Vicodin
What is Vicodin?
Hydrocodone is in a group of drugs called narcotic pain relievers. Acetaminophen is a less potent pain reliever that increases the effects of hydrocodone. Vicodin is used to relieve moderate to severe pain. Vicodin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about Vicodin?
Tell your doctor if you drink more than three alcoholic beverages per day or if you have ever 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. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it. Vicodin 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. Tell your doctor if the medicine seems to stop working as well in relieving your pain.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Vicodin?
Do not use Vicodin if you are allergic to acetaminophen (Tylenol) or hydrocodone. 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. 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 or kidney disease;
- a history of head injury or brain tumor;
- low blood pressure;
- a stomach or intestinal disorder;
- underactive thyroid;
- Addison’s disease or other adrenal gland disorder;
- curvature of the spine;
- mental illness;
- a history of drug or alcohol addiction.
Tell your doctor if you drink more than three alcoholic beverages per day or if you have ever had alcoholic liver disease (cirrhosis). You may not be able to take medication that contains acetaminophen.
FDA pregnancy category C. Vicodin may be harmful to an unborn baby, and could cause breathing problems or addiction/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.
How should I take Vicodin?
Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take it in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Tell your doctor if the medicine seems to stop working as well in relieving your pain.
An overdose of acetaminophen can cause serious harm to your liver. The maximum amount of acetaminophen for adults is 1 gram (1000 mg) per dose and 4 grams (4000 mg) per day. One Vicodin tablet may contain up to 750 mg of acetaminophen. Know the amount of acetaminophen in the specific product you are taking. 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. You may have withdrawal symptoms when you stop using Vicodin after using it over a long period of time. Do not stop using this medication suddenly without first talking to your doctor. You may need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely.
This medication can cause you to have unusual results with certain urine tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using Vicodin.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.Store Vicodin at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
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.