Hydrocodone
relieves pain. Acetaminophen is a less potent
pain reliever that increases the effects of hydrocodone.
Together, acetaminophen and hydrocodone are most
commonly used to relieve moderate-to-severe pain.
Acetaminophen and hydrocodone may also be used
for purposes other than those listed here. For
more information about hydrocodone ( side effects
, warnings , dosage and more ) click
here.
Vicodin
: Pronounced: VY-koe-din Generic ingredients:
Hydrocodone bitartrate, Acetaminophen .Other brand
names: Anexsia, Co-Gesic, Hydrocet, Lorcet, Lortab,
Maxidone, Norco, Zydone. Vicodin combines a narcotic
analgesic (painkiller) and cough reliever with
a non-narcotic analgesic for the relief of moderate
to moderately severe pain. You can find information
including side effects , dosage , special warnings
and other special information by clicking
here.
Vicodin
acetaminophen and hydrocodone (ah see ta MIH no
fen and hye dreo KOE done)
Anexsia, Anolor DH5, Bancap HC, Dolacet, Lorcet
10/650, Lorcet HD, Lorcet Plus, Lortab, Lortab
10, Lortab 5/500, Lortab 7.5/500, Lortab Elixir,
Norco, T-Gesic, Vicodin, Vicodin ES, Vicodin HP,
Zydone
What is the most important information
I should know about Vicodin?
• Hydrocodone is habit
forming. It is possible become physically and/or
psychologically dependent on the medication. Do
not take more than the prescribed amount of medication
or take it for longer than is directed by your
doctor. Withdrawal effects may occur if Vicodin
is stopped suddenly after several weeks of continuous
use. Your doctor may recommend a gradual reduction
in dose.
• Avoid alcohol while taking Vicodin. Alcohol
can increase drowsiness and dizziness caused by
the medication, possibly resulting in unconsciousness
and death. Also, acetaminophen can be damaging
to the liver when taken with alcohol.
• Vicodin
may increase the effects of other drugs that cause
drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol,
antihistamines, pain relievers, anxiety medicines,
seizure medicines, and muscle relaxants. Dangerous
sedation, dizziness, or drowsiness may occur if
Vicodin is taken with any of these medications.
Tell your doctor about all medicines that you
are taking, and do not take any medicine without
first talking to your doctor.
• Vicodin
may cause constipation. Drink plenty of water
(six to eight full glasses a day) to lessen this
side effect. Increased fiber in the diet may also
help to alleviate constipation.
What is Vicodin?
• Hydrocodone (related to codeine) is in
a class of drugs called narcotic analgesics. It
relieves pain.
• Acetaminophen is a less potent pain reliever
that increases the effects of hydrocodone.
• Together, Vicodin is used to relieve moderate-to-severe
pain.
• Vicodin may also be used for purposes
other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider
before taking Vicodin?
• Before taking this medication, tell your
doctor if you have
· a history of alcohol or drug abuse;
· kidney disease;
· liver disease;
· asthma;
· urinary retention;
· an enlarged prostate;
· hypothyroidism;
· seizures or epilepsy;
· gallbladder disease;
· a head injury; or
· Addison's disease.
• You may not be able to take Vicodin, or
you may require a dosage adjustment or special
monitoring during treatment if you have any of
the conditions listed above.
• Vicodin is in the FDA pregnancy category
C. This means that it is not known whether it
will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take
this medication without first talking to your
doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant
during treatment.
• Vicodin passes into breast milk and may
affect a nursing infant. Do not take this medication
without first talking to your doctor if you are
breast-feeding a baby.
• If you are younger than 18 years of age
or older than 60 years of age, you may be more
likely to experience side effects from Vicodin.
Your doctor may prescribe a lower dose.
How should I take Vicodin?
• Take Vicodin exactly as directed by your
doctor. If you do not understand these directions,
ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain
them to you.
• Take each dose with a full glass of water.
• Take Vicodin with food or milk if it causes
stomach upset.
• To ensure that you get a correct dose,
measure the liquid form of Vicodin with a special
dose-measuring spoon or cup, not with a regular
table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring
device, ask your pharmacist where you can get
one.
