Vicodin

Vicodin Information

Other Brand Names: Hycodan, Lorcet, Lortab, Tussionex and Tylox.

Generic Name: Hydrocodone

Vicodin is indicated for the relief of moderate to moderately severe pain.

Vicodin Ingredients and Composition

How Does Vicodin Work?

Vicodin is a semisynthetic narcotic analgesic and antitussive with multiple actions qualitatively similar to those of codeine. Most of these involve the central nervous system and smooth muscle. The precise mechanism of action of hydrocodone and other opiates is not known, although it is believed to relate to the existence of opiate receptors in the central nervous system. In addition to analgesia, narcotics may produce drowsiness, changes in mood, and mental clouding.

Radioimmunoassay techniques have recently been developed for the analysis of hydrocodone (Vicodin) in human plasma. After a 10 mg oral dose of hydrocodone bitartrate, a mean peak serum drug level of 23.6 ng/ml and an elimination half-life of 3.8 hours were found.

The analgesic action of acetaminophen involves peripheral and central influences, but the specific mechanism is as yet undetermined. Antipyretic activity is mediated through hypothalamic heat regulating centers. Acetaminophen inhibits prostaglandin synthetase. Therapeutic doses of acetaminophen have negligible effects on the cardiovascular or respiratory systems; however, toxic doses may cause circulatory failure and rapid, shallow breathing.

How To Take Vicodin and Vicodin Dosage and Administration

Vicodin dosage should be adjusted according to the severity of pain and the response of the patient. However, it should be kept in mind that tolerance to Vicodin (hydrocodone) can develop with continued use and that the incidence of untoward effects is dose related.

The usual adult Vicodin dosage (for the 500 mg/5 mg tablet) is one or two tablets every four to six hours as needed for pain. The total 24 hour dose should not exceed 8 tablets.

The usual adult Vicodin dosage (for the 650 mg/7.5 mg tablet) is one tablet every four to six hours as needed for pain. The total 24 hour dose should not exceed 5 tablets.

If you suspect a Vicodin Overdose

Acetaminophen Signs and Symptoms

In acute acetaminophen (ingredient of Vicodin) overdosage, dose-dependent, potentially fatal hepatic necrosis is the most serious adverse effect. Renal tubular necrosis, hypoglycemic coma, and thrombocytopenia may also occur.

In adults, hepatic toxicity has rarely been reported with acute overdoses of less than 10 g and fatalities with less than 15 g. Importantly, young children seem to be more resistant than adults to the hepatotoxic effect of an acetaminophen overdose. Despite this, the measures outlined below should be initiated in any adult or child suspected or having ingested an acetaminophen overdose.

Early symptoms following a potentially hepatotoxic overdose may include: nausea, vomiting, diaphoresis, and general malaise. Clinical and laboratory evidence of hepatic toxicity may not be apparent until 48 to 72 hours postingestion.

Acetaminophen Treatment:

The stomach should be emptied promptly by lavage or by induction of emesis with syrup of ipecac. Patients' estimates of the quantity of a drug ingested are notoriously unreliable. Therefore, if an acetaminophen overdose is suspected, a serum acetaminophen assay should be obtained as early as possible, but no sooner than four hours following ingestion. Liver function studies should be obtained initially and repeated at 24-hour intervals.

The antidote, N-acetylcysteine, should be administered as early as possible, preferably within 16 hours of the overdose ingestion for optimal results, but in any case, within 24 hours. Following recovery, there are no residual structural or functional hepatic abnormalities.

Hydrocodone Signs and Symptoms

Serious overdose with hydrocodone (ingredient of Vicodin) is characterized by respiratory depression (a decrease in respiratory rate and/or tidal volume, Cheyne-Stokes respiration, cyanosis), extreme somnolence progressing to stupor or coma, skeletal muscle flaccidity, cold and clammy skin, and sometimes bradycardia and hypotension. In severe overdose, apnea, circulatory collapse, cardiac arrest and death may occur.

Hydrocodone Treatment

Primary attention should be given to the reestablishment of adequate respiratory exchange through provision of a patent airway and the institution of assisted or controlled ventilation. The narcotic antagonist naloxone is a specific antidote against respiratory depression which may result from overdosage or unusual sensitivity to narcotics, including hydrocodone. Therefore, an appropriate dose of naloxone hydrochloride should be administered, preferably by the intravenous route, and simultaneously with efforts at respiratory resuscitation. Since the duration of action of hydrocodone may exceed that of the antagonist, the patient should be kept under continued surveillance and repeated doses of the antagonist should be administered as needed to maintain adequate respiration.

An antagonist should not be administered in the absence of clinically significant respiratory or cardiovascular depression. Oxygen, intravenous fluids, vasopressors, and other supportive measures should be employed as indicated.

Vicodin Side Effects

Vicodin Warnings

Vicodin and Alcohol Interaction

Do not take any other sedating drugs or drink alcohol while taking Vicodin (acetaminophen with hydrocodone).

Vicodin Addiction and Dependency

Taking Vicodin during Pregnancy or Breast-feeding

Acetaminophen in Vicodin is excreted in breast milk in small amounts, but the significance of its effects on nursing infants is not known. It is not known whether hydrocodone is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk and because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from Vicodin (hydrocodone bitartrate) and acetaminophen tablets, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

Contraindications to Vicodin

Hypersensitivity to acetaminophen or hydrocodone.

Storing Vicodin

Store Vicodin at controlled room temperature 15° to 30° C. (59° to 86° F).

Vicodin Pill Identification / ID and Appearance

Information about the Manufacturer of Vicodin

Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc.