiences, and ongoing encouragement throughout recovery.

Does Insurance Cover Opiate Rehab?

Yes, many insurance plans cover opiate rehab. The cost of rehab can be high, but insurance can help make it more affordable. It’s important to check with your insurance company to see what they cover. They might pay for part or all of your treatment.

Here are some common types of insurance that might cover addiction treatment:

Private insurance

  • Examples: Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, and UnitedHealthcare.
  • Coverage: These plans often cover detox, inpatient, and outpatient treatment.

Medicaid

  • Coverage: Medicaid is a government program for low-income people and usually covers addiction treatment.

Medicare

  • Coverage: Medicare is a government program for people over 65 or with certain disabilities. It also covers addiction treatment.

Employer-sponsored insurance

  • Coverage: Many jobs offer insurance that covers addiction treatment.

Get Compassionate Addiction Treatment at Gratitude Lodge

If you feel that you or a loved one needs help getting back on track from addiction to opioids, reach out to Gratitude Lodge in Southern California. We treat all types of addiction and mental health conditions at our luxury rehabs in Long Beach and Newport Beach. We work with all major health insurers to ensure everyone gets the treatment they need.

When you begin your recovery with opioid detox at Gratitude Lodge, you’ll benefit from 24/7 care and medications to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings. After a week or so of detox, you can move into inpatient treatment at one of our rehabs by the beach.

Detox addresses physical dependence on opioids, while ongoing treatment helps you work out why you use opioids and develop healthy coping skills for sober living. All opioid addictions are different, so all our treatment programs reflect this with personalized therapies, such as:

  • Counseling
  • Talk therapy
  • Motivational therapy
  • Medication-assisted treatment
  • Group therapy
  • Family therapy
  • Holistic therapy
  • Aftercare

Call our recovery experts today for compassionate opioid addiction treatment at 844-576-0144.

Sources

[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538530/

[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482369/

[3] https://www.ucihealth.org/blog/2018/03/acetaminophen-liver-failure

[4] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33333080/

[5] https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/opioids/benzodiazepines-opioids

[6] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551554/

[7] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11224198/

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Jenni Bussi

Jenni Busse MS, LPCC

Jenni Busse MS, LPSS is the Clinical Director at Gratitude Lodge. Jenni oversees the clinical program and the clinical team at Gratitude Lodge as a whole. Jenni has worked in treatment for almost 14 years. Her background as a licensed therapist and her passion for helping others intersected with addiction recovery when she started working primarily in detox residential treatment.
Joe Gilmore

Joseph Gilmore

Joseph Gilmore has been working in the addiction industry for half a decade and has been writing about addiction and substance abuse treatment during that time. He has experience working for facilities all across the country. Connect with Joe on LinkedIn.

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