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Vicodin: 7 things you should know

Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm. Last updated on Aug 29, 2023.

1. How it works

2. Upsides

3. 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:

Note: 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. View complete list of side effects

4. Bottom Line

Vicodin is a combination narcotic analgesic that may be used short-term for the relief of moderate-to-moderately severe pain that is unrelieved by nonopioid analgesics, and also for the relief of a cough that remains unrelieved by other less potent medications. Vicodin is habit-forming and potentially abusable. The Vicodin brand has been discontinued in the United States.

5. Tips

6. Response and effectiveness

7. Interactions

Medicines that interact with Vicodin may either decrease its effect, affect how long it works, increase side effects, or have less of an effect when taken with Vicodin. An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of the medications; however, sometimes it does. Speak to your doctor about how drug interactions should be managed.

Common medications that may interact with Vicodin include:

Avoid drinking alcohol or taking illegal or recreational drugs while taking Vicodin.

Note that this list is not all-inclusive and includes only common medications that may interact with Vicodin. You should refer to the prescribing information for Vicodin for a complete list of interactions.

References

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Vicodin only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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