Before using Vicodin :
Some medical conditions may interact with Vicodin . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
if you are allergic to codeine or a hydrocodone-related medicine (eg, codeine, dihydrocodeine, oxycodone)
if you have or have ever had alcoholism, substance abuse, narcotic dependence, or if you consume more than 3 alcoholic drinks per day
if you have considered or attempted suicide
if you have acute head injury, increased pressure in the head, brain injury or tumor, epilepsy, or seizures (convulsions)
if you are having an asthma attack
if you have an acute stomach or intestinal problem, chronic inflammation and ulceration of the bowel, or recent abdominal surgery; adrenal gland problems; enlargement of the prostate gland; heart failure or lung disease, including shortness of breath; liver or kidney problems; thyroid disease; urinary blockage; or viral hepatitis
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Vicodin . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
Barbiturate anesthetics (eg, thiopental), cimetidine, monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors (eg, phenelzine), tricyclic antidepressants (eg, amitriptyline), or sodium oxybate (GHB) because serious side effects, such as increased sleepiness and decreased ability to breathe, may occur
Naltrexone because it may decrease Vicodin 's effectiveness and withdrawal symptoms may occur in patients who have become physically dependent on opioids
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Vicodin may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
Showing posts with label vicodin. Show all posts
Showing posts with label vicodin. Show all posts
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Do not use Vicodin if...
Do NOT use Vicodin if:
you are allergic to any ingredient in Vicodin or any other codeine- or morphine-related medicine (eg, codeine, oxycodone)
you have diarrhea associated with poisoning, antibiotic use, or a bacterial infection (from eating or drinking contaminated food or water)
you are taking sodium oxybate (GHB)
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
you are allergic to any ingredient in Vicodin or any other codeine- or morphine-related medicine (eg, codeine, oxycodone)
you have diarrhea associated with poisoning, antibiotic use, or a bacterial infection (from eating or drinking contaminated food or water)
you are taking sodium oxybate (GHB)
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Vicodin is used for...
Vicodin is used for:
Treatment of moderate to moderately severe pain. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Vicodin is an analgesic combination. Acetaminophen works by lowering a chemical in the brain that stimulates pain nerves. Hydrocodone, an opioid (narcotic) analgesic, works by binding to receptors in the brain and nervous system used by the body's natural "pain relievers." The combination may provide better pain relief than either medicine alone.
Treatment of moderate to moderately severe pain. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Vicodin is an analgesic combination. Acetaminophen works by lowering a chemical in the brain that stimulates pain nerves. Hydrocodone, an opioid (narcotic) analgesic, works by binding to receptors in the brain and nervous system used by the body's natural "pain relievers." The combination may provide better pain relief than either medicine alone.
Overdosage
Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. A severe overdose of Vicodin can be fatal. If you suspect an 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, hearing impairment, heart problems, heavy perspiration, kidney problems, limp muscles, liver failure, low blood pressure, nausea, slow heartbeat, troubled or slowed breathing, vomiting
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, hearing impairment, heart problems, heavy perspiration, kidney problems, limp muscles, liver failure, low blood pressure, nausea, slow heartbeat, troubled or slowed breathing, vomiting
Recommended dosage
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.
CHILDREN
The safety and effectiveness of Vicodin have not been established in children.
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.
CHILDREN
The safety and effectiveness of Vicodin have not been established in children.
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
The effects of Vicodin in pregnancy have not been adequately studied. Do not take Vicodin if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant unless you are directed to do so by your doctor. Drug dependence occurs in newborns when the mother has taken Vicodin regularly prior to delivery. If you take it shortly before delivery, the baby's breathing may be slowed. Acetaminophen does, and hydrocodone may, appear in breast milk and could affect a nursing infant. If Vicodin is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding your baby until your treatment is finished.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Vicodin
Hydrocodone slows the nervous system. Alcohol can intensify this effect.
If hydrocodone 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
If hydrocodone 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
Special warnings about Vicodin
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 Vicodin 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 Vicodin, since it contains a narcotic.
Narcotics such as Vicodin may interfere with the diagnosis and treatment of people with abdominal conditions.
Hydrocodone suppresses the cough reflex; therefore, be careful using Vicodin after an operation or if you have a lung disease.
High doses of hydrocodone may produce slowed breathing; if you are sensitive to Vicodin, you are more likely to experience this effect.
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 Vicodin, since it contains a narcotic.
