Vicodin ES - an overview
Hydrocodone belongs to the class of medications known as narcotic analgesics. Acetaminophen is a pain reliever that is not as strong and works to increase hydrocodone's benefits. The combination of hydrocodone and acetaminophen is prescribed to ease pain that is moderate to severe.
Uses
The 7.5 to 750 mg version of Vicodin ES contains the combination of acetaminophen and narcotic pain medications and is prescribed to ease pain that is moderate to severe. Narcotic analgesics are effective because they bind to the opioid receptors within the spinal cord and brain and the acetaminophen reduces the number of prostaglandins within the body to reduce pain. This medication may be used to treat other types of conditions as your health care provider sees fit.
Secondary Effects
Seek emergency medical attention if you notice any signs of allergic reactions including: trouble breathing, hives or swelling of the throat, face, tongue and lips.
Contact your health care provider immediately if you notice any of these serious secondary effects:
- Slowed heartbeat and/of shallow breathing
- Fainting or lightheadedness
- Unusual behaviors or thoughts, fear and/or confusion
- Seizures
- Trouble urination
- Loss of appetite, stomach pain, nausea, clay colored stools
- Dark urine, jaundice
- Itching
Potential interactions
There is the potential for interactions with other drugs or medications and these can cause negative secondary effects and can reduce the effectiveness of this medication. You should check with our Drug interaction listing to determine if your medications interact.
Addiction and abuse
Vicodin ES, active ingredients acetaminophen and hydrocodone, contains what is considered to be an opioid agonist. It is considered a controlled substance. Vicodin Es, as well as other types of opioids used in pain relievers have the potential to be abused and the use and sale of Schedule III substances is monitored by the government.
Addiction is thought to be a complicated disease. It has roots that are environmental, genetic and psychosocial. This disease can be identified by many of the following symptoms: compulsive use, inability to control the use of the medication, continued use even though it's harmful and craving the medication. Addiction to drugs can be treated with many different options, but it is common to relapse.