Vicodin

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Contents 1 Pharmacology 2 Origins 3 Street Names 4 Typical Use 5 Effects 6 Harm 7 Prevention Strategies 8 Consumption Measures 9 Addiction Screening Measures 10 References

Pharmacology

Vicodin is a common painkiller prescribed by doctors to treat acute to moderate pain. A dose of Vicodin can be combination of 5mg of Hydrocodone Bitartrate and 500 mg of Acetaminophen. ¹ The combination of these two drugs into Vicodin is regularly taken in tablet form, however it is also available in liquid form. ⁴ Vicodin is an effective pain reliever because it attaches itself to the opioid receptors located in the brain and the spinal cord thus allowing the body to block out the pain felt by the injured patient. ⁴ When compared with other painkillers such as Tramadol, Vicodin has proven to dull pain longer with fewer side effects, which is why it is such a commonly prescribed painkiller. ² “Use of tramadol produced higher rates of adverse events than codeine and hydrocodone: vomiting, dizziness, loss of appetite, and weakness.” ⁶

Activities that require fast reactions, heavy concentration or awareness should be avoided while taking Vicodin. For example, driving a car should be avoided if possible because of the reduced reaction time caused by the effects of the Vicodin. ⁴ Exceeding 8 tablets in one day can lead to several serious side effects. Side effects include nausea, dizziness, euphoria, drowsiness, laziness and constipation. ⁴ To avoid the symptom of constipation, the patient should have a healthy eating habit including fiber and plenty of water and should exercise regularly. ⁴

Elderly people should use the drug with caution because they are more sensitive to the effects such as drowsiness and decreased breathing. ⁴ Vicodin should not be taken by women who are pregnant unless the doctor decides it is absolutely necessary. It has also been shown that Vicodin passes through breast milk, which can then harm the infant. ⁴ Although allergic reactions are rare with Vicodin, symptoms of this reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness and trouble breathing. ⁴

Other medication containing Acetaminophen taken with Vicodin can lead to an overdose and may cause severe respiratory problems. ⁴ “Symptoms of overdose may include: vomiting, slow breathing, slow heartbeat, cold/clammy skin, unusual sweating, loss of consciousness, severe nausea, yellowing eyes or skin, dark urine, extreme fatigue, stomach pain.” ⁴ Also, combining the medication with excessive amounts of alcohol may lead to liver damage or failure. ⁴ The largest problem concerning Vicodin is its habit-forming tendency’s. “Vicodin remains the most commonly bused medication among high school seniors, with 10% reporting nonmedical use of the drug in the past year. (3) The euphoric feeling caused by Vicodin is highly addictive and can lead to a physical and mental dependency on the drug if taken in large quantities or for a long period of time. ⁴

With the popularity of Vicodin increasing amongst high school teens as well as drug addicts, Vicodin sales have risen dramatically. “According to a study at Princeton in June of 2007, Hydrocodone Bitartrate and Acetaminophen had a total market sale of $390.6 million for the year”. ¹ “The non-medical use of prescription opioids is of growing concern among federal agencies in the United States with an estimated 4.7 million people engaging in this behavior in 2003.” ⁵

Vicodin may be taken with or without food, depending on if the subject is experiencing nausea. If the patient is experiencing this side effect then the medication should be taken with food. ⁴ Vicodin should be kept at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees and should be kept away from moisture. ⁴

Origins

Street Names

Typical Use

Effects

Harm

Prevention Strategies

Consumption Measures

Addiction Screening Measures

References

1. "Bioengineering; Ranbaxy Receives Approval to Manufacture and Market Hydrocodone Bitartrate and Acetaminophen Tablets USP. " Medical Letter on the CDC & FDA 9 Sep. 2007: 17. Health Module. Accessed 24 Jan. 2008

2. Sadovsky, Richard. “Efficacy of tramadol vs. Hydrocodone-Acetaminophen.” American Family Physician. (December 1998): 2148 accessed 24 Jan. 2008

3. Kuehn, Bridget M. "Vaccine Recall." JAMA 299(January 2008): 399. Accessed 4 Mar. 2008

4. Chronic Pain Connection. (2004). Vicodin Drug Information and Side Effects on HealthSquare.com. Accessed January 24, 2008, from http://www.healthcentral.com/chronic-pain/find-drug-25443-25.html

5. Tetrault J. M., Desai R. A., Becker W. C., Fiellin D. A., Concato J., and Sullivan L. E. Gender and the non-medical use of prescription opioids: results from a national US survey. Society for the Study of Addiction 2007. Addiction 103, 258-268. Accessed 11 Mar. 2008.

6. Fernando R. R., Bravo L. E., Castro F., Montoya O., Castillo J. M., Castillo M. P., Daza P., Restrepo J. M., Rodriguez M. F. Incidence of Weak Opioids Adverse Events in the Management of Cancer Pain: A Double-Blind Comparative Trial. Journal of Palliative Medicine. 2007; 10: 56-60. Accessed 11 Mar. 2008.