Vicodin
® (
hydrocodone/APAP) is a prescription medication used to treat moderate to moderately severe pain in adults.
The drug comes in tablet form. Vicodin is taken by mouth, usually every four to six hours as needed for pain. The tablets are available in the following strengths:
- Vicodin 5/500 -- 5 mg of hydrocodone bitartrate and 500 mg of acetaminophen
- Vicodin HP® 10/660 -- 10 mg of hydrocodone bitartrate and 660 mg of acetaminophen
- Vicodin ES® 7.5/750 -- 7.5 mg of hydrocodone bitartrate and 750 mg of acetaminophen.
Vicodin contains two different medications, hydrocodone and acetaminophen. Hydrocodone is a semi-synthetic narcotic, opioid pain reliever. It acts similarly to codeine and is effective at decreasing pain and relieving coughing.
The acetaminophen component in Vicodin is a pain reliever and fever reducer. Combining hydrocodone with acetaminophen helps improve the effectiveness of acetaminophen at relieving pain and may limit the abuse potential of hydrocodone (the maximum dose of Vicodin is limited by the acetaminophen content).
Although most people tolerate Vicodin well, the medication is not suitable for everyone. Some of the common side effects include drowsiness,
constipation, and nausea.
(Click Vicodin for a more in-depth look at how Vicodin works, potential side effects, general dosing guidelines, and information on what to tell your healthcare provider before using this medication.)
