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

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February 7, 2012

Vicodin

Dental Medications »

Introduction to dental medications

There are several types of medications that are used to manage a variety of diseases involving the oral cavity (mouth) that are part of good dental care. The medications discussed in this article have pharmacological properties that are used to treat conditions such as pain, anxiety, and infections, amongst others.

It is important to always communicate all dental signs and symptoms to your dentist, so that appropriate management and choice of medications can be made.

Medications used to control pain and anxiety

One of the most commonly reported dental complications involves various levels of pain. Due to this fact, pain management is an important goal for all dentists and patients.

Analgesics

Non-narcotic analgesics are the most commonly used drugs for relief of toothache or pain following dental treatment as well as fever. The commonly-used med...

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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...

Read All Potential Precautions of Vicodin »

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