About

Brand name: Vicodin
Generic Name: acetaminophen and hydrocodone

Vicodin combines a narcotic analgesic (painkiller) and cough reliever with a non-narcotic analgesic for the relief of moderate to moderately severe pain.

How to take

Take Vicodin exactly as prescribed. Do not increase the amount you take or the frequency without your doctor's approval. Do not take Vicodin for any reason other than the one prescribed. Do not give Vicodin to others who may have similar symptoms. Recommended dosage for Vicodin ADULTS Your doctor will adjust the dosage according to the severity of the pain and the way the medication affects you. The dosages given below are for Vicodin products only. If your doctor prescribes other brands, your daily dose may vary. All forms of Vicodin are taken every 4 to 6 hours as needed for pain. The usual dose of Vicodin is 1 or 2 tablets, up to a maximum of 8 tablets per day. The usual dose of Vicodin HP is 1 tablet, up to a maximum of 6 tablets per day. For Vicodin ES, the usual dose is 1 tablet, up to a maximum of 5 tablets per day. CHILDREN The safety and effectiveness of Vicodin have not been established in children.

Missed dose

If you take Vicodin regularly, take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Warnings and precautions

Vicodin may make you drowsy, less alert, or unable to function well physically. Do not drive a car, operate machinery, or perform any other potentially dangerous activities until you know how Vicodin affects you. Use caution in taking Vicodin if you have a head injury. Narcotics tend to increase the pressure of the fluid within the skull, and this effect may be exaggerated by head injuries. Side effects of narcotics can interfere in the treatment of people with head injuries. Use Vicodin with caution if you have a severe liver or kidney disorder, an underactive thyroid gland, Addison's disease (a disease of the adrenal glands), an enlarged prostate, or urethral stricture (narrowing of the tube carrying urine from the bladder). Older adults and those in a weakened condition should be careful using Vicodin, since it contains a narcotic. Narcotics such as Vicodin may interfere with the diagnosis and treatment of people with abdominal conditions. Hydrocodone suppresses the cough reflex; therefore, be careful using Vicodin after an operation or if you have a lung disease. High doses of hydrocodone may produce slowed breathing; if you are sensitive to Vicodin, you are more likely to experience this effect.

Side effects

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Vicodin. 

Side effects may include: Dizziness, light-headedness, nausea, sedation, vomiting.
If these side effects occur, it may help if you lie down after taking the medication.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.