Frequent communication is important among the prescriber, other members of thehealthcare team, the patient, and the caregiver/family during periods of changing analgesicrequirements, including initial titration. Individually titrate hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen tablets to a dose that provides adequate analgesia and minimizes adverse reactions. Continually reevaluate patients receiving hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen tablets to assess the maintenance of pain control and the relative incidence of adverse reactions, as well as monitoring for the development of addiction, abuse, or misuse. Frequent communication is important among the prescriber, other members of the healthcare team, the patient, and the caregiver/family during periods of changing analgesic requirements, including initial titration.
Vicodin Dosage and Administration
If opioid use is required for a prolonged period in a pregnant woman, advise the patient of the risk of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome and ensure that appropriate treatment will be available see WARNINGS. If the level of pain increases after dosage stabilization, attempt to identify the source of increased pain before increasing the hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen tablets dosage. If unacceptable opioid-related adverse reactions are observed, consider reducing the dosage. Adjust the dosage to obtain an appropriate balance between management of pain and opioid-related adverse reactions.
- Instruct patients to look for acetaminophen or APAP on package labels and not to use more than one product that contains acetaminophen.
- But more severe effects, such as depression and addiction, can linger for a lifetime.
- This product passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant (such as unusual sleepiness, difficulty feeding, trouble breathing, or unusual limpness).
- Proper assessment of the patient, proper prescribing practices, periodic re-evaluation of therapy, andproper dispensing and storage are appropriate measures that help to limit abuse of opioid drugs.
- Preoccupation withachieving adequate pain relief can be appropriate behavior in a patient with poor pain control.
- Speak to your doctor about how drug interactions should be managed.
Description for Vicodin
This risk may be higher if you have a substance use disorder (such as overuse of or addiction to drugs/alcohol). Take this medication exactly as prescribed to lower the risk of addiction. Tolerance, in which increasingly large doses are required in order to produce the same degree of analgesia, is manifested initially by a shortened duration of analgesic effect, and subsequently by decreases in the intensity of analgesia. Psychic dependence, physical dependence, and tolerance may develop upon repeated administration of narcotics; therefore, this product should be prescribed and administered with caution.
Outpatient Treatment
- Therefore, aconservative approach is advised when determining the total daily dosage of hydrocodone bitartrate andacetaminophen tablets.
- Advise patients to calltheir prescriber if they take more than the recommended dose.
- Intravenous NAC may be administered when circumstances precludeoral administration.
- Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
- Monitor patients receiving hydrocodonebitartrate and acetaminophen tablets and any cytochrome P450 3A4 inhibitor or inducer for signs of respiratory depression or sedation see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, WARNINGS, DRUG INTERACTIONS.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist about other ways to decrease nausea (such as lying down for 1 to 2 hours with as little head movement as possible). Hydrocodone bitartrate andacetaminophen tablets should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies thepotential risk is vicodin addictive to the fetus. Rarely, acetaminophen may cause serious skin reactions such as acute generalized exanthematouspustulosis (AGEP), Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS), and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), which canbe fatal. Patients should be informed about the signs of serious skin reactions, and use of the drugshould be discontinued at the first appearance of skin rash or any other sign of hypersensitivity. Proper assessment of the patient, proper prescribing practices, periodic re-evaluation of therapy, andproper dispensing and storage are appropriate measures that help to limit abuse of opioid drugs.
- However, psychic dependence is unlikely to develop when hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen tablets are used for a short time for the treatment of pain.
- If you are taking the syrup, carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon.
- The concomitant use of opioids with other opioid analgesics, such as butorphanol, nalbuphine,pentazocine, may reduce the analgesic effect of hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen tablets and/orprecipitate withdrawal symptoms.
- Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Vicodin only for the indication prescribed.
Withdrawal is more likely if you have used this medication for a long time or in high doses. Tell your doctor or pharmacist right away if you have withdrawal. Hydrocodone may cause confusion and over-sedation in the elderly; elderly patients generally should be started on low doses Twelve-step program of hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen tablets and observed closely.
