Vicodin

(Vicodin ES, Vicodin HP, Lortab, Lortab Elixir, Lorcet, Lorcet HD, Lorcet Plus, Hydrocodone, Dihydrocodeinone, Zydone, Maxidone, Anexsia, Co-Gesic, Hydrocet, Norco, Anolor DH5, Bancap HC, Dolacet)

Vicodin Review

Vicodin combines a narcotic analgesic (painkiller) and cough reliever with a non-narcotic analgesic for the relief of moderate to moderately severe pain.

Vicodin - How to take

Take Vicodin exactly as prescribed. Do not increase the amount you take or the frequency without your doctor's approval. Do not take Vicodin for any reason other than the one prescribed. Do not give Vicodin to others who may have similar symptoms.

Vicodin Dosage

• Vicodin Dosage for Adults:

Your doctor will adjust the dosage according to the severity of the pain and the way the medication affects you. The dosages given below are for Vicodin products only. If your doctor prescribes other brands, your daily dose may vary.

All forms of Vicodin are taken every 4 to 6 hours as needed for pain. The usual dose of Vicodin is 1 or 2 tablets, up to a maximum of 8 tablets per day. The usual dose of Vicodin HP is 1 tablet, up to a maximum of 6 tablets per day. For Vicodin ES, the usual dose is 1 tablet, up to a maximum of 5 tablets per day.

• Vicodin Dosage for Children:

The safety and effectiveness of Vicodin have not been established in children.

Vicodin - Missed Dose

If you take Vicodin regularly, take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses of Vicodin at once.

Vicodin Side Effects

Vicodin side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Vicodin.

More common side effects may include: dizziness, light-headedness, nausea, sedation, vomiting If these side effects occur, it may help if you lie down after taking the medication.

Less common or rare side effects may include: allergic reactions, anxiety, blood disorders, constipation, decreased mental and physical capability, difficulty urinating, drowsiness, fear, hearing loss, itching, mental clouding, mood changes, restlessness, skin rash, slowed breathing, sluggishness.

Vicodin - Special warnings

Vicodin may make you drowsy, less alert, or unable to function well physically. Do not drive a car, operate machinery, or perform any other potentially dangerous activities until you know how this drug affects you.

Use caution in taking Vicodin if you have a head injury. Narcotics tend to increase the pressure of the fluid within the skull, and this effect may be exaggerated by head injuries. Side effects of narcotics can interfere in the treatment of people with head injuries.

Use Vicodin with caution if you have a severe liver or kidney disorder, an underactive thyroid gland, Addison's disease (a disease of the adrenal glands), an enlarged prostate, or urethral stricture (narrowing of the tube carrying urine from the bladder).

Older adults and those in a weakened condition should be careful using this drug, since it contains a narcotic.

Narcotics such as Vicodin may interfere with the diagnosis and treatment of people with abdominal conditions.

Vicodin suppresses the cough reflex; therefore, be careful using Vicodin after an operation or if you have a lung disease.

High doses of Vicodin (hydrocodone) may produce slowed breathing; if you are sensitive to this drug, you are more likely to experience this effect.

Vicodin Overdose

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect Vicodin overdose, seek emergency medical treatment immediately.

Symptoms of a Vicodin overdose include: blood disorders, bluish tinge to skin, cold and clammy skin, extreme sleepiness progressing to a state of unresponsiveness or coma, general feeling of bodily discomfort, heart problems, heavy perspiration, kidney problems, limp muscles, liver failure, low blood pressure, nausea, slow heartbeat, troubled or slowed breathing, vomiting.

Vicodin - food and drug interactions

Vicodin slows the nervous system. Alcohol can intensify this effect.

If Vicodin is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either may be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Vicodin with the following:

• Antianxiety drugs such as Valium and Librium;
• Antidepressant medications classified as "tricyclics", such as Elavil and Tofranil;
• Antihistamines such as Tavist;
• Drugs classified as MAO inhibitors, including the antidepressants Nardil and Parnate Major tranquilizers such as Thorazine and Haldol;
• Other narcotic analgesics such as Demerol;
• Other central nervous system depressants such as Halcion and Restoril.

Vicodin Storage

Store Vicodin at room temperature in a tightly closed container, away from light.

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