• Hydrocodone is habit forming. It is possible
become physically and/or psychologically dependent
on the medication. Do not take more than the prescribed
amount of medication or take it for longer than
is directed by your doctor. Withdrawal effects
may occur if Vicodin is stopped suddenly after
several weeks of continuous use. Your doctor may
recommend a gradual reduction in dose.
• Vicodin may cause constipation. Drink
plenty of water (six to eight full glasses a day)
to lessen this side effect. Increased fiber in
the diet may also help to alleviate constipation.
• Store Vicodin at room temperature away
from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember.
Do not take a double dose of this medication.
Wait the prescribed amount of time before taking
the next dose.
What happens if I overdose?
• Seek emergency medical attention if an
overdose is suspected.
• Symptoms of an Vicodin overdose may include
slow breathing, seizures, dizziness, weakness,
loss of consciousness, coma, confusion, tiredness,
cold and clammy skin, small pupils, nausea, vomiting,
and sweating.
What should I avoid while taking Vicodin?
• Avoid alcohol while taking Vicodin. Alcohol
can increase drowsiness and dizziness caused by
the medication, possibly resulting in unconsciousness
and death. Also, acetaminophen can be damaging
to the liver when taken with alcohol.
• Vicodin may increase
the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness,
including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines,
pain relievers, anxiety medicines, seizure medicines,
and muscle relaxants. Dangerous sedation, dizziness,
or drowsiness may occur if Vicodin is taken with
any of these medications. Tell your doctor about
all medicines that you are taking, and do not
take any medicine without first talking to your
doctor.
• Use caution when driving, operating machinery,
or performing other hazardous activities. Hydrocodone
may cause drowsiness or dizziness. If you experience
drowsiness or dizziness, avoid these activities.
• Other products may also contain acetaminophen,
especially over-the-counter pain, fever, cold,
and allergy medications. Do not take any other
products that contain acetaminophen without first
talking to your doctor. Too much acetaminophen
can be dangerous.
What are the possible side effects of Vicodin?
• If you experience any of the following
serious side effects, stop taking Vicodin and
seek emergency medical attention or contact your
doctor immediately:
· an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing;
closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue,
or face; or hives);
· slow, weak breathing;
· seizures;
· cold, clammy skin;
· severe weakness or dizziness;
· unconsciousness;
· yellowing of the skin or eyes; or
· unusual fatigue, bleeding, or bruising.
• Other, less serious side effects may be
more likely to occur. Continue to take Vicodin
and talk to your doctor if you experience
· constipation;
· dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, or decreased
appetite;
· dizziness, tiredness, or lightheadedness;
· muscle twitches;
· sweating;
· itching;
· decreased urination; or
· decreased sex drive.
• Hydrocodone is habit forming. It is possible
become physically and/or psychologically dependent
on the medication. Do not take more than the prescribed
amount of medication or take it for longer than
is directed by your doctor. Withdrawal effects
may occur if Vicodin is stopped suddenly after
several weeks of continuous use. Your doctor may
recommend a gradual reduction in dose.
• Side effects other than those listed here
may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any
side effect that seems unusual or that is especially
bothersome.
What other drugs will affect Vicodin?
• Do not take Vicodin if you have taken
a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid
(Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine
(Parnate) in the last 14 days. Dangerous side
effects could result.
• Vicodin may increase the effects of other
drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants,
alcohol, antihistamines, pain relievers, anxiety
medicines, seizure medicines, and muscle relaxants.
Dangerous sedation, dizziness, or drowsiness may
occur if Vicodin is taken with any of these medications.
Tell your doctor about all medicines that you
are taking, and do not take any medicine without
first talking to your doctor.
• Other products may also contain acetaminophen,
especially over-the-counter pain, fever, cold,
and allergy medications. Do not take any other
products that contain acetaminophen without first
talking to your doctor. Too much acetaminophen
can be dangerous.
• Drugs other than those listed here may
also interact with Vicodin. Talk to your doctor
and pharmacist before taking any prescription
or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins,
minerals, and herbal products.
Where can I get more information?
• Your pharmacist has additional information
about Vicodin written for health
professionals that you may read.
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