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Vicodin Medication (Acetaminophen) - Uses & Side Effects

Generic Name: Acetaminophen

Hydrocodone is in a class of drugs known as narcotic analgesics. It is used to treat pain. Vicodin combines a narcotic analgesic and cough reliever with a non-narcotic analgesic for the relief of moderate to moderately severe pain. Acetaminophen treat pain by elevating the pain threshold. It reduces fever through its action on the heat regulating center of the brain. Frequently, hydrocodone and acetaminophen are combined to achieve pain relief, as in Vicodin and Lortab.

Vicodin Dosage

• 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 and 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.

Uses of Vicodin

• This medication is a combination of a narcotic and a non-narcotic used to relieve moderate to severe pain.
• This medication may also be used to suppress a cough.

Side Effects of Vicodin

If you are using Vicodin, then discuss the side effects of Vicodin with your doctor and if you feel any change in intensity, then tell your doctor immediately. Because only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Vicodin. Side effects of Vicodin may include:

• Dizziness
• mood changes
• light-headedness
• mental clouding
• nausea
• itching
• sedation
• difficulty urinating
• Allergic reactions
• vomiting
• anxiety
• fear
• constipation
• blood disorders
• decreased mental and physical capability
• drowsiness
• hearing loss

Warnings and precautions before taking Vicodin:

• If you are taking vicodin, then you may feel some drowsy, less alert, or unable to function well physically. So do not drive a car, operate machinery, or perform any other potentially dangerous activities that require alertness.
• Use Vicodin with caution if you have a severe liver or kidney disorder, an underactive thyroid gland, Addison's disease, an enlarged prostate, or urethral stricture.
• If you are taking prescription and nonprescription medications, especially acetaminophen (Tylenol), antidepressants, medications for cough, cold, or allergies, other pain relievers, sedatives, sleeping pills, tranquilizers, and vitamins, then tell your doctor.
• You should tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to acetaminophen, codeine, hydrocodone, sulfite, or any other drugs.

Drug Interaction:- If you are taking certain drugs with Vicodin, then it may be increased, decreased, or altered the effects of Vicodin. So it is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Vicodin with the following:

• Antianxiety drugs such as Valium and Librium
• 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

Overdose

After taking Vicodin, If you feel that overdose is suspected, then contact with your doctor immediately. Symptoms of Vicodin overdose may includes:

• slow breathing
• seizures
• dizziness
• weakness
• loss of consciousness
• coma
• confusion
• tiredness
• cold and clammy skin
• small pupils
• nausea
• vomiting
• sweating