Drug Name: VICODIN
COMMON BRAND NAMES: Acetaminophen and hydrocodone - ORAL acetaminophen and hydrocodone (ah see ta MIH no fen and hye dreo KOE done)
COMMON VICODIN BRAND NAME(S):
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
VICODIN USES:
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.
HOW TO USE 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.
VICODIN SIDE EFFECTS:
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.
VICODIN PRECAUTIONS:
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.
VICODIN DRUG INTERACTIONS:
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.
VICODIN OVERDOSE:
If VICODIN overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of VICODIN overdose may include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, and decreased pupil size.
VICODIN NOTES:
Do not share VICODIN with others.
MISSED VICODIN DOSE:
Take any missed VICODIN dose as soon as possible but not if it is almost time for the next VICODIN dose. If it is time for the next VICODIN dose, skip the missed VICODIN dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not "double-up" the VICODIN dose. If more than one dose is missed, contact your doctor or pharmacist to establish a new VICODIN dosing schedule.
VICODIN STORAGE:
Store VICODIN at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from heat and light. Do not store VICODIN in a moist bathroom. Keep VICODIN and all medications out of the reach of children.
IMPORTANT VICODIN NOTE:
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS INTENDED TO SUPPLEMENT, NOT SUBSTITUTE FOR, THE EXPERTISE AND JUDGMENT OF YOUR PHYSICIAN, PHARMACIST OR OTHER HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL. IT SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED TO INDICATE THAT USE OF THE DRUG IS SAFE, APPROPRIATE, OR EFFECTIVE FOR YOU. CONSULT YOUR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL BEFORE USING VICODIN.
