Overview Of Vicodin

Vicodin is a prescription pain reliever that contains acetaminophen and an opioid called hydrocodone. The medicine is used to treat moderate to severe pain and is taken by mouth. Three different strengths are available, and patients should talk to their doctor about the dose best for their needs. Most patients are advised to take one tablet every four to six hours as needed to control their pain, and the maximum dose should not exceed six tablets per day. Individuals who have been prescribed the lowest-strength tablet can typically take one or two tablets every four to six hours, and they should not take more than eight tablets per day. Vicodin is only intended for short-term use, and patients could develop physical dependency if they use the medication for a prolonged period. Patients should speak with their doctor about how to taper their Vicodin dose when discontinuing the drug.

The uses, side effects, precautions, and potential medication interactions associated with Vicodin are discussed below.

How It Works

Vicodin is part of a group of medications called combination narcotic analgesics. These pain relievers combine an opioid pain reliever with a non-opioid pain reliever, and the combination provides more effective pain relief than either medicine would when taken on its own. The acetaminophen in Vicodin increases the effect of the drug's hydrocodone component. Acetaminophen is believed to block a particular kind of cyclo-oxygenase enzyme found primarily in the brain. When this enzyme is blocked, prostaglandin synthesis does not take place. The hydrocodone in Vicodin works by binding to mu-opioid receptors, which stop pain signals as they travel to the brain.

Get the full details on the uses and benefits of Vicodin next.

Vicodin Uses And Benefits

Vicodin is used to treat moderate to severe pain from a variety of medical conditions. For example, it is often prescribed for cancer patients who are experiencing pain, and it may be considered for pain relief in patients with rheumatoid arthritis who have not responded to lower-strength pain relievers. It is commonly used for short-term pain relief after a surgical procedure, and some patients may be offered Vicodin for pain relief after dental surgery. Patients who have broken bones or other injuries might be prescribed this medication as well, and it is sometimes recommended in the treatment of back pain. The hydrocodone component in Vicodin is an antitussive, and some doctor might prescribe Vicodin off-label to alleviate a dry cough. The drug is sometimes used off-label to treat insomnia too.

Learn about the potential side effects of Vicodin next.

Potential Side Effects

Dizziness and drowsiness are the most common potential side effects of Vicodin. Other frequently reported side effects of this medicine include constipation, nausea, low blood pressure, syncope, and a general feeling of weakness. Less commonly, some individuals who take the drug may develop headaches, vomiting, shortness of breath, or nosebleeds. Bleeding gums, stomach pain, loss of appetite, and light-colored stools have occurred with Vicodin use. Patients could notice decreases in urinary output and frequency, and they may have difficulty with urination. Some patients could develop a fever, and sore throats, mouth sores, and tongue pain have been observed as well. Individuals who take this medication should contact their doctor right away if they experience urinary difficulties or abdominal pain, and they should also report any mental or mood changes urgently. Vicodin can also cause seizures and a slow respiration rate. If these serious side effects develop, patients should be taken to an emergency room. Although very rare, some individuals could have an allergic reaction to this drug. Potential signs of an allergic reaction include severe dizziness, rash, swelling, itching, and breathing difficulties. Emergency medical care should be sought immediately if an allergic reaction is suspected.

Uncover the precautions associated with Vicodin next.

Precautions To Remember

Patients with severe asthma, breathing difficulties, or blockages in the stomach or intestines should not take Vicodin. It is not considered safe for use during pregnancy, and patients who are breastfeeding should not use it. Before prescribing Vicodin, doctors will need to know if the patient has any history of breathing issues, liver disease, kidney disease, seizures, or urination problems. Patients should also let their physician know about any history of thyroid, gallbladder, or pancreas issues, and they should inform their doctor about any previous head injuries as well. The doctor will need to know about any substance use issues to determine if it is safe for the patient to use Vicodin. Alcohol consumption should be avoided during treatment with Vicodin since it could increase the risk of liver damage. This medicine can impair thinking and reaction time, and patients should avoid driving or using machinery until they understand how the medication affects them. Doctors encourage individuals who take Vicodin to eat a high-fiber diet during treatment to prevent constipation. If constipation occurs with Vicodin, patients may need to ask their doctor about using a laxative. Patients should also get up slowly from sitting or lying positions to reduce the risk of dizziness and falls.

Discover the potential medication interactions with Vicodin next.

Potential Medication Interactions

Vicodin has potential medication interactions with more than 550 drugs. Taking Vicodin with certain medications used to treat Parkinson's disease, depression, migraines, or infections could lead to a potentially life-threatening side effect called serotonin syndrome. To reduce the risk of this serious interaction, patients should let their doctor know about all of the medicines they use before Vicodin is prescribed. In particular, it is important not to use Vicodin within fourteen days of taking MAO inhibitors. MAO inhibitors, which include isocarboxazid, linezolid, and phenelzine, are used to treat depression. Serious interactions also exist between Vicodin and other pain relievers that contain opioids, including butorphanol, which also interacts with naltrexone. Since Vicodin contains acetaminophen, patients will need to ask a doctor or pharmacist before taking any additional over-the-counter or prescription medicine that contains acetaminophen. Acetaminophen is commonly found in pain relievers, cold remedies, cough suppressants, allergy medicines, and sleep aids. If patients consume too much acetaminophen, liver damage could occur.