Everything about Vicodin totally explained
Vicodin is a
trademarked
brand of
narcotic analgesics (painkillers) containing
hydrocodone and
paracetamol (acetaminophen or, more-completely, para-acetylaminophenol). It is usually found in tablet form with either the names "
Vicodin", "
Vicodin ES", or "
Vicodin HP" imprinted on one side. Analgesics with the same chemical composition and a similar physical appearance are found under many other
trade names, including
Anexsia,
Anolor DH5,
Bancap HC,
Dolacet,
Hydro,
Lorcet,
Lortab,
Norco,
T-Gesic,
Tramacet and
Vadunk. The
hydrocodone/
paracetamol drug formula is also available under
generic brands. The paracetamol in the formula increases the effects of the hydrocodone in relieving
pain but also discourages drug abuse since the doses needed for recreation would have toxic amounts of paracetamol. Oral hydrocodone is considered 4-7 times as potent as
oral morphine, though the
equianalgesic dose varies between patients.
Manufacture
Manufacturers of Vicodin (generic or otherwise) include
Abbott Laboratories (makers of trademark Vicodin), Amerisource Health Services Corp, Cardinal Health, Drx Pharmaceutical Consultants Inc, Eckerd Corp, Hospira Inc, Knoll Laboratories Div Knoll Pharmaceutical Co,
Mallinckrodt Pharm. Quality Care, Pdrx Pharmaceuticals Inc, Physicians Total Care Inc, Rx Pak Div of Mckesson Corp, Sandhills Packaging Inc, and
Watson Pharmaceuticals. Generic Vicodin by some of the aforementioned manufacturers is often substituted by pharmacies for prescriptions for trademark Vicodin from Abbott Labs. The generic prescriptions are much more affordable for consumers. Aggregated, Vicodin production reportedly approaches twenty tons annually.
Regulation and scheduling
In the
United States, Vicodin production is regulated in part by the
Controlled Substances Act of 1970. This guarantees that all manufacturing, importing, possession, and distribution of drugs is to be overseen and regulated by the
federal government, which is also responsible (along with the
Department of Justice and state governments) for the conviction and sentencing of anyone who breaks drug laws.
In the U.S., Vicodin is on the
Schedule III list of drugs. Other drugs on this list include
anabolic steroids,
dihydrocodeine,
dronabinol,
ergine,
ketamine,
paregoric, and
Xyrem;
codeine and
hydrocodone are also Schedule III but only when compounded with
paracetamol or with an
NSAID. Schedule III drugs are classified by the U.S. government as potentially causing moderate or low physical dependence or a high psychological dependence if abused.
Indications
Vicodin, like other
opioid analgesics, is used to manage pain. It is most commonly prescribed for relief of mild to moderate pain of acute, chronic, or post-operative types.
Side effects
Side effects for Vicodin include an
allergic reaction,
seizures, clammy skin, severe weakness,
dizziness,
hyperventilation,
unconsciousness,
Jaundice (yellowing of eyes or skin), unusual
fatigue,
bleeding,
bruising,
constipation,
dry mouth,
nausea,
vomiting,
decreased appetite,
muscle twitches,
sweating,
hot flashes,
itching,
tinnitus,
hearing loss, decreased
urination, and decreased
sex drive. Vicodin (in terms of
hydrocodone) also has
depressant effects on the
central nervous system. However, some of the less mundane effects can be desirable effects that are sought after by some. Those effects include
euphoria and
drowsiness, as well as slowing of the pulse.
Vicodin may also be a cause of
stomach ulcers, although this is assumed to be due to the addition of other non-
narcotic analgesics to hydrocodone preparations (for example,
aspirin, and
ibuprofen).
Paracetamol doesn't cause ulcers, unlike
NSAIDS.
Popular Culture
On the medical drama
House, the protagonist,
Dr. Gregory House is known to have an addiction to
Vicodin, which he uses to manage pain caused by the removal of dead leg muscle after he suffered an
infarction.
Further Information
Get more info on 'Vicodin'.
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