Narcotics such as Vicodin may interfere with the diagnosis and treatment of people with abdominal conditions.
Hydrocodone suppresses the cough reflex; therefore, be careful using Vicodin after an operation or if you have a lung disease.
High doses of hydrocodone may produce slowed breathing; if you are sensitive to Vicodin, you are more likely to experience this effect.
Why should Vicodin not be prescribed?
If you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to hydrocodone, similar narcotic painkillers, or acetaminophen (Tylenol), you should not take Vicodin. Make sure your doctor is aware of any drug reactions you have experienced.
What side effects may occur?
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.
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.
How should you take Vicodin?
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.
--If you miss a 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 at once.
--Storage instructions...
Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container, away from light.
Do not give Vicodin to others who may have similar symptoms.
--If you miss a 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 at once.
--Storage instructions...
Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container, away from light.
Most important fact about Vicodin
Vicodin can be habit-forming. If you take Vicodin over a long period of time, you can become mentally and physically dependent on it, and you may find the drug no longer works for you at the prescribed dosage.
Why is Vicodin prescribed?
Vicodin combines a narcotic analgesic (painkiller) and cough reliever with a non-narcotic analgesic for the relief of moderate to moderately severe pain.
Vicodin
Generic Name: acetaminophen and hydrocodone (a see ta MIN oh fen and hye droe KOE doan)
Brand Names: Anexsia, Anolor DH5, Bancap HC, Dolacet, Lorcet 10/650, Lortab, Norco, T-Gesic, Vicodin, Zydone,
What is the most important information I should know about Vicodin?
Do not take Vicodin with alcohol, other narcotic pain medications, sedatives, tranquilizers, muscle relaxers, or other medicines that can make you sleepy or slow your breathing. Dangerous side effects may result.
Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you drink more than three alcoholic beverages per day or if you have had alcoholic liver disease (cirrhosis). You may not be able to take medication that contains acetaminophen.
Hydrocodone may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Vicodin should never be given to another person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it.
Keep track of how many tablets have been used from each new bottle of this medicine. Hydrocodone is a drug of abuse and you should be aware if any person in the household is using this medicine improperly or without a prescription.
This medication can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.
Never take more Vicodin than is prescribed. Tell your doctor if the medicine seems to stop working as well in relieving your pain.
You may have withdrawal symptoms when you stop using this medication after using it over a long period of time. Do not stop using Vicodin suddenly without first talking to your doctor. You may need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely.
What is Vicodin?
Hydrocodone is in a group of drugs called narcotic pain relievers. It is similar to codeine.
Acetaminophen is a less potent pain reliever that increases the effects of hydrocodone.
The combination of acetaminophen and hydrocodone is used to relieve moderate to severe pain.
Vicodin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Vicodin?
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to acetaminophen or hydrocodone, or other narcotic pain relievers such as fentanyl (Actiq, Duragesic), hydromorphone (Dilaudid, Palladone), methadone (Methadose, Dolophine), morphine (Kadian, MS Contin, Oramorph, and others), oxycodone (Oxycontin), and oxymorphone (Opana).
Before using Vicodin, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:
asthma, COPD, sleep apnea, or other breathing disorders;
liver disease;
kidney disease;
underactive thyroid;
a history of head injury or brain tumor;
epilepsy or other seizure disorder;
low blood pressure;
gallbladder disease;
Addison's disease or other adrenal gland disorders;
enlarged prostate, urination problems;
mental illness; or
a history of drug or alcohol addiction.
If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use Vicodin, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.
Hydrocodone may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Vicodin should never be given to another person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it.
Keep track of how many tablets have been used from each new bottle of this medicine. Hydrocodone is a drug of abuse and you should be aware if any person in the household is using this medicine improperly or without a prescription.
FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby, and could cause addiction or withdrawal symptoms in a newborn. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Vicodin can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Do not give this medicine to anyone younger than 18 years old. Older adults may be more sensitive to the effects of this medicine.
How should I take Vicodin?
Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
An overdose of acetaminophen can cause serious harm. The maximum amount of acetaminophen for adults is 1 gram (1000 mg) per dose and 4 grams (4000 mg) per day. Taking more acetaminophen could cause damage to your liver. One Vicodin tablet may contain up to 750 mg of acetaminophen. Know the amount of acetaminophen in the specific product you are taking.
