Vicodin is a combination medication that contains hydrocodone (an opioid) and acetaminophen (an analgesic). It's used to manage pain for people who haven't gotten enough relief from non-opioid medications. Vicodin (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) is a pill that's taken by mouth. Common side effects include nausea and sleepiness.
Please note: The brand name Vicodin is no longer available in the United States. Talk to your prescriber about alternative options to manage your pain.
Vicodin (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) is a combination of two medications that work together to treat pain.
Vicodin (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Vicodin (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) is a controlled substance because there's a risk for misuse and addiction. Take the medication exactly as prescribed. Don't change the dose or how often you take it without talking to your prescriber first.
Misusing Vicodin (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) might cause the medication to work less well. It can also raise the risk for serious and possibly life-threatening side effects, such as dangerously slow breathing, inability to stay awake, addiction, and opioid overdose. You'll be prescribed the lowest amount of Vicodin (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) that can help manage your pain for the shortest period of time possible.
Because of the risk for misuse, addiction, and overdose, Vicodin (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) is only available through a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) program called the Opioid Analgesic REMS program. Your prescriber and pharmacy must register with the program, receive training on proper medication use, and talk with you about how to safely use Vicodin (hydrocodone / acetaminophen).
Opioids like Vicodin (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) can cause dangerously slow breathing, which can be life-threatening. This can happen to anyone and at recommended doses. But the risk is greatest when you first start treatment or when your dose goes up.
Don't drink alcohol while you're taking an opioid medication. And don't take opioids at the same time as other medications that slow your body down (e.g., benzodiazepines, other opioids, muscle relaxants). Doing so raises your risk of extremely slowed breathing.
Your prescriber might write a prescription for naloxone (Narcan), a medication that helps reverse slowed breathing from opioids. Keep it with you at all times. Use naloxone, call 911, and get medical help right away if you or your loved one notices that you have trouble breathing or have bluish-colored lips, fingers, or toes.
Take opioid medications like Vicodin (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) exactly as prescribed. Taking too much or taking them more often than prescribed can lead to an overdose. In addition, it can be very dangerous if someone accidentally swallows the medication. Place the opioid medication out of reach from children, pets, or visitors to prevent accidental overdose.
Symptoms of an opioid overdose include not responding to sound or touch, extremely slowed breathing, extreme sleepiness, slow heartbeat, and cold or clammy skin. Be sure you and your loved ones know how to recognize an overdose. Your prescriber will probably write a prescription for naloxone (Narcan), a medication that can treat an opioid overdose. Have naloxone with you at all times; use it and call 911 right away if an overdose happens.
Opioids like Vicodin (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) can cause extreme sleepiness. They can also lower your ability to think, react, and focus. Don't drink alcohol or take other medications that can cause sleepiness or "brain fog" (e.g., benzodiazepines, muscle relaxants, sleep medications) with Vicodin (hydrocodone / acetaminophen). Doing so can worsen these side effects.
Make sure you know how opioid medications affect you before driving a car or doing activities that require your concentration. Talk to a healthcare professional (HCP) if you feel too sleepy after taking an opioid medication.
Vicodin (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) contains acetaminophen. Taking too much acetaminophen can cause liver damage that can be life-threatening. The risk for liver damage is higher if you're taking more than one medication that contains acetaminophen, if you already have liver problems, or if you regularly drink alcohol.
Let your prescriber know about your medical history, especially if you have liver problems, before you take Vicodin (hydrocodone / acetaminophen). Also avoid drinking alcohol while you're taking this medication. Your prescriber can discuss how much acetaminophen you can take per day depending on your age and your risk for liver damage.
Call an HCP right away if you notice any symptoms of liver damage. These symptoms can include tiredness, dark urine, upset stomach, stomach pain, or yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes.
Vicodin (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) interacts with a lot of common medications. So it's important to tell your prescriber and pharmacist about the medications you're taking and planning to take with Vicodin (hydrocodone / acetaminophen). Your care team can check that your medications are safe to take together. Also talk to your care team before making any changes to your medications because sudden adjustments can also lead to harm.
Some interactions can raise the level of Vicodin (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) in your body. This can raise your risk for serious side effects, including potentially life-threatening slowed breathing. Examples of medications that interact this way with Vicodin (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) include erythromycin, ketoconazole, and ritonavir (Norvir).
