Hydrocodone 5/500

(generic for Vicodin)

Vicodin is a powerful narcotic painkiller.  It is similar to Norco but is not quite as strong a dose.  Vicodin contains 5 milligrams of narcotic (hydrocodone) and 500 milligrams of Tylenol.  Norco contains 10 milligrams of narcotic (hydrocodone) and 325 milligrams of Tylenol. 

You cannot drink or drive within six hours of using this drug.  It is very addictive but is a very good pain pill.  Use it in moderation.  You can use it with non-steroidals and with muscle relaxants.  Do not take more than six pills per day.  The Tylenol in the pill is toxic and will hurt you if you use more than about six pills a day.  If you need a stronger pain-killer, or more than six pills, ask for Norco.

The following is the package insert.  It is complete and lengthy but not easily understood

Hydrocodone Bitartrate/Acetaminophen Tablets

A medicine used to relieve moderate to severe pain.

Precautions: DO NOT USE if you are allergic to this medicine.

BEFORE USING THIS MEDICATION, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant or breastfeeding; or if you are taking, will be taking or stop taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine; or if you have any other medical conditions.

Side Effects: Every medicine can cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Tell your doctor if any of the following occurs: drowsiness; dizziness; blurred vision; nausea; vomiting; constipation; difficulty breathing; rash; yellowing of the skin.

Guidelines for Use: USE EXACTLY AS PRESCRIBED.

  • May cause nausea. Take with food.
  • May cause drowsiness, dizziness or blurred vision. Use caution while driving or performing other tasks requiring mental alertness.
  • Avoid alcohol and other sedative or drowsiness-causing substances.
  • Long-term use may lead to addiction. An early sign of this is medicine ineffectiveness. Dependence is not an issue in terminal illness pain where patient comfort is more important.
  • May cause constipation with long-term use. Use stool softener or fiber laxative.
  • Narcotics are more effective in preventing pain than in treating pain after it occurs.
  • Significant overdosage requires emergency treatment.

This information is advisory only; it does not contain all information about this medicine. If you have any questions about your medicine, ask your doctor, pharmacist or healthcare provider.

Copyright 1993 by Facts & Comparisons, used by permission of Southwood Pharmaceuticals

Go to the next page on the medication hydrocodone (generic for Norco).

Go to the next chapter on orthotics.

 

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Last modified: 06/17/08