What is Vicodin?
Acetaminophen and hydrocodone are both present in Vicodin. A common opioid painkiller is hydrocodone. A narcotic is another name for an opioid. Hydrocodone's effects are enhanced with acetaminophen, a less effective painkiller.
Tablets of Vicodin are used to treat mild to moderately severe pain.
Other uses for Vicodin that aren't covered in this pharmaceutical guide are possible.
Warnings
Breathing can be slowed or stopped by hydrocodone. Never take this medication in bigger or longer amounts than recommended. Even in low doses, narcotic painkillers have the potential to develop a dependence. Never give Vicodin to someone else, particularly if they have a history of drug abuse or addiction. The drug should be kept out of the reach of others.
If you have taken an MAO inhibitor during the previous 14 days, such as phenelzine, isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, rasagiline, selegiline, or tranylcypromine, you should avoid using Vicodin.
Vicodin shouldn't be taken in excess of what is advised. Acetaminophen overdoses might harm your liver or result in death. If you have nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored feces, or jaundice, call your doctor right once (yellowing of your skin or eyes)
If you have skin redness or a rash that spreads and results in blistering and peeling, stop taking Vicodin and contact your doctor right once.
Earlier than using this medication
If you have recently used alcohol, sedatives, tranquilizers, or other narcotic medications, or if you are allergic to acetaminophen (Tylenol) or hydrocodone, you should avoid using Vicodin.
If you have used an MAO inhibitor within the last 14 days, avoid using this medication. There may be a harmful medication interaction. Isocarboxazid, linezolid, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, and tranylcypromine are examples of MAO inhibitors.
A dangerous disease known as serotonin syndrome can be brought on by certain medications and hydrocodone interaction. If you also take medication for Parkinson's disease, depression, mental illness, migraines, severe infections, or to avoid nausea and vomiting, let your doctor know. Before changing the way or time you take your drugs, consult your doctor.
Vicodin shouldn't be taken if you have:
severe respiratory difficulties or asthma; or
An obstruction in your intestines or stomach.
Inform your doctor of any of the following to ensure Vicodin is safe for you:
Respiratory issues, sleep apnea (when breathing is interrupted while sleeping);
liver illness
A dependency on drugs or alcohol;
Renal illness;
A concussion or convulsions;
Issues with urinating; or
Issues with your pancreas, gallbladder, or thyroid.
People who are elderly, seriously ill, underweight, or otherwise disabled are especially susceptible to breathing issues caused by Vicodin.
Your unborn child may develop a drug dependence if you take narcotic medications while you are expecting. After birth, the newborn may have withdrawal symptoms that are potentially fatal. Babies who are born with drug addiction may require several weeks of medical care. If you are pregnant or want to become pregnant, let your doctor know.
How should Vicodin be taken?
Vicodin should only be taken as directed. Observe every instruction on the prescription drug label. Never take this medication in greater or longer doses than recommended. An overdose may result in liver damage or even death. If the medication seems to stop treating your pain as well, let your doctor know.
Even at normal doses, hydrocodone has the potential to become addictive. Never give Vicodin to someone else, particularly if they have a history of drug abuse or addiction. Misuse of narcotic medications has the potential to result in addiction, overdose, or death, particularly in children and other people who use the drugs without a doctor's prescription. Vicodin cannot be sold or given away without a prescription.
Inform your doctor in advance if you need surgery or any type of diagnostic procedure. You might need to briefly cease taking the medication.
If I take too much, what happens?
Get immediate medical help or dial 1-800-222-1222 for poison help. An overdose of hydrocodone can be lethal, particularly in a youngster or someone else abusing the drug without a prescription. Severe sleepiness, pin-point pupils, delayed respiration, or no breathing are all possible overdose signs.
Your doctor might advise you to get naloxone, a drug that can reverse an opioid overdose, and keep it on hand at all times. If you stop breathing or don't wake up, someone who is taking care of you can administer the naloxone. While waiting for aid to arrive, your caretaker may need to revive you with cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Your caregiver must still seek emergency medical attention.
Side effects of Vicodin
Your breathing may slow down or stop if you take opioid medication, and you could die. If you have sluggish, paused breathing, bluish lips, or are difficult to wake up, someone caring for you should provide naloxone and/or call for emergency medical help.
Rarely, acetaminophen may result in a deadly severe skin response. This could happen even if you've used acetaminophen in the past without experiencing any negative effects. If you have skin redness or a rash that spreads and results in blistering and peeling, stop taking Vicodin and contact your doctor right once. Never again should you take any medication that contains acetaminophen if you experience this kind of reaction.