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

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February 7, 2012

Vicodin ES

Pain Management »

Introduction to pain management

Pain management can be simple or complex, depending on the cause of the pain. An example of pain that is typically less complex would be nerve root irritation from a herniated disc with pain radiating down the leg. This condition can often be alleviated with an epidural steroid injection and physical therapy. Sometimes, however, the pain does not go away. This can require a wide variety of skills and techniques to treat the pain. These skills and techniques include:

Interventional procedures
Medication management
Physical therapy or chiropractic therapy
Psychological counseling and support
Acupuncture and other alternative therapies; and
Referral to other medical specialists

All of these skills and services are necessary because pain can involve many aspects of a person's daily life.

How is pain tre...

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Vicodin ES

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Vicodin ES®
(hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen) Tablets, USP
7.5 mg/750 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:

Vicodin ES (hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen)

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:

C₈H₉NO₂ M.W. 151.16

Each VICODIN ES (hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen) Tablet contains:
Hydrocodone Bitartrate 7.5 mg
Acetaminophen 750 mg

In addition each tablet contains the following inactive ingredients: Colloidal silicon dioxide, pregelatinized starch, magnesium stearate, croscarmellose sodium, 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,...

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Vicodin ES »

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

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 ES »

Last reviewed on RxList: 3/14/2007
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.