Re: Vicodin (was anti-inflammatories and pain relief)

[Guest guest]

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I found a website that explaines vicodin. =-)

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Vicodin -Lortab-Lorcet

(Hydrocodone Bitartrate and Acetaminophen)

Patient & Family Version

Kruetzer RN & Jo Eland PhD RN

Every attempt has been made to insure the accuracy of this material, however,

medical science is constantly changing. If the information on this page

differs from what you have been told by a nurse, pharmacist or physician,

consult the person who told you differently or the manufacturer.

Vicodin is a prescription drug. It is a combination of Hydrocodone

Bitartrate, a narcotic, and acetaminophen (Tylenol ).

Usual adult dose: Vicodin 5mg/500mg tablet 1 or 2 every 4-6 hours, not to

exceed 8 in 24 hours. Vicodin ES 7.5mg/750mg tablet 1 every 4-6 hours, not to

exceed 5 in 24 hours. With other brand names, the dosage may vary. Vicodin is

prescribed for children and is based on a weight per dose calculation.

Use: Short term treatment to relieve moderate to severe pain. Vicodin is

effective as a cough suppressant.

Warning: Vicodin can be habit forming. If you take this drug over a long

period of time, you can become mentally and physically dependant on it and

you may find that the drug no longer works for you at the prescribed dosage.

How does it work? Vicodin alters pain messages in your spinal cord and brain.

The Tylenol works at the pain site by changing the production of the

chemicals which cause pain.

Route: By mouth only.

When it starts to work: approximately 30 minutes

When I’ll feel the best from a single dose: approximately 1 hour

How long will it work? 4-6 hours

Why can’t I take more pills than it says on the label? Too much Vicodin will

slow your breathing down. Too much Tylenol can cause liver damage.

When I will know for sure if it will work for me? If after 20-30 hours of

taking your medicine every 4-6 hours ( 5 doses), your pain is not better,

call your doctor. Do NOT take a large number of doses at once trying to get

more into your body. This will cause problems with too much drug in your

system and will make you very ill and might kill you.

Do not take: If you have ever had a serious reaction to Vicodin or Tylenol.

Precautions: Do not take Vicodin and drink alcohol. Alcohol may increase the

drowsiness caused by this drug. Do not drive a car, operate machinery or

perform any other dangerous activities until you know how this drug affects

you. Use caution taking Vicodin if you have a head injury, liver or kidney

disorder, underactive thyroid gland, ’s disease (a disease of the

adrenal glands), an enlarged prostate or urethral stricture (narrowing of the

tube carrying urine from the bladder). The hydrocodone in the Vicodin

suppresses the cough reflex; therefore, be careful in using Vicodin after an

operation or if you have a lung disease. Tell your doctor about any other

drugs you are taking including nonprescription drugs. Do not take sleeping

pills, tranquilizers, sedatives, antidepressants, carbamazepine or other pain

relievers. It is important to check with your doctor if you are taking any of

the following: Valium, Librium, Elavil, Nardil, Tofranil, Tavist, Cogentin,

Thorazine, Haldol, Demerol, Halcion, Restoril. If you are pregnant or breast

feeding, inform your doctor before taking this medication. Do not allow

anyone else to take this medication. Before taking over the counter pain

relievers, or cold, cough or allergy products, read their labels to be sure

that they do not contain acetaminophen (Tylenol). Do not take Tylenol with

this medication.

More common side effects: Vicodin may cause drowsiness, lightheadedness,

dizziness, nausea or constipation. If these systems persist or become

bothersome, inform your doctor.

Less common side effects may include: allergic reaction, anxiety, blood

disorders, decreased mental and physical ability, difficulty urinating,

mental clouding, mood changes, restlessness, skin rash, sluggishness and

troubled, irregular or slowed breathing. Notify your doctor if you develop

breathing difficulties, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, anxiety or

tremors. Long term use of narcotic analgesics can lead to addiction. Do not

take this longer than prescribed. Follow your doctor’s orders.

How to take this medication: To prevent upset stomach, take with food or

milk. Pain medication works best in preventing pain before it hurts. Once the

pain becomes intense, the medication is not as effective in relieving it.

Take this prescription as prescribed. Do not increase your dose or take it

more frequently without your doctor’s approval.-

Missed Dosage: Do not double the dose if missed but take it as soon as

remembered. If it is almost time for the next dose, resume regular dosing

schedule.

Overdose: A severe overdose of Vicodin can be fatal. If you suspect an

overdose, seek emergency treatment immediately. Symptoms of a Vicodin

overdose include: bluish tinge to skin, cold clammy skin, extreme sleepiness,

heavy perspiration, limp muscles, nausea, vomiting, slowed heartbeat or

slowed breathing.

Notes: To prevent constipation, increase your intake of fiber and drink

plenty of water.

Storage: Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture.

References

Arky, R., Medical Consultant, 1997 Physician’s Desk Reference, Medical

Economics Company, Montevale, N.J., 1404-1405.

Drug Facts and Comparisons 1998 edition, Facts and Comparisons, St Louis,

244a-d and 849.

PDR Family Guide to Prescription Drugs, Online. Healthsquare, New Media

Systems, LLC. 24 June, 1-6.

[Guest guest]

I found a website that explains vicodin. =-)

Would you please send me the link too. I thank you.

Take care,

Irene

Books may well be the only true magic

Alice Hoffman