It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into Hydrocodone. (Discuss)

Vicodin (Hydrocodone and paracetamol (acetaminophen)) is a selective pain killer commonly seen as a white tablet with the name "Vicodin," "Vicodin ES," "M357," or "Vicodin HP" imprinted on one side. It shares its characteristics with many other drugs in chemistry and form; such drugs are also pain-killers and may be marketed as Anexsia, Anolor DH5, Bancap HC, Dolacet, Lorcet, Lortab, Vadunk, Norco, T-Gesic, or Zydone.

Manufacturers

Manufacturers of Vicodin (generic or otherwise) include: Abbott Laboratories (mfg. non-generic), 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 Labs. Generic Vicodin by some of the aforementioned manufacturers is often substituted by pharmacies for prescriptions for Genuine Vicodin from Abbott Labs. The generic prescriptions are much more affordable for consumers. ^[1] Aggregated, Vicodin production reportedly approaches 20 tons annually.

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. ^[2]

Scheduling

Vicodin was put into Schedule III, along with anabolic steroids, ketamine, paregoric, Xyrem, dronabinol, and hydrocodone/codeine (when "compounded with an NSAID" or with paracetamol); these drugs have high psychological dependence and low to medium physical addiction, though less so than Schedule II such as oxycodone. ^[3]

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, weak breathing, seizures, clammy skin, severe weakness, dizziness, hyperventilation, unconsciousness, yellowing of eyes or skin, unusual fatigue, bleeding, bruising, constipation, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, muscle twitches, sweating, itching, tinnitus, hearing loss, decreased urination, and decreased sex drive. ^[4] Vicodin (in terms of hydrocodone) also has depressant effects on the central nervous system. ^[5] 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.^[6] Vicodin has also been linked to causing stomach ulcers, although this is assumed to be due to the addition of other non-narcotic analgesics to hydrocodone preparations (e.g., APAP, aspirin, ibuprofen).

Overdose symptoms

Symptoms of a Vicodin overdose may include slow breathing, cold and clammy skin, dizziness, weakness, seizures, loss of consciousness, confusion, constricted pupils, tiredness, coma, nausea, vomiting, blueing of the tongue, and diaphoresis; an overdose may lead to death.

References

External links

• US DEA Drug schedule
• US Federal regulations

Donate to Wikimedia