If your medicine contains 650 mg of acetaminophen or more per tablet, take no more than 5 tablets in 24 hours. If your medicine contains 500 mg or less of acetaminophen, take no more than 8 tablets in 24 hours. Tell your doctor if the medicine seems to stop working as well in relieving your pain.
Take this medicine with a full glass of water. You may take the medication with food or milk if it causes stomach upset.
Measure the liquid form of this medication with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.
Drink 6 to 8 full glasses of water daily to help prevent constipation while you are taking Vicodin. Ask your doctor about ways to increase the fiber in your diet. Do not use a stool softener (laxative) without first asking your doctor.
If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using Vicodin. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.
You may have withdrawal symptoms when you stop using this medication after using it over a long period of time. Do not stop taking Vicodin suddenly without first talking to your doctor. You may need to take less and less before you stop the medication completely. Store Vicodin at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Since Vicodin is sometimes used as needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are taking the medication regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and wait until your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. An overdose of Vicodin can be fatal. Symptoms of an overdose may include extreme drowsiness, muscle weakness, nausea, vomiting, sweating, confusion, cold and clammy skin, shallow breathing, slow heart rate, fainting, or coma.
What should I avoid while taking Vicodin?
Do not use any other over-the-counter cough, cold, allergy, or pain medication without first asking your doctor or pharmacist. Acetaminophen is contained in many cold and pain medicines available over the counter. If you take certain products together you may accidentally take too much acetaminophen. Read the label of any other medicine you are using to see if it contains acetaminophen. Do not drink alcohol while you are taking Vicodin. Dangerous side effects or death can occur when alcohol is combined with hydrocodone. Check the label of any other medicines you take to be sure they do not contain alcohol.
Avoid using other medicines that make you sleepy (such as cold medicine, pain medication, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression or anxiety). They can add to sleepiness caused by hydrocodone, which could result in extreme drowsiness or coma.
What are the possible side effects of Vicodin?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
shallow breathing, slow heartbeat;
seizure (convulsions);
cold, clammy skin;
confusion;
severe weakness or dizziness; or
feeling light-headed, fainting.
Less serious side effects are more likely to occur, such as:
constipation;
urinating less than usual;
nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite;
dizziness, headache; or
itching.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect Vicodin?
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:
an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate); or
antidepressants such as amitriptyline (Elavil, Etrafon), amoxapine (Ascendin), clomipramine (Anafranil), desipramine (Norpramin), imipramine (Janimine, Tofranil), nortriptyline (Pamelor), protriptyline (Vivactil), or trimipramine (Surmontil).
If you are using any of these drugs, you may not be able to use Vicodin, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.
There may be other drugs not listed that can affect Vicodin. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.
Where can I get more information?
Your pharmacist has information about Vicodin written for health professionals that you may read.
What does my medication look like?
Acetaminophen and hydrocodone is available with a prescription under many brand names such as Vicodin, Lortab, Lorcet, Zydone, Hydrocet, and Co-Gesic. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
Brand Names: Anexsia, Anolor DH5, Bancap HC, Dolacet, Lorcet 10/650, Lortab, Norco, T-Gesic, Vicodin, Zydone,
What is the most important information I should know about Vicodin?
Do not take Vicodin with alcohol, other narcotic pain medications, sedatives, tranquilizers, muscle relaxers, or other medicines that can make you sleepy or slow your breathing. Dangerous side effects may result.
Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you drink more than three alcoholic beverages per day or if you have had alcoholic liver disease (cirrhosis). You may not be able to take medication that contains acetaminophen.
Hydrocodone may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Vicodin should never be given to another person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it.
Keep track of how many tablets have been used from each new bottle of this medicine. Hydrocodone is a drug of abuse and you should be aware if any person in the household is using this medicine improperly or without a prescription.
This medication can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.
Never take more Vicodin than is prescribed. Tell your doctor if the medicine seems to stop working as well in relieving your pain.
You may have withdrawal symptoms when you stop using this medication after using it over a long period of time. Do not stop using Vicodin suddenly without first talking to your doctor. You may need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely.
What is Vicodin?
Hydrocodone is in a group of drugs called narcotic pain relievers. It is similar to codeine.
Acetaminophen is a less potent pain reliever that increases the effects of hydrocodone.
The combination of acetaminophen and hydrocodone is used to relieve moderate to severe pain.
Vicodin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Vicodin?
