Drugs On Review

Archive for the ‘Analgesic’ Category

What is Codeine?

Codeine is a narcotic analgesic derived naturally from opium which is used as an analgesic and cough suppressant. It is also used to treat severe diarrhea. It is used to treat mild to moderate pain and is particularly effective for treating bone pain. It is often used in compounded formulations with other analgesics, particularly acetaminophen and aspirin with which it has a synergistic effect. It is also available in a number of cough syrup formulations in combination with other active ingredients.

Codeine is metabolized in the body to morphine and codeine-6-glucuronide. It is less powerful as an analgesic than morphine and has a correspondingly lower potential for dependence, although long-term use may lead to addiction.

What does Codeine look like?

Codeine is sold in a wide range of proprietary and generic forms, usually in compounded preparations. It is available in a single form as codeine sulfate in several tablet forms with a strength between 10 and 60 mg. Codeine is also sold in time release forms with a strength of 50 or 100 mg. It is also sold in syrup and injectable formulations. Codeine suppositories are also available.

Codeine dosing and administration

The usual dosage of codeine for pain is 15 mg every six hours, although this may be increased to no more than 20 mg every six hours. No more than a total of 120 mg should be given in any 24 hour period.

Common adverse effects from Codeine

Common side effects include addiction, euphoria, itching, nausea and vomiting, lethargy, dry mouth, fainting, urinary retention and constipation. Allergic reactions may occur. Less serious side effects may include dizziness, sweating and mild itching. Long term usage may result in erectile dysfunction and loss of libido. Although codeine is available in injectable form, this method of delivery has been known to lead to anaphylactic shock.

Codeine warnings and precautions

You should tell your doctor before taking codeine if you are using pentazocine, nalbuphine, butorphanol or buprenorphine. Concurrent administration of these drugs may require the dosage of both that drug and codeine to be adjusted. Like other opiates, long-term use of codeine may result in physical addiction. If this occurs, there may be withdrawal symptoms from an abrupt cessation of the drug. These symptoms can include craving for the drug, post-nasal drip, yawning, sweating, insomnia, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, chills, irritability and pain. To avoid withdrawal symptoms, the dosage of long-term codeine users should be reduced progressively over a number of weeks until it is stopped completely. The use of alcohol should be avoided while taking codeine as the combined effect of alcohol and opiates may lead to dangerously depressed respiration. You should not drive or operate heavy machinery while taking codeine.

Interactions with Codeine

Codeine should not be taken with other narcotic analgesics, sedatives, tranquilizers, sleeping aids, muscle relaxants or any drug which causes respiratory depression.

What is Vicodin?

Vicodin is one of several trade names for a combined analgesic preparation containing hydrocodone and acetaminophen. It is used for the relieve of moderate to severe acute or chronic pain and is also used in the treatment of acute coughing. Vicodin is useful in the treatment of pain following surgery. Like all narcotic analgesics, Vicodin is highly effective as a painkiller but will also impair mental functions and reflexes.

Hydrocodone is semi-synthetic opioid analgesic. It potentiates the analgesic action of acetaminophen and it is though that the acetaminophen may reduce the abuse potential of hydrocodone because it limits the maximum dose that may be taken..

What does Vicodin look like?

Vicodin is available as an elliptical white pill containing 500 mg acetaminophen and 5 mg of hydrocodone with the imprint “Vicodin”, an elliptical white pill containing 660 mg of acetaminophen and 10 mg of hydrocodone with the imprint “Vicodin HP” and an elliptical white pill containing 750 mg of acetaminophen and 7.5 mg of hydrocodone with the imprint “Vicodin ES”.

Vicodin dosing and administration

The standard dosage of the lowest strength Vicodin is one or two tablets every four to six hours as needed. No more than eight regular Vicodin should be taken in any 24 hours. The standard dose of Vicodin ES is one tablet each four to six hours as needed. No more than five Vicodin ES should be taken in any 24 hours. For Vicodin HP the standard dosage is one tablet every four to six hours as needed. No more than six Vicodin ES should be taken in any 24 hours. The maximum dosages are intended to limit the total daily dose of acetaminophen to 4 grams per day. Vicodin should be taken with food to minimize stomach upset.

Common adverse effects from Vicodin

Serious side effects of Vicodin include addiction, confusion, anxiety, bradycardia, low blood pressure, depressed respiratory function, drowsiness, constipation, difficulty passing urine and liver damage. More common but less serious side effects may include lightheadedness, vertigo nausea and mild constipation.

Vicodin warnings and precautions

You should consult your doctor if you have a history of asthma, sleep apnea or other breathing disorders, a history of head injury or brain tumor or a history of mental illness or any kind of addiction, low blood pressure, any gastrointestinal tract disorder, underactive thyroid, any adrenal gland disorder, liver or kidney disease or curvature of the spine. You should also inform your doctor if you are pregnant or my become pregnant. Both acetaminophen and hydrocodone may pass into breast milk to the detriment of a baby you are nursing. You should inform any surgeon who may treat you that you are taking Vicodin.

Interactions with Vicodin

Vicodin may interact with antidepressants, antipsychotics, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, sleep medications and other narcotic or opiate drugs. In addition, any other acetaminophen products taken concurrently may cause the safe daily dosage of this drug to be exceeded which puts the patient at the risk of liver damage. Alcohol may increase the risk of serious side effects from hydrocodone.

What if I take an accidental overdose of Vicodin?

Symptoms of acetaminophen overdose include loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, sweating, weakness, upper abdomen pain, dark urine and jaundice. Hydrocodone overdose symptoms include lethargy, constricted pupils, clammy skin, weak pulse, bradycardia and cyanosis. If you suspect that you or anyone else may have taken a Vicodin overdose, you should seek urgent medical assistance.