Vicodin (hydrocodone/APAP)

Brand Names

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 Vicodin (hydrocodone/APAP)

Vicodin (hydrocodone/APAP) is a prescription medication which is approved to treat moderate to moderately severe pain. It is a narcotic and is classified as a controlled substance, which means that special laws and regulations control its sale and use.

Side effects of Vicodin (hydrocodone/APAP)

The most common side effects of Vicodin are:

• Lightheadedness
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Constipation

Taking Vicodin with food can cause the risk of nausea and vomiting. While taking the Vicodin many people consider themselves "allergic" to Vicodin if they experience nausea and vomiting. However, this is a common side effect and does not indicate a true allergy. In many cases, this side effect goes away as a person continues to use Vicodin.

Indication

Some of the indications for Vicodin (hydrocodone) include treating moderate to moderately severe pain. This prescription medication is only approved for use in adults.

Precautions

Precautions of taking Vicodin includes:

• Vicodin is a narcotic medication with significant potential for abuse. It is not a good choice for people who have a history of alcohol or drug abuse. Do not take the drug more frequently, longer, or at a higher dose than prescribed.
• It contains quite a bit of acetaminophen (Tylenol).
• Taking it with other products that contain acetaminophen, can cause severe liver problems or even death due to Tylenol poisoning. Vicodin may not be a good choice for people who already have liver disease.
• Vicodin may cause slow and irregular breathing. In severe situations, this may be life-threatening. This may be especially dangerous in people with lung problems.
• The medication can cause problems in people with head injuries or high intercranial pressure.
• Vicodin can interfere with the diagnosis of many conditions that cause severe abdominal (stomach) pain.
• Like any other narcotic, Vicodin causes dizziness and drowsiness, and may increase the risk of falls in elderly people.
• Narcotics such as Vicodin are likely to cause constipation. This side effect does not go away as you continue to take the drug. Usually, laxatives are necessary to treat and prevent constipation due to Vicodin.
• Vicodin may not be safe for use during pregnancy, although the full risks are unknown.
• Vicodin passes through breast milk. Therefore, if you are breastfeeding or plan to start, discuss this with your healthcare provider prior to taking the drug.

Dosage forms

For regular-strength Vicodin (5/500 mg), the recommended dose is one to two tablets every four to six hours as needed, but not to exceed eight tablets in 24 hours For Vicodin ES (7.5/750 mg), the recommended dose is one tablet every four to six hours as needed, but not to exceed five tablets in 24 hours. For Vicodin HP® (10/660 mg), the recommended dose is one tablet every four to six hours as needed for pain, but not to exceed six tablets per day.

The maximum recommended Vicodin dosages are designed to limit the total dose of acetaminophen to 4 grams (4000 mg) a day or less. Higher doses of acetaminophen increase the risk of serious liver damage.