Darvocet Vs. Vicodin: The Similarities
Darvocet® (
propoxyphene/acetaminophen) and
Vicodin® (
hydrocodone/APAP) are both prescription pain medications. Both contain a narcotic (propoxyphene napsylate or hydrochloride bitartrate) in combination with
acetaminophen (also known as APAP). Both are classified as controlled substances, which means they have significant abuse potential. They have similar side effects, drug interactions, and warnings and precautions.
Both Vicodin and Darvocet are available in generic form and are relatively inexpensive (in generic form). Both come in tablet form and are available in several different strengths.
Alcohol should be avoided (or, at the very least, limited) while taking either Vicodin or Darvocet. Both medications can be very dangerous in the case of overdose.
Darvocet Vs. Vicodin: The Differences
Vicodin is generally a stronger painkiller, compared to Darvocet (although some people may find Darvocet to work better, due to individual differences in how people react to medications). Darvocet is approved to treat mild to moderate pain, while Vicodin is approved to treat moderate to moderately severe pain.
Vicodin is a Schedule III controlled substance, while Darvocet is a Schedule IV controlled substance. This means that Vicodin is more likely to be abused, compared with Darvocet. However, the prescribing rules for both medications are the same (a prescription for either is good only for a maximum of six months and limited to five refills).
