Vicodin

Vicodin belongs to a class of drugs which are used for the relief of pain and it is similar to codeine. You can use the combination of Vicodin and acetaminophen for moderate to severe pain. You can also use the medication for some other purposes that are not listed above.

You should avoid taking the medication if you have allergic reactions to acetaminophen or Vicodin, or other narcotic pain relievers like fentanyl, hydromorphone, methadone, morphine, oxycodone, and oxymorphone. If you have decided to use the medication then tell your doctor if you have asthma, COPD, sleep apnea, or other breathing disorders, liver disease, kidney disease, underactive thyroid, 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 history of drug or alcohol addiction. In these conditions, you cannot take the medication or you have to carry out special tests during the treatment. The medication is not given to the person who has been addicted to drugs. The medication belongs to FDA category C which means that the medication is harmful to unborn baby and can cause addiction symptoms in newborn baby. If you are pregnant or planning to be pregnant then inform your doctor. The medication passes into the milk of nursing mother and may be harmful to nursing baby. If you are breast-feeding a baby, then inform your doctor. The medication is not recommended to anyone younger than 18 years old.



Take the medication as prescribed to you by your doctor and avoid taking the medication in larger amount. More use of the medication may damage your liver, because each tablet of Vicodin contains 750 mg of acetaminophen. Use more and more water to avoid constipation and take each dose with water. You can also take the medication with food or milk in order to avoid stomach upset. If you have liquid form of the medication then you should get a measuring spoon to take the correct dose. If you have to carry out any type of surgery then first tell your doctor that you are taking Vicodin.

If you miss a dose then take it as soon as you remember, and if the time is near to take the next scheduled dose then skip the missed dose and go back to your regular scheduled dose and don’t take double doses at the same time. If you suspect overdose then get emergency medical help. The symptoms of overdose include extreme drowsiness, muscle weakness, nausea, vomiting, sweating, confusion, cold, and clammy skin, shallow breathing, slow heart rate, fainting, or coma.

If you experience any of the signs of allergic reactions like hives, difficulty in breathing, or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat, then get emergency medical help. There are some serious side effects like shallow breathing, slow heartbeat, seizure, cold, clammy skin, confusion, severe weakness or dizziness, feeling light-headed, and fainting. In these conditions, you should stop the medication and contact with your doctor immediately. The less serious side effects which likely occur may include constipation, urinating less than usual, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, dizziness, headache, and itching.