Warning: following following next information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, expertise & judgment of you're pharmacist. it shouldnot be construed to indicate that use of drug is safe or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.
Hydrocodone/acetaminophen - oral
(hi-dro-code-own/ah-seet-ah-min-oh-fen)
common brand names: Lorcet, Lortab, Norco, Vicodin
Simular Drugs : Vicodin, Vicodin Es, Vicodin Hp, Vicodin Tuss
Vicodin Usage: this medication is a combination about narcotic (hydrocodone) & a non-narcotic (acetaminophen) used to relieve moderate to severe pain. Hydrocodone works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, and acetaminophen decreases formation of prostaglandins, therefore relieving pain.
Vicodin can be used also for: this medication may also be used to suppress cough.
How to use Vicodin: Take this drug by mouth, as directed by your healthcare professional. You may take it drug with or with out food. If you have nausea, you may take this drug with food, although doing so may decrease it is effectiveness. Consult your doctor or pharmacist about alternatives for decreasing nausea (e.g., antihistamines, lying down for 1-2 hours with minimal head movement). dosage is based on your medical condition & response to therapy. Pain pills work best at relieving pain before it becomes severe. once pain becomes intense, medication isnot as effective in relieving it. Use it med exactly as prescribed. do not increase some your dose, take it more frequently or use it for longer period of time than prescribed because it drug can be habit-forming. Also, if used for an extended period of time, do not suddenly stop using this drug without your doctor's approval. When used for an extended period, this med may not work as well & may require different dosing. talk with some your pharmacist if this medication stops working well. this med contains acetaminophen. do not take more acetaminophen than recommended (see Side Effects section).
Vicodin side effects: Nausea, vomiting, constipation, lightheadedness, dizziness, drowsiness, flushing, vision changes, or mental/mood changes may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your physician or pharmacist promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any about these unlikely but serious side effects occur: slow/irregular breathing, slow/irregular heartbeat, change in the amount of urine. Tell your healthcare professional immediately if any about these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: impairment or loss of hearing (especially with high doses for long periods). If you don't have liver problems, the adult maximum dose of acetaminophen is 4 grams per day (4000 milligrams). If you take more then maximum daily amount, it can cause serious (possibly fatal) liver disease. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage: severe nausea, yellowing eyes or skin, dark urine, stomach pain, extreme fatigue. An allergic reaction to this tablet is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if this occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Vicodin Precautions: this medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using it medicine, consult you're doctor or pharmacist if you have: severe breathing problems (e.g., respiratory depression, hypercapnia), severe diarrhea (e.g., pseudomembranous colitis, infectious diarrhea due to toxins). Before using this medication, tell your healthcare professional or healthcare professional you're medical history, especially of: liver disease, kidney disease, difficulty urinating (e.g., enlarged prostate, urethral stricture), alcohol use, tablet dependency, heart problems (e.g., slow/irregular heartbeat, very low blood pressure), abdominal/stomach problems (e.g., gallbladder disease), lung disease (e.g., asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), seizure disorders, serious head injury or brain disease, spinal problems (kyphoscoliosis), low thyroid disease (hypothyroidism), adrenal gland problems (Addison's disease), psychiatric problems (toxic psychosis), any allergies (especially to codeine or codeine-like medications). it pill may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Avoid alcoholic beverages because they may increase risk of side effects of this drug. it product contains acetaminophen which can cause liver damage. daily use of alcohol, especially when combined with acetaminophen, may increase your risk for liver damage. money with some your doctor or pharmacist for more information. To minimize dizziness & lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from seated or lying position. Caution is advised when using it drug in elderly because they may be more sensitive to the side effects of the med, especially the possible decreased breathing and drowsiness effects. this pill should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. it is not recommended for use for long periods or in high doses near the expected delivery date because of the potential for fetal harm. Discuss the risks & benefits with you're pharmacist. Based on information from related drugs, this drug may pass into breast milk. Due to potential risk to infant, consult you're doctor before breast-feeding.
Vicodin pill interactions: this drug must not be used with following pills because very serious interactions may occur: naltrexone. If you currently using any of these pills, tell your pharmacist or pharmacist before starting it drug. Before using it medication, tell your healthcare professional or healthcare professional of all prescription & nonprescription products you may use, especially about: other tablets for pain, cimetidine, isoniazid, MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine procarbazine, selegiline, isocarboxazid, tranylcypromine), anti-seizure drugs (e.g., carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin), anticholinergic drugs/antihistamines (e.g., hydroxyzine, oxybutynin, scopolamine). Also report tablets that cause drowsiness such as: medicine for sleep (e.g., sedatives), tranquilizers, anti-anxiety meds (e.g., diazepam), psychiatric medicines (e.g., phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine, or tricyclics such as amitriptyline), muscle relaxants, antihistamines that cause drowsiness (e.g., diphenhydramine). Acetaminophen is an ingredient at many nonprescription goods and in some combination prescription medications. Read labels carefully before taking other pain relievers, fever reducers, or cold products to watch if they also contain acetaminophen. Consult youre pharmacist if you are uncertain if your other prescription or nonprescription goods contain acetaminophen. (Also watch adult maximum per day dose info in Side Effects section). don't start or stop any medicine without doctor or physician approval.
Vicodin Overdose: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include: vomiting, slow breathing, slow heartbeat, cold/clammy skin, unusual sweating, loss of consciousness, severe nausea, yellowing eyes or skin, dark urine, extreme fatigue, stomach pain.
Vicodin special notes: do not share this medication with others. It's against law. this med has been prescribed for your current condition only. do not use it later for another condition unless told to do so by some your healthcare professional. different medication may be necessary in those cases. To prevent constipation, maintain a diet adequate in fiber, drink plenty of water, and exercise. If you become constipated while using this tablet, consult your pharmacist for help in selecting laxative (e.g., stimulant-type).
If you missed Vicodin dose: If you miss dose, use it as soon as you remember. If It's near time of following dose, skip the missed dose & resume your usual dosing schedule. do not double the dose to catch up.
Vicodin Storage: Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children & pets.
Active Ingredients : Hydrocodone Acetaminophen