Vicodin Patient Tips

How it works

Vicodin is a brand name for a combination acetaminophen/hydrocodone tablet. Acetaminophen and hydrocodone are two different pain-relieving medicines with two different mechanisms of action. Experts aren't sure exactly how acetaminophen works, but suspect it blocks a specific type of cyclo-oxygenase (COX) enzyme, located mainly in the brain. Hydrocodone binds to specific receptors known as opioid receptors that block pain signals on their way to the brain.

Upsides

• Effective combination drug for relieving moderate-to-moderately severe pain.
• The combination is more effective than either drug alone.

Downsides

If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, take no other medication or have no other medical conditions, side effects you are more likely to experience include:

• Stomach upsets including nausea, vomiting, and constipation; shortness of breath; dizziness; low blood pressure; and headache (hydrocodone component).
• Drowsiness which may impair reaction skills and affect a person's ability to drive or operate machinery (hydrocodone component). Avoid alcohol.
• Rarely, serious, life-threatening, breathing problems (hydrocodone component).
• Risk of addiction, dependence, and withdrawal reactions (hydrocodone component). Also risk of abuse.
• Tolerance may develop if taken for long periods of time (hydrocodone component); may no longer work at the prescribed dosage. Talk to your doctor if this happens.
• Rarely, liver failure especially at dosages greater than 4000mg/day (acetaminophen component).
• Avoid taking extra acetaminophen while taking combination acetaminophen/hydrocodone.

Notes: In general, seniors or children, people with certain medical conditions (such as liver or kidney problems, heart disease, diabetes, seizures) or people who take other medications are more at risk of developing a wider range of side effects. For a complete list of all side effects, click here.

Bottom Line

Vicodin is an effective combination analgesic for the relief of moderate-to-moderately severe pain; however, use is limited by the dependence potential of the hydrocodone component.

Tips

• Short-term use only. Not recommended for long-term use.
• May cause drowsiness which may impair reaction skills and affect your ability to drive or operate machinery (hydrocodone component). Avoid alcohol.
• Different strengths of Vicodin are available. Make sure you take the correct tablet and do not exceed the recommended dosage.
• Tell your doctor if you experience any breathing difficulties, wheezing, itching, or facial swelling.
• Tell your doctor if you think you have become addicted to this combination drug.

Response and Effectiveness

Time to peak concentrations ranges from 1 to 4 hours.