Updated September 2007- Vicodin, a combination of acetaminophen and hydrocodone (a codeine derivative), is indicated for the relief of moderate to moderately-severe pain. Vicodin comes as a tablet, capsule or liquid to take by mouth. It is usually administered every 4-6 hours as needed. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Vicodin in 1982. The analgesic is made by Knoll Pharmaceuticals, although several drug companies produce generic brands of the medication.
Potential side effects of Vicodin include, but may not be limited to, dizziness, light-headedness, nausea, sedation, vomiting, constipation, stomach pain, rash and difficulty urinating. More severe side effects include mood changes and difficulty breathing.
Vicodin can be habit-forming. The narcotic should be taken just as prescribed to avoid addiction. Because the drug may affect a user's alertness, the operation of a vehicle or any heavy machinery is not recommended. Narcotics such as Vicodin may cause increased intracranial pressure which may be exaggerated by a head injury. The drug may also interfere with the diagnosis of an acute abdominal condition.
Researchers report that significant hearing loss is associated with Vicodin abuse. Some users have been left totally and permanently deaf.
In 2007, the
Institute for Safe Medication Practices and the Division of Public Health
Sciences, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, conducted a longitudinal
Adverse Events Reporting System Review of the U.S.
FDA's most dangerous drugs.
The study found acetaminophen-hydrocodone to be one of the most
dangerous drugs on the market with some of the highest number of
suspect drug
deaths. Vicodin was the twelfth deadliest drug in the study, according to the FDA
reports. Over the eight years of the dangerous drug study, Vicodin was found to
have over 1,000 deaths in an 8-year period.
See your doctor if you are addicted to Vicodin or if you have experienced serious side effects associated with the drug. In addition, it may be important to contact an attorney who can help you protect your legal rights. Please keep in mind that there may be time limits within which you must commence suit.
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