Vicodin is a narcotic pain reliever that is composed of a combination of acetaminophen and hydrocodone. The presence of acetaminophen helps to intensify the pain reducing effects of hydrocodone, making vicodin a prescription pain reliever that is used for moderate to severe pain relief.
Hydrocodone can be habit-forming, making vicodin a schedule III substance under the Controlled Substances Act.http://www.healthsquare.com/newrx/vic1480.htm
Presentations of Vicodin
Vicodin in its normal presentation is composed of 500 milligrams of acetaminophen and 5 milligrams of hydrocodone. The typical dosage that is medically prescribed for this presentation is one to two tablets as required for pain with a maximum of 8 tablets per day.
There are other presentations for Vicodin, Vicodin-ES contains 7.5 milligrams of hydrocodone with 750 milligrams of acetaminophen; and Vicodin-HP which contains 10 milligrams of hydrocodone with 660 milligrams of acetaminophen. In these two alternate presentations the typical dosage that is prescribed by physicians is limited to one tablet as required for pain with a five and six tablet per day maximum, respectively.
Side Effects
Side effects associated with Vicodin include anxiety, dizziness, nausea, constipation, headaches, mood changes, dry mouth and blurred vision.http://www.drugs.com/vicodin.html
On rare occasions, more serious side effects such as labored breathing, confusion, suicidal thoughts, faintness, convulsions, jaundice and lowered heartbeat can develop.http://www.drugs.com/vicodin.html
Doctors advice that on the manifestation of any suspected side effect, mild or severe, use of the drug be discontinued immediately and medical attention sought.
Abuse
A frequently abused prescription medication, Vicodin can be addictive if overusedDrugAbuseHelp.com: Vicodin Abuse . While acetaminophen is not addictive, a physical and mental dependence to hydrocodone inclusive of a tolerance can be built over time.MayoClinic.com: Narcotic Analgesics and Acetaminophen (Oral Route) Due to its addictive nature, it is essential not to exceed the dosage prescribed. In the United States, legal prescription of Vicodin by physicians surpasses that of other opiates.DEA: Drugs and Chemicals of Concern
How Vicodin Works
Presented through the expertise of a pharmacist, in this video, you will hear some of the common prescription uses of the opiate based drug Vicodin, as well as common side effects and prescribed dosage. The compound value of the hydrocodone and acetaminophen combination found in Vicodin is also explained. Used most often for moderate to severe pain, Vicodin is the most prescribed opiate based drug on the market in the United States.
Disclaimer
The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact your doctor before taking Vicodin.
References
Fast Facts
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Active ingredients
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Street names
Watson387, Vike
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Classes
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Use
Moderate to severe pain
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Regulation
Included in the Controlled Substances Act (1970)
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Legal Status
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Route
Oral
