Vicodin

Vicodin (Hydrocodone and paracetamol (acetaminophen)) is commonly known as a painkiller often found with the name "Vicodin," "Vicodin ES," or "Vicodin HP" imprinted on one side. It shares its characteristics with many other painkillers in chemistry and form, including Anexsia, Anolor DH5, Bancap HC, Dolacet, Lorcet, Lortab, Vadunk, Norco, T-Gesic, or Zydone.

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Manufacturers

  Manufacturers of vicodin (generic or otherwise) include: Abbott Laboratories (mfg. non-generic), 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 Genuine Vicodin from Abbott Labs. The generic prescriptions are much more affordable for consumers. ^[1] Aggregated, Vicodin production reportedly approaches 20 tons annually.

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. ^[2]

Scheduling

Vicodin was put into Schedule III, along with anabolic steroids, ketamine, paregoric, Xyrem, dronabinol, and hydrocodone/codeine (when "compounded with an NSAID" or with paracetamol); these drugs have high psychological dependence and low to medium physical addiction.

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.

Side effects

Side effects for Vicodin include an allergic reaction, seizures, clammy skin, severe weakness, dizziness, hyperventilation, unconsciousness, yellowing of eyes or skin, unusual fatigue, bleeding, bruising, constipation, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, muscle twitches, sweating, hot flashes, itching, tinnitus, hearing loss, decreased urination, and decreased sex drive. ^[3] Vicodin (in terms of hydrocodone) also has depressant effects on the central nervous system. ^[4] 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.^[5] 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., APAP, aspirin, ibuprofen).

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