Vicodin

Vicodin EC is a trademarked brand of narcotic analgesics (painkillers) containing hydrocodone and paracetamol (acetaminophen or, more-completely, para-acetylaminophenol). It is usually found in tablet form with either the names "Vicodin", "Vicodin ES", or "Vicodin HP" imprinted on one side. Analgesics with the same chemical composition and a similar physical appearance are found under many other trade names, including Anexsia, Anolor DH5, Bancap HC, Dolacet, Hydro, Lorcet, Lortab, Norco, T-Gesic, and Vadunk. The hydrocodone/paracetamol drug formula is also available under generic brands. The paracetamol in the formula increases the effects of the hydrocodone in relieving pain but also discourages drug abuse since the doses needed for recreation would have toxic amounts of paracetamol. Oral hydrocodone is considered 1.5 times as potent as oral morphine, though the equianalgesic dose varies between patients.http://endoflife.stanford.edu/M11_pain_control/doses_m01.html Pain Control: Opioid Conversion]

Manufacture

Manufacturers of Vicodin (generic or otherwise) include Abbott Laboratories (makers of trademark Vicodin), Amerisource Health Services Corp, Cardinal Health, Drx Pharmaceutical Consultants Inc, Eckerd Corp, Hospira Inc, Knoll Laboratories Div Knoll Pharmaceutical Co, Mallinckrodt Pharm. Quality Care, Pdrx Pharmaceuticals Inc, Physicians Total Care Inc, Rx Pak Div of Mckesson Corp, Sandhills Packaging Inc, and Watson Pharmaceuticals. Generic Vicodin by some of the aforementioned manufacturers is often substituted by pharmacies for prescriptions for trademark Vicodin from Abbott Labs. Aggregated, Vicodin production reportedly approaches twenty tons annually. Fact|date=August 2008

Ingredients

* Vicodin contains 500mg acetaminophen and 5mg hydrocodone
* Vicodin ES contains 750mg acetaminophen and 7.5mg hydrocodone
* Vicodin HP contains 660mg acetaminophen and 10mg hydrocodoneThe theory of adding acetaminophen is a reduction in abuse potential; multiple doses will result in nauseous symptoms and stomach complications. It should be noted that hydrocodone is soluble in water even at low temperatures.

Regulation and scheduling

In the United States, Vicodin production is regulated in part by the Controlled Substances Act of 1970. This guarantees that all manufacturing, importing, possession, and distribution of drugs is to be overseen and regulated by the federal government, which is also responsible (along with the Department of Justice and state governments) for the conviction and sentencing of anyone who breaks drug laws. [ [http://www.usdoj.gov/dea/agency/csa.htm] Dead link|date=March 2008]

In the U.S., Vicodin is on the Schedule III list of drugs. Other drugs on this list include anabolic steroids, dihydrocodeine, dronabinol, ergine, ketamine, paregoric, and Xyrem; codeine and hydrocodone are also Schedule III but only when compounded with paracetamol or with an NSAID. Schedule III drugs are classified by the U.S. government as potentially causing moderate or low physical dependence or a high psychological dependence if abused. There is a high inclination for abuse of this drug.

Indications

Vicodin, like other opioid analgesics, is used to manage pain. It is most commonly prescribed for relief of mild to moderate pain of acute, chronic, or post-operative types. Vicodin belongs to the opiate family of drugs.

ide effects

Side effects for Vicodin include an allergic reaction, seizures, clammy skin, severe weakness, dizziness, hyperventilation, unconsciousness, jaundice (yellowing of eyes or skin), unusual fatigue, bleeding, bruising, stomach pain, [cite web
author=Anonymous | date=March 24, 2008
url=http://www.drugs.com/vicodin.html | title=Vicodin
publisher=Cerner Multum, Inc. | accessdate=2008-06-09 ] constipation, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, muscle twitches, sweating, hot flashes, itching, tinnitus, hearing loss, decreased urination, and decreased sex drive. [ [http://www.oxyabusekills.com/Vicodin.html Vicodin's Effects and Dangers] ] Vicodin (in terms of hydrocodone) also has depressant effects on the central nervous system. [ [http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/21cfr/cfr/1300/1300_01.htm 21 CFR - Section 13001.01 Definitions relating to controlled substances] ] However, some of the less mundane effects can be desirable effects that are sought after by some. Those effects include euphoria and drowsiness, as well as slowing of the pulse. [http://www.vicodin-addiction.net/vicodin-side-effects.htm Vicodin Side Effects, Vicodin Detox] ] Vicodin may also be a cause of stomach ulcers, although this is assumed to be due to the addition of other non-narcotic analgesics to hydrocodone preparations (e.g., aspirin, and ibuprofen). Paracetamol does not cause ulcers, unlike NSAIDS, but has a severe liver toxicity as of 8g per day or even 4g with renal insufficiency.

References

External links

* [http://www.usdoj.gov/dea/pubs/scheduling.html U.S. DEA Drug Schedule]
* [http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/21cfr/cfr/1300/1300_01.htm U.S. Federal Regulations]