It is believed that the Vicodin trademark has now been withdrawn in the U.S. When generic variations of this drug were approved by the FDA, There may be alternatives that are generic.
What is Vicodin?
Vicodin consists of Acetaminophen and hydrocodone. Hydrocodone is a painkiller that uses opioids. It is often referred to as a narcotic." Acetaminophen is a weaker pain reliever, which increases the effects of hydrocodone.
Vicodin tablets are used to provide treatment for moderate to moderately serious pain.
Warnings
Hydrocodone can slow your breathing. Never use this medication in large quantities or for a longer period than what is prescribed. Narcotic pain medication can cause dependence, even in regular dosages. Never share Vicodin with anyone else, especially those who have a history of substance abuse or addiction. Make sure to keep the medication at a distance where other people can't access it.
The misuse of NARCOTIC medications CAN lead to an overdose, addiction, or death, particularly in children or anyone else who is taking the medication without a prescription.
Do not take Vicodin if you've used an MAO-inhibitor within the last 14 days, including linezolid, isocarboxazid, phenelzine, methylene blue injection, rasagiline, selegiline, or tranylcypromine.
Don't take more Vicodin than advised. A high dose of acetaminophen may damage your liver or result in the death of a person. Call your doctor immediately if you experience nausea, discomfort in your stomach area, itching, hunger or thirst, dark urine, stools that are clay-colored, or jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin).
Do not take Vicodin, and consult your doctor as soon as you notice redness on your skin or a rash that spreads and causes peeling and blisters.
Before you Take this Drug
It is not recommended to take Vicodin in the event that you are allergic to Acetaminophen (Tylenol) as well as hydrocodone or if you've recently had a drink, sedatives, alcohol tranquilizers, or other opioids.
Do not take this medication if you've previously taken a MAO-inhibitor within the past 14 days. A potentially dangerous interaction with a drug could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, phenelzine, rasagiline, and selegiline. the trannylcypromine.
Certain medicines may interact with hydrocodone, causing serotonin syndrome. Make sure that your doctor is aware whether you are also taking medication to treat mental illness, depression such as Parkinson's disease, chronic infections, migraine headaches, or the prevention of nausea or vomiting. Consult your physician prior to making any changes to the way or how often you take your medicines.
It is not recommended to use Vicodin if:
- Serious asthma or breathing problems. severe asthma, or
- An obstruction in your stomach or the intestines.
To ensure that Vicodin is suitable for you, ask your doctor if you have ever experienced:
- Breathing issues sleep apnea, breathing problems (breathing stops while sleeping);
- Liver disease;
- An alcohol or drug addiction;
- Kidney disease;
- A head injury or seizures;
- Problems with urination and
- Troubles that concern your pancreas, thyroid, or gallbladder.
Vicodin is more likely to cause breathing issues in older people and those who are extremely malnourished, sick, or otherwise weak.
If you take drugs that are narcotics when you are pregnant, your baby may develop dependence on the medication. This can cause withdrawal symptoms that can be life-threatening for the newborn after it's born. Children who are dependent on the habit-forming medication may require medical attention for a few weeks. Consult your physician if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
Consult a physician before taking opioids if you are nursing. Tell your doctor if you notice a sudden increase in sleepiness or a slow breathing rate during breastfeeding.
How to Take Vicodin?
You must take Vicodin exactly as it is prescribed. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Do not take this medication in greater quantities or for longer than the time prescribed. An overdose can damage your liver or cause death. Inform your doctor when the medication seems to be unable to work as well in relieving discomfort.
Hydrocodone could be addictive even in regular doses. Do not share Vicodin with an individual, particularly one who has a history of substance abuse or addiction. The misuse of NARCOTIC medications CAN lead to ADDICTION or death, particularly for children or any other person who is using the medication without having a prescription. Selling or giving away Vicodin is prohibited by law.
If you are in need of medical or surgical procedures, be sure to inform the doctor in advance that you're taking this medication. It may be necessary to stop taking the medication for a brief period of time.
Do not stop taking Vicodin at once after prolonged use, or you could experience uncomfortable withdrawal effects. Consult your physician about how to completely stop using Vicodin.
Keep at room temperature, free of heat and moisture. Be aware of the dosage of medication used in each bottle. Hydrocodone is a substance that is abused, and you must be aware of any person who is taking the medication in a way that is not legal or without having a prescription.
Always examine your medicine bottle to ensure that you've received the right medication (the same brand and kind) of the medicine recommended by your physician.
What Happens If I Miss a Dose?
