Vicodin

Overview of Vicodin Drug

Vicodin is a generic medicine. It is a combination of two drugs namely acetaminophen and hydrocodone. Doctors prescribe to buy Vicodin online or at any nearby pharmacy to treat moderate to severe pain.

The combination of hydrocodone and acetaminophen is used for managing pain and also acetaminophen reduces fever. It doesn’t become addictive when a patient takes it for a long time.

Vicodin in 30 seconds

Functions of Vicodin Medicine:

Vicodin medicine works both as opioid and non-opioid pain relievers, which means opioid is hydrocodone and non-opioid is acetaminophen.

The hydrocodone drug is used to test how the patient’s brain will feel and react to the pain. Hydrocodone is also used to treat dry cough that is caused by the common cold, and doctors may prescribe hydrocodone for treating other conditions as well.

On the other hand, the acetaminophen drug works by reducing fever, and is mainly helpful for treating moderate to severe pain. The other common conditions that are treated by the acetaminophen drug are muscle aches, toothache, sore throat, cold, flu, arthritis, etc.

How strong is it?

• Is Vicodin stronger than Percocet?: No, slightly weaker per milligram. Percocet’s oxycodone is a bit more potent than hydrocodone. See Vicodin vs. Percocet and Vicodin vs. Oxycodone.
• Is Vicodin stronger than tramadol?: Yes, generally. Tramadol is a weaker opioid with different risks. See Vicodin vs. Tramadol.
• How fast does it work and how long does it last?: It usually starts working in 30–60 minutes and lasts 4–6 hours. See How Long Does It Take for Vicodin to Kick In?

Uses of Vicodin Drug: 

Mainly, this medicine is used to treat severe pain. when no other painkillers are effectively not working, then healthcare professionals commonly suggest this pain relief drug to their patients.

This prescription drug is used to treat individuals who are experiencing severe pains caused by surgery or accident.

The drug is also effective in getting relief from back pain or other chronic pains.

Dosages of Vicodin Tablet:

It is available in the form of oral tablets and oral solutions and comes in the strength of –

• 2.5 mg / 325 mg
• 5 mg / 300 mg, 325 mg
• 7.5 mg / 300 mg, 325 mg
• 10 mg / 300 mg, 325 mg

And, the available dosage strengths of Vicodin oral solution are shown below: 

• 7.5 mg / 325 mg (15 ml)
• 10 mg / 300 mg, 325 mg (15 ml)

For adults, the Vicodin recommended dose is one or two tablets every 4 or 6 hours. And, the higher dose of this drug is 1 tablet which is also taken every 4 to 6 hours.

How is it taken?

• How many can I take in a day?: It depends on the strength. For generic hydrocodone/acetaminophen 5/325: 1–2 tablets every 4–6 hours, up to 8 a day. For 7.5/325 and 10/325: 1 tablet every 4–6 hours, up to 6 a day. Full details are on the Norco page.
• Can I take Tylenol with it?: Usually not. You’d be doubling the acetaminophen. Check every other medicine’s label for “acetaminophen” or “APAP.”
• What if a dose isn’t working?: Don’t take an extra tablet. Call your prescriber. Taking more than prescribed is one of the most common routes to overdose and liver damage.
• Is it for long-term back pain?: Generally no. Opioids aren’t recommended as long-term treatment for chronic back pain; non-drug approaches and non-opioid medicines come first. See Natural Alternatives to Hydrocodone.

Side Effects of Vicodin Medicines:

The side effects of Vicodin are as follows:

• Anxiety 
• Dizziness 
• Stomach problem 
• Headache
• Mood changes 
• Dryness in mouth 
• Urine infection
• Blurred vision 
• Nausea 
• Vomiting 
• Weakness 
• Liver problem 
• Constipation 
• Light-headedness
• Allergic reactions 
• Seizure 

Precautions:

• Before using Vicodin medicine, first consult with a doctor. 
• Tell the health professionals about health conditions.
• It is advised not to take Vicodin drug to those, who have asthma or problems with the lungs or heart. 
• Don’t take more than the recommended dose of Vicodin drug prescribed by the doctor or health care professional because it may cause serious side effects.
• To get better results, properly follow all the instructions given by the doctor or health care provider.