Vicodin Review – 8 Things To Consider

Vicodin from Abbot Laboratories comes in the form of Hydrocodone bitrartrate and acetaminophen tablets. The drug is designed to help relief moderate to severe pain.

Hydrocodone bitrartrate is an opioid analgesic, whereas Hydrocodone is a semi synthetic analgesic and antitussive with multiple actions on the nervous system and smooth muscles.The specific mechanisms of action for the drug’s active ingredients (Hydrocodone and Acetaminophen) are yet undetermined.

Side effects of narcotics (or opioids) include drowsiness, changes in mood and mental clouding. Toxic doses of Acetaminophen may cause circulatory failure and rapid, shallow breathing.

Abbot Laboratories is a global company specialized in manufacturing and marketing pharmaceutical and nutritional products as well as medical diagnostic instruments and tests, surgical devices, nutritional supplements for infants and products for veterinary care.

1) Quick Overview

Vicodin is a prescription drug which contains a combination of the active ingredients Acetaminophen and Hydrocodone.

Hydrocodone is part of a group of drugs called opioid pain relievers, also known as narcotics. Acetaminophen is a less potent pain reliever that increases the effects of Hydrocodone.Both active ingredients can cause serious harmful side effects. Some of the most common reported side effects are: hepatotoxixity, hypersensitivity, respiratory depression and increased intracranial pressure.

Overdose of Hydrocodone is characterized by respiratory depression, extreme somnolence progressing to stupor or coma, bradycardia and hypotension. Severe overdose may lead to death. Aceraminophen overdose can cause fatal hepatic necrosis, renal tubular necrosis, and hypoglycemic coma and coagulation defects.Vicodin is not recommended for people who have previously exhibited hypersensitivity to hydrocodone, acetaminophen or other opioids.

The manufacturer issues special warnings regarding the abuse of Vicodin, due to the fact that opioids usually cause addiction disorders.

2) What’s Inside Vicodin?

Vicodin includes the following ingredients: Hydrocodone bitrartrate and acetaminophen (active ingredients), colloidal silicon dioxide, starch, croscarmellose sodium, dibasic calcium phosphate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, povideone and stearic acid.

3) What Does Vicodin Do?

Vicodin offers a combination of Acetaminophen and Hydrocodone. It is classified as a narcotic and is stated to be a very powerful pain killer. Vicodin abuse has become a common phenomenon in our society, and this is a drug often sold on the black market. It is stated that this medication works by reducing the receptors from the brain to the nerves that indicate pain is present.

There are several different doses of Vicodin offered, and the doctor will give the patient the lowest possible dose. Vicodin may need to be taken several times per day to keep the pain away or only taken when pain occurs. It all depends on the treatment that is deemed necessary for a given situation. It is imperative to tell a doctor about any other forms of medication that are being used as they may not be as effective when taken with Vicodin.

Because Vicodin is highly addictive, it should only be used under the close supervision of a doctor. The person should only take that it was intended for. Anyone who has a history of drug or alcohol abuse isn’t a good candidate for Vicodin. Individuals with asthma, liver disease, low blood pressure, thyroid problems, or mental illness shouldn’t take Vicodin. It also isn’t recommended for women who are pregnant or nursing to use.

There are various Vicodin side effects including constipation which will occur if the user doesn’t drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water per day. Other side effects are dizziness, irritability, changes in eating habits, changes in sleeping patterns, nausea or vomiting, dark colored urine, anxiety, mood swings, headaches, blurred vision, ringing in the ears, and dry mouth.

4) Vicodin Benefits & Results

• Powerful, widely used pain killer
• Global, experienced manufacturer

5) Vicodin Warnings and Precautions

• The active ingredients have many dangerous side effects
• The product can cause addiction
• Overdose may be lethal
• Controversial drug (an issue in question is the withdrawal of the FDA approval due to the risk of liver injury caused by Acetaminophen)
• Mixed reviews from consumers

6) How Much Does Vicodin Cost?

Vicodin is a very expensive type of painkiller but one that most prescription coverage plans and health insurance programs pay for. There could be a co-pay or a deductible that applies. The cost may depend on the number of pills given as well as the dose of them. If the doctor feels you do need this type of pain medication but you can’t afford it let them know. They may be able to provide you with a prescription for a generic version that is less expensive or refer you to programs that help people in need get their medications.

7) Suggested Use

The usual adult dosage is 1-2 tablets every 4 to 6 hours. The total daily dosage should not exceed 8 tablets. Dosage should be adjusted according to the severity of the pain and the response of the patient.

8) Our Verdict on Vicodin

Vicodin is a powerful drug used for the relief of moderate to severe pain. It has two main active ingredients, both clinically researched.However, the exact mechanism of action is not known for either of those two ingredients.

Being a narcotic (due to the Hydrocodone in its composition) it can cause addiction and has a high potential of being misused. Like all narcotics, Vicodin may impair the physical or mental abilities and is not recommended for people when operating machinery or driving.

It is recommended to be used with caution in elderly or debilitating patients, those with severe impairment of hepatic or renal function, hypothyroidism, Addison’s disease, prostatic hypertrophy, urethral stricture, patients with pulmonary disease, when allergic to any of its ingredients or if signs of allergy occur.