Vicodin (Hydrocodone Bitartrate and Acetaminophen) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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May 21, 2012

Vicodin

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For what conditions are pain medications used?

Virtually any disease as well as most injuries and surgical procedures involve some degree of pain. It's not surprising, then, that pain medications, also known as analgesics, are among the most commonly used drugs in the U.S. Pain can range from minor, acute complaints, such as a muscle sprain, to chronic, severe pain, such as that sometimes experienced by cancer patients. Some drugs used for other conditions also are effective at relieving certain types of pain. These drugs include certain drugs used for depression, epilepsy, and anxiety.

What are the differences among the types of pain medications?

Pain medications can be broadly classified into two categories: prescription and nonprescription. In the latter category are several mild anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, naproxen), as well as acetaminophen. These are mainly meant for use with short-term, acute pain -- menstrual cramps,...

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Vicodin

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VICODIN®
(hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen) Tablets, USP 5 mg/500 mg

DRUG DESCRIPTION

Hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen is supplied in tablet form for oral administration.

Hydrocodone bitartrate is an opioid analgesic and antitussive and occurs as fine, white crystals or as a crystalline powder. It is affected by light. The chemical name is: 4,5α-epoxy-3-methoxy-17-methylmorphinan-6-one tartrate (1:1) hydrate (2:5). It has the following structural formula:

Hydrocodone bitartrate Structural Formula Illustration

C₁₈H₂₁NO₃•C₄H₆O₆•2½H₂O M.W. 494.50

Acetaminophen, 4'-hydroxyacetanilide, a slightly bitter, white, odorless, crystalline powder, is a non-opiate, non-salicylate analgesic and antipyretic. It has the following structural formula:

Acetaminophen Structural Formula Illustration

C₈H₉NO₂ M.W. 151.16

Each VICODIN (hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen) tablet contains:

Hydrocodone Bitartrate 5 mg
Acetaminophen 500 mg

In addition each tablet contains the following inactive ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, starch, croscarmellose sodium, dibasic calcium phosphate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, povidone, and stearic acid.

Meets USP Dissolution Test 2.

What are the possible side effects of acetaminophen and hydrocodone?

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;
feeling light-headed, fainting;
confusion, fear, unusual thoughts or behavior;
seizure (convulsions);
problems with urination; or
nausea, stomach pain, loss of appetite, itching, dark urine,...

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What are the precautions when taking hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen (Vicodin)?

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other narcotics (such as morphine, codeine); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: brain disorders (such as head injury, tumor, seizures), breathing problems (such as asthma, sleep apnea, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-COPD), kidney disease, liver disease, mental/mood disorders (such as confusion, depression), personal or family history of regular use/abuse of drugs/alcohol, stomach/intestinal problems (such as blockage, constipation, diarrhea...

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Last reviewed on RxList: 1/24/2011
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.