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to acetaminophen or hydrocodone, or other narcotic pain relievers such as fentanyl (Actiq, Duragesic), hydromorphone (Dilaudid, Palladone), methadone (Methadose, Dolophine), morphine (Kadian, MS Contin, Oramorph, and others), oxycodone (Oxycontin), and oxymorphone (Opana).
Before using Vicodin, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:
asthma, COPD, sleep apnea, or other breathing disorders;
liver disease;
kidney disease;
underactive thyroid;
a history of head injury or brain tumor;
epilepsy or other seizure disorder;
low blood pressure;
gallbladder disease;
Addison's disease or other adrenal gland disorders;
enlarged prostate, urination problems;
mental illness; or
a history of drug or alcohol addiction.
If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use Vicodin, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.
Hydrocodone may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Vicodin should never be given to another person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it.
Keep track of how many tablets have been used from each new bottle of this medicine. Hydrocodone is a drug of abuse and you should be aware if any person in the household is using this medicine improperly or without a prescription.
FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby, and could cause addiction or withdrawal symptoms in a newborn. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Vicodin can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Do not give this medicine to anyone younger than 18 years old. Older adults may be more sensitive to the effects of this medicine.
How should I take Vicodin?
Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
An overdose of acetaminophen can cause serious harm. The maximum amount of acetaminophen for adults is 1 gram (1000 mg) per dose and 4 grams (4000 mg) per day. Taking more acetaminophen could cause damage to your liver. One Vicodin tablet may contain up to 750 mg of acetaminophen. Know the amount of acetaminophen in the specific product you are taking.
If your medicine contains 650 mg of acetaminophen or more per tablet, take no more than 5 tablets in 24 hours. If your medicine contains 500 mg or less of acetaminophen, take no more than 8 tablets in 24 hours. Tell your doctor if the medicine seems to stop working as well in relieving your pain.
Take this medicine with a full glass of water. You may take the medication with food or milk if it causes stomach upset.
Measure the liquid form of this medication with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.
Drink 6 to 8 full glasses of water daily to help prevent constipation while you are taking Vicodin. Ask your doctor about ways to increase the fiber in your diet. Do not use a stool softener (laxative) without first asking your doctor.
If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using Vicodin. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.
You may have withdrawal symptoms when you stop using this medication after using it over a long period of time. Do not stop taking Vicodin suddenly without first talking to your doctor. You may need to take less and less before you stop the medication completely. Store Vicodin at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Since Vicodin is sometimes used as needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are taking the medication regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and wait until your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. An overdose of Vicodin can be fatal. Symptoms of an overdose may include extreme drowsiness, muscle weakness, nausea, vomiting, sweating, confusion, cold and clammy skin, shallow breathing, slow heart rate, fainting, or coma.
What should I avoid while taking Vicodin?
Do not use any other over-the-counter cough, cold, allergy, or pain medication without first asking your doctor or pharmacist. Acetaminophen is contained in many cold and pain medicines available over the counter. If you take certain products together you may accidentally take too much acetaminophen. Read the label of any other medicine you are using to see if it contains acetaminophen. Do not drink alcohol while you are taking Vicodin. Dangerous side effects or death can occur when alcohol is combined with hydrocodone. Check the label of any other medicines you take to be sure they do not contain alcohol.
Avoid using other medicines that make you sleepy (such as cold medicine, pain medication, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression or anxiety). They can add to sleepiness caused by hydrocodone, which could result in extreme drowsiness or coma.
What are the possible side effects of Vicodin?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
shallow breathing, slow heartbeat;
seizure (convulsions);
cold, clammy skin;
confusion;
severe weakness or dizziness; or
feeling light-headed, fainting.
Less serious side effects are more likely to occur, such as:
constipation;
urinating less than usual;
nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite;
dizziness, headache; or
itching.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect Vicodin?
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:
an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate); or
antidepressants such as amitriptyline (Elavil, Etrafon), amoxapine (Ascendin), clomipramine (Anafranil), desipramine (Norpramin), imipramine (Janimine, Tofranil), nortriptyline (Pamelor), protriptyline (Vivactil), or trimipramine (Surmontil).
If you are using any of these drugs, you may not be able to use Vicodin, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.
There may be other drugs not listed that can affect Vicodin. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.
Where can I get more information?
Your pharmacist has information about Vicodin written for health professionals that you may read.
What does my medication look like?
Acetaminophen and hydrocodone is available with a prescription under many brand names such as Vicodin, Lortab, Lorcet, Zydone, Hydrocet, and Co-Gesic. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
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