Author: Alex Thompson

Vicodin vs Norco: Differences and Similarities

Instruct patients to look for acetaminophen or APAP on package labels and not to use more than oneproduct that contains acetaminophen. Instruct patients to seek medical attention immediately uponingestion of more than 4,000 milligrams of acetaminophen per day, even if they feel well. Life-threatening respiratory depression is more likely tooccur in elderly, cachectic, or debilitated patients because they may have altered pharmacokinetics oraltered clearance compared to younger, healthier patients see WARNINGS; Life-ThreateningRespiratory Depression. The most frequently reported adverse reactions are light-headedness, dizziness, sedation, nausea andvomiting.

Before taking this medicine

Preoccupation withachieving adequate pain relief can be appropriate behavior in a patient with poor pain control. Reserve concomitant prescribing of these drugs for use in patients for whom alternative treatmentoptions are inadequate. Follow patients closelyfor signs of respiratory depression and sedation see WARNINGS. Suddenly stopping this medication may cause withdrawal, especially if you have used it for a long time or in high doses. To prevent withdrawal, your doctor may lower your dose slowly.

How should I take hydrocodone and acetaminophen?

In case of overdose, priorities are the re-establishment of a patent and protected airway and institutionof assisted or controlled ventilation, if needed. Employ other supportive measures (including oxygenand vasopressors) in the management of circulatory shock and pulmonary edema as indicated. Cardiacarrest or arrhythmias will require advanced life-support techniques. Following an acute overdosage, toxicity may result from hydrocodone or acetaminophen. Chronic use of opioids may cause reduced fertility in females and males of reproductive potential. It isnot known whether these effects on fertility are reversible see ADVERSE REACTIONS.

What Are Vicodin and Norco?

Hydrocodone-acetaminophen carries boxed warnings for several safety risks. Boxed warnings are the strongest warnings issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for a prescription drug label. This article will explain the similarities and differences between the available dosage formulations of hydrocodone and acetaminophen, previously marketed under Vicodin or Norco.

You should be aware if anyone is using it improperly or without a prescription. Inform patients that chronic use of opioids may cause reduced fertility. It is not known whether theseeffects on fertility are reversible see ADVERSE REACTIONS. Advise nursing mothers to monitor infants for increased sleepiness (more than usual), breathingdifficulties, or limpness. Instruct nursing mothers to seek immediate medical care if they notice thesesigns see PRECAUTIONS; Nursing Mothers .

What other drugs will affect hydrocodone and acetaminophen?

If unacceptable opioidrelatedadverse reactions are observed, consider reducing the dosage. Adjust the dosage to obtain anappropriate balance between management of pain and opioid-related adverse reactions. Serious , life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression may occur with use of hydrocodonebitartrate and acetaminophen tablets . Monitor for respiratory depression especially during initiation of hydrocodonebitartrate and acetaminophen tablets or following a dose increase see WARNINGS. Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions.

1. Carbon dioxide (CO2 ) retention from opioid-induced respiratorydepression can exacerbate the sedating effects of opioids.
2. Withdrawal symptoms can occur in breastfedinfants when maternal administration of an opioid analgesic is stopped, or when breast-feeding isstopped.
3. Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness.
4. Prolonged use of opioid analgesics during pregnancy for medical or nonmedical purposes can result inphysical dependence in the neonate and neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome shortly after birth.

Instruct patients to take steps to store hydrocodone bitartrate andacetaminophen tablets securely and to dispose of unused hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophentablets by flushing down the toilet. Prolonged use of hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen tablets during pregnancy can result inwithdrawal in the neonate. Neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome, unlike opioid withdrawal syndrome inadults, may be life-threatening if not recognized and treated, and requires management according toprotocols developed by neonatology experts. Observe newborns for signs of neonatal opioidwithdrawal syndrome and manage accordingly. Advise pregnant women using opioids for a prolongedperiod of the risk of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome and ensure that appropriate treatment will beavailable see PATIENT INFORMATION. Accidental ingestion of hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen tablets, especially by children, canresult in respiratory depression and death due to an overdose of hydrocodone bitartrate andacetaminophen tablets.

Does hydrocodone interact with my other drugs?

This risk may increase if you use certain drugs (such as diuretics/”water pills”) or if you have conditions such as severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting. Hydrocodone may cause a condition that affects the heart rhythm (QT prolongation). QT prolongation can rarely cause serious (rarely fatal) fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms (such as severe dizziness, fainting) that need medical attention right away. Do not crush, chew, or dissolve this medication or the contents of the capsules.

Vicodin vs. Norco: What’s the Difference?

Therefore, aconservative approach is advised when determining the total daily dosage of hydrocodone bitartrate andacetaminophen tablets. It is safer to underestimate a patient’s 24-hour hydrocodone bitartrate andacetaminophen tablets dosage than to overestimate the 24-hour hydrocodone bitartrate andacetaminophen tablets dosage and manage an adverse reaction due to overdose. Hydrocodonebitartrate and acetaminophen tablets expose patients and other users to the risks of opioid addiction, abuse, and misuse, which can lead to overdose and death. Assess each patient’s risk prior to prescribing hydrocodonebitartrate and acetaminophen tablets , and monitor all patients regularly for the development of these behaviors and conditions see WARNINGS. Tell the doctor right away if you notice any symptoms in your newborn baby such as crying that doesn’t stop, slow/shallow breathing, irritability, shaking, vomiting, diarrhea, poor feeding, or difficulty gaining weight. Hydrocodone and acetaminophen is a combination medicine used to relieve moderate to severe pain.