Vicodin - what is it? You can find the answer to this question in the materials of this article. It also provides information about the composition of this medication, its form. The instructions for use are described in detail.
The composition of the drug, its form
Vicodin - what is it? Specialists claim that this drug goes on sale in the form of oral tablets. They include the active substance of the same name, as well as other auxiliary elements, including paracetamol. It can not be said that such a component as vicodin is contained in many other drugs with a similar effect.
Therapeutic properties
"Vicodin" - what is this drug, what properties does it have? This medication is a highly effective analgesic narcotic and antitussive. The presence of paracetamol in the medicine enhances its analgesic effect. However, it limits the maximum daily dosage due to the possible accumulation of this substance in toxic concentrations.
Drug features
A rather dangerous medicine is Vicodin. What is it, you already understood. Doctors call the drug an active painkiller, as well as a cough medicine, which is taken only inside. The therapeutic dosage of this medication in the amount of 5-10 mg is equivalent to 60 mg of oral morphine. For the dangers of addiction, this drug is comparable only with Codeine. Prolonged use of this drug in large doses can cause subtle euphoria, and subsequently a painful addiction.
The drug "Vicodin", the composition of which was presented above, is a narcotic drug. It is on list II. By the way, in some pharmacies this drug is sold as a drug from list III. It should be noted that the production and sale of this painkiller has increased significantly over the past few years. The number of cases of its illegal use has also increased.
Kinetics of the drug
Is the drug "Vicodin" absorbed? The manual states that the clinical and pharmacological profile of this agent is similar to the clinical and pharmacological profile of Codeine. The medication is well absorbed during enteral administration (approximately 50% of the dose taken), and also has an antitussive effect. Usually, the drug in question is prescribed in combination with other non-narcotic analgesics. Do this in order to obtain a better analgesic effect.
The drug "Vicodin": instructions for use
Take the medication in question and its analogues in strict accordance with the recommendations of the doctor. To clarify the indications for taking this remedy, you should contact an experienced specialist. Each dosage of the drug must be washed down with a full glass of warm water. If the medicine in question contributes to an upset stomach, then it should be taken with milk or with food.
According to the attached instructions, this drug is addictive. With its long-term admission, the patient has a psychological and physical dependence. In this regard, it is strictly forbidden to exceed the dose prescribed by the doctor and take the medicine longer than the specified time. Experts say that Vicodin can cause severe constipation. Therefore, during its intake, it is recommended to drink plenty of water and consume more fiber.
Side effects
You should immediately stop taking the drug in question and consult a doctor immediately if you experience the following adverse reactions during treatment:
- Convulsions begin.
- There is an allergy, including difficulty breathing, swelling of the lips, narrowing of the airways, swelling of the face or tongue, rash.
- A person loses consciousness.
- Breathing becomes weak and rare.
- The patient's skin is cold and moist.
- Yellowing of the eye proteins and epidermis is observed.
- A person suffers from dizziness or severe weakness.
- There is bleeding.
- There is increased fatigue, the formation of hematomas.
You can continue taking this drug if the patient has minor adverse reactions. For example, constipation, fatigue, dry mouth, a feeling of emptiness in the head, decreased sex drive and appetite.
Overdose
In case of an overdose of this drug, you should immediately consult a doctor. In this condition, a person has the following symptoms: rare breathing, dizziness, cramps, coma, weakness, fatigue, loss of consciousness, nausea, confusion, vomiting, constricted pupils, cold and wet skin, sweating.
Special information
When taking Vicodin, alcohol should be avoided. Otherwise, such a combination can increase dizziness and drowsiness, which, in turn, can contribute to loss of consciousness and death. The drug in question can enhance the effect of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines and painkillers, drugs against anxiety, anticonvulsants, and muscle relaxants. When taking Vicodin, special care must be taken when operating industrial equipment, as well as when performing hazardous work.