Vicodin As Another Analgesic Option
Posted 04-11-2008 at 06:14 AM by tinmuning
Vicodin (Brand names: Vicodin, Vicodin ES, Dolorex Forte, Hycet, Liquicet, Lorcet Plus, Lortab, Maxidone, Norco, Stagesic, Vicodin, Xodol, Zydone) is a combination of two substances, acetaminophen and hydrocodone. This drug usually comes in tablet form and have analgesic and antitussive effect similar to codeine. You might wonder why there is a need to combine these two medicines. Well, acetaminophen is a low dose analgesic. There is no doubt on its efficacy in mild pain, but the same cannot be said on its effect in moderate pain. Hydrocodone, on the other hand, comes from the narcotic group of analgesics. It is but practical to try to mix two “tried and tested” drugs together and see if their combination would be effective in more intense type of pain rather than to concoct another new batch of substances. True enough, the acetaminophen-hydrocodone tandem was proven to relieve moderate to severe pain. Not only that, experts found out during that time that acetaminophen, when added to hydrocodone, increases it effect and making it more potent as a pain reliever.
Consideration: Precautions, Side effects and Drug interactions.
Like any other drug, there are several things to consider before taking or prescribing Vicodin. One important consideration is the fact that because of the hydrocodone content of the drug, Vicodin has addictive properties.
The activities and nature of work of the patient should also be noted before prescribing Vicodin since it has depressant effects on the central nervous system which may impair thinking or reactions. Patients taking this medicine should exercise extra caution when driving or doing anything that requires them to be alert.
The patient’s medical condition is also a vital factor before prescribing this drug. Conditions wherein Vicodin may be contraindicated are the following (but are not limited to): allergy to acetaminophen and hydrocodone, respiratory disorders such as asthma and COPD, liver or kidney disease, hypotension, gastrointestinal disorder, alcoholic liver disease and hypothyroidism.
When a patient taking Vicodin caught colds or cough during the course of treatment, they are advised to inform their doctor before taking any colds or cough medicines since these substance can add to the drowsiness caused by the hydrocodone component. Better yet, it is not advisable to start using a new medication, whether over-the-counter or prescribed ones, without consulting a doctor first.
Like all other drugs, Vicodin does have side effects, the more serious ones (addiction, impairs thinking) already mentioned above. Other side effects a patient taking this drug may expect include fainting, light-headedness, seizure, problems with urination, slowing of the pulse, drowsiness, constipation and dry mouth.
Misuse and Abuse
Equally important is to inquire about the patient’s social history, particularly alcohol intake and drug addiction. The patient should also be on guard especially when living with people who had history of substance abuse. One should keep the medication in a secure place and keep track of how many tablets have been used from the bottle. As mentioned earlier, Vicodin has addictive properties. In fact in the United States, Vicodin is included under the Schedule III list of drugs. Those under this category are classified as “potentially causing moderate or low physical dependence or a high psychological dependence if abused" (Wikipedia). The patient should be aware if there is someone else is using this medicine without a prescription.
Medical practitioners should be keep an eye on patients with “drug seeking” behaviour. Drug seeking tactics include emergency visits near the end of clinic hours, refusing or reluctant to undergo examination and providing information regarding previous medical records. Proper patient assessment, dispensing and prescribing practices (record-keeping of prescribing information, quantity, frequency as well as renewal requests) are effective measures to limit abuse of this drug.
There had been several cases of Vicodin-related overdose reported. This is particularly alarming due to the drug’s acetaminophen content. One Vicodin tablet contains as much as 750 mg of acetaminophen while the body of an adult can tolerate a maximum amount of 1 gram (1,000 mg) per dose and 4 grams (4,000 mg) per day. To prevent an overdose from happening, one should be aware of the proper dosage that should be taken and follow it. Patients are advised seek prompt medical attention as soon as they realize that they took more than what they are allowed of this medicine. Some symptoms of Vicodin overdose to look out for are as follows: sweating, vomiting, dark urine, cold and clammy skin, fainting and shallow breathing.
Immediate treatment includes induced vomiting, which may be done mechanically or by administering ipecac syrup. Gastric emptying should be followed by giving activated charcoal. Cardio and respiratory support and other treatment procedures may follow to ensure recovery.
Consideration: Precautions, Side effects and Drug interactions.
Like any other drug, there are several things to consider before taking or prescribing Vicodin. One important consideration is the fact that because of the hydrocodone content of the drug, Vicodin has addictive properties.
The activities and nature of work of the patient should also be noted before prescribing Vicodin since it has depressant effects on the central nervous system which may impair thinking or reactions. Patients taking this medicine should exercise extra caution when driving or doing anything that requires them to be alert.
The patient’s medical condition is also a vital factor before prescribing this drug. Conditions wherein Vicodin may be contraindicated are the following (but are not limited to): allergy to acetaminophen and hydrocodone, respiratory disorders such as asthma and COPD, liver or kidney disease, hypotension, gastrointestinal disorder, alcoholic liver disease and hypothyroidism.
When a patient taking Vicodin caught colds or cough during the course of treatment, they are advised to inform their doctor before taking any colds or cough medicines since these substance can add to the drowsiness caused by the hydrocodone component. Better yet, it is not advisable to start using a new medication, whether over-the-counter or prescribed ones, without consulting a doctor first.
Like all other drugs, Vicodin does have side effects, the more serious ones (addiction, impairs thinking) already mentioned above. Other side effects a patient taking this drug may expect include fainting, light-headedness, seizure, problems with urination, slowing of the pulse, drowsiness, constipation and dry mouth.
Misuse and Abuse
Equally important is to inquire about the patient’s social history, particularly alcohol intake and drug addiction. The patient should also be on guard especially when living with people who had history of substance abuse. One should keep the medication in a secure place and keep track of how many tablets have been used from the bottle. As mentioned earlier, Vicodin has addictive properties. In fact in the United States, Vicodin is included under the Schedule III list of drugs. Those under this category are classified as “potentially causing moderate or low physical dependence or a high psychological dependence if abused" (Wikipedia). The patient should be aware if there is someone else is using this medicine without a prescription.
Medical practitioners should be keep an eye on patients with “drug seeking” behaviour. Drug seeking tactics include emergency visits near the end of clinic hours, refusing or reluctant to undergo examination and providing information regarding previous medical records. Proper patient assessment, dispensing and prescribing practices (record-keeping of prescribing information, quantity, frequency as well as renewal requests) are effective measures to limit abuse of this drug.
There had been several cases of Vicodin-related overdose reported. This is particularly alarming due to the drug’s acetaminophen content. One Vicodin tablet contains as much as 750 mg of acetaminophen while the body of an adult can tolerate a maximum amount of 1 gram (1,000 mg) per dose and 4 grams (4,000 mg) per day. To prevent an overdose from happening, one should be aware of the proper dosage that should be taken and follow it. Patients are advised seek prompt medical attention as soon as they realize that they took more than what they are allowed of this medicine. Some symptoms of Vicodin overdose to look out for are as follows: sweating, vomiting, dark urine, cold and clammy skin, fainting and shallow breathing.
Immediate treatment includes induced vomiting, which may be done mechanically or by administering ipecac syrup. Gastric emptying should be followed by giving activated charcoal. Cardio and respiratory support and other treatment procedures may follow to ensure recovery.
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