Because Vicodin is used when needed, you may not be on a regular dosing schedule. If you're taking the medication on a regular basis, you should take the missed dose whenever you remember. Do not take your missed dose if it's nearing the time for the next dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.
What Happens If I Overdose?
For medical emergencies, seek emergency treatment or contact the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of hydrocodone can be fatal, particularly in children or another person who is taking the medication without a prescription. Overdose symptoms may include extreme drowsiness, a sharpening of the pupils, slow breathing, or the inability to breathe.
The doctor might suggest that you take Naloxone (a medication that reverses an overdose of opioids) and always carry it in your bag. The person who is caring for you could give you naloxone if your breathing stops or you don't wake up. Your caregiver needs to get medical attention in the event of an emergency. They might have to perform CPR (cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) on you as they wait for assistance to arrive.
Naloxone can be purchased from pharmacies or your local health department. It is important that everyone who cares for you understands where you store naloxone and how to make use of it.
Avoid this
Vicodin could affect your brain or reactions. Avoid operating machinery or driving until you are aware of how Vicodin affects your thinking and reactions. Drowsiness or extreme dizziness can result in falls and other accidents.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any other cold or allergy medication, as well as pain or sleeping medication. Acetaminophen (sometimes abbreviated as APAP) is found in a variety of combination medications. Taking a few of these products together could result in excessive amounts of acetaminophen, which could cause an overdose that is fatal. Check the label to find out if a medication has acetaminophen in it or APAP.
Beware of drinking alcohol. It could increase your risk of liver damage from taking Acetaminophen.
Side Effects of Vicodin
See a doctor immediately if you exhibit symptoms that you are experiencing an allergic reaction to Vicodin, such as hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling of your lips, face, and tongue.
Opioid medication can impede or stop breathing, and death could occur. A person caring for you must administer naloxone and seek emergency medical attention if you experience prolonged breathing, pauses in your breathing, blue lips, or if you find it difficult to get up.
In rare instances, Acetaminophen can cause an extremely severe skin reaction that could lead to death. This could occur regardless of whether you've previously had a previous experience with acetaminophen without experiencing any reaction. Do not take Vicodin and consult your doctor immediately if you notice the appearance of a skin rash or redness that spreads, causing peeling and blisters. If you have this kind of reaction, it is recommended that you never use any medication that contains acetaminophen.
See your doctor right away. If you suffer from:
- Sighing, noisy breathing, breath that is shallow, and breath that stops when you sleep
- An euphoric feeling, similar to when you're about to pass out.
- The mind, or unusual thoughts or behaviors;
- Seizure (convulsions);
- Bleeding or bruising;
- Infertility, missed menstrual periods;
- Inabilit to have sex, sexual problems sexual problems; lack of interest in sexual activity;
- Liver issues nausea, abdominal pain, or itcing; weight loss; black stools; dark urine; and jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin);
- Low levels of cortisol nausea, vomiting, a loss in appetite, headaches, increased tiredness or weakness,
- Serotonin levels are high within the body, which causes hallucinations, agitation, and sweating. shaking, rapid heart rate, and muscle stiffness. Twitching and loss of coordination nausea nausea, vomiting.
Breathing problems that are serious could be more prevalent among older adults and those with a debilitating condition or who suffer from wasting syndrome or chronic breathing conditions.
The most common Vicodin-related side effects are:
- Drowsiness, headache;
- Constipation, upset stomach;
- Blurred vision or
- Dry mouth.
This isn't a complete list of all the side effects. Other side effects could be present. Consult your physician to seek medical advice on the effects. You can report any adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Interaction with Other Drugs
It is possible to experience breathing issues or withdrawal symptoms when you stop or start taking other medicines. Tell your doctor whether you're also taking an antifungal, antibiotic, blood pressure or heart medicine, medication for seizures, or medication that t treatsHIV as well as hepatitis C.
Vicodin is a drug that can interact with other medications and may cause dangerous negative side effects or even death. Be sure your doctor is aware if you take:
- Medicine for allergies or colds, such as bronchodilator asthma/COPD medicine or diuretic ("water pill");
- Medicine to treat motion sickness, IBS, motion sickness, or bladder overactivity;
- Other narcotic drugs like opioid pain medication and prescription medicine for cough
- An sedative similar to Valium (also known as diazepam, alprazolam, lorazepam, Xanax, Klonopin, Versed, and others);
- Substances that cause you to feel sleepy or reduce your breathing A sleeing pill, a muscle relaxer, medication to treat mental illnesses or mood disorders.
- Medications that affect serotonin levels within your body A stimulant or medication for Parkinson's disease, depression, migraine headaches, serious infections, nausea, or vomiting.