Other drug interactions can lower the levels of Vicodin (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) in your body. This can cause the opioid medication to work less well for pain and possibly lead to withdrawal symptoms. These interactions include taking Vicodin (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) with rifampin (Rifadin) or carbamazepine (Tegretol).
Long-term use of Vicodin (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) during pregnancy can cause your unborn baby to become dependent on the medication. This is because the opioid (hydrocodone) can pass through the placenta to your unborn baby.
Once your baby is born, they can experience withdrawal symptoms, such as high-pitched crying, poor feeding behavior, abnormal sleep patterns, and seizures. These symptoms can be life-threatening if not recognized and treated in time. Let your HCP know if you've used Vicodin (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) or any other opioids during pregnancy or if you notice these symptoms in your baby.
Severe allergic reactions to Vicodin (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) are possible, including life-threatening reactions like facial swelling, shock, and anaphylaxis (e.g., closing of the throat). Though rare, acetaminophen can also cause serious skin reactions, like rash, blisters, skin reddening, or skin peeling. Get medical help right away if you notice unusual changes in your skin, swelling of the lips or tongue, or difficulty breathing.
Opioids like Vicodin (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) can cause physical dependence when they're taken for a long time. This means that your body starts to rely on the medication to function. You might experience withdrawal if you suddenly stop taking the medication or lower your dose too fast. Withdrawal symptoms can be bothersome and include anxiety, restlessness, irritability, sweating, and chills.
Don't lower your dose or stop taking the medication suddenly without talking to your prescriber first. Your prescriber will slowly lower your dose to prevent withdrawal symptoms. Talk to your prescriber about alternative pain medications if you have concerns about the risk for dependence and withdrawal with opioid use.
Vicodin (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) and other opioids can cause extremely low blood pressure. Your blood pressure might drop when you stand from a sitting or lying down position. This can lead to dizziness and fainting. To avoid falling, get up slowly if you've been sitting or lying down. Talk to your HCP if any dizziness or lightheadedness doesn't go away.
Some people who take opioid medications like Vicodin (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) have had low adrenal hormone levels. This might be more likely to happen after taking opioids for longer than 1 month. Symptoms include tiredness, dizziness, weakness, not feeling hungry, and nausea. Call an HCP if you have these symptoms. If your adrenal hormone levels are too low, you might need to stop Vicodin (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) and get treated with corticosteroids.
Opioids such as hydrocodone can raise the risk of having seizures more often in people who've had one before. Opioid medications can also raise your risk of seizures in certain situations. Get medical help right away if you have a seizure while you're taking this medication.
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
More common
Dizziness
lightheadedness
Incidence not known
Back, leg, or stomach pains
black, tarry stools
bleeding gums
blood in the urine or stools
blood in vomit
bluish lips or skin
chills
choking
dark urine
decrease in the frequency of urination
decrease in urine volume
difficult or trouble breathing
difficulty in passing urine (dribbling)
difficulty with swallowing
fast heartbeat
fever with or without chills
general body swelling
general feeling of tiredness or weakness
headache
hoarseness
irregular, fast or slow, or shallow breathing
light-colored stools
loss of appetite
lower back or side pain
nosebleeds
not breathing
painful or difficult urination
pale or blue lips, fingernails, or skin
pinpoint red spots on the skin
puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
severe or continuing stomach pain
sore tongue
sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
tightness in the chest
unable to speak
unusual bleeding or bruising
unusual tiredness or weakness
upper right abdominal or stomach pain
vomiting
yellow eyes and skin
Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:
Symptoms of overdose
Bloody or cloudy urine
change in consciousness
chest pain or discomfort
cold and clammy skin
decreased awareness or responsiveness
extreme drowsiness
general feeling of discomfort or illness
increased sweating
irregular heartbeat
lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
loss of consciousness
no blood pressure or pulse
no muscle tone or movement
not breathing
severe sleepiness
slow or irregular heartbeat
stopping of heart
sudden decrease in the amount of urine
unpleasant breath odor
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
Drowsiness
relaxed and calm feeling
sleepiness
Incidence not known
Belching
changes in mood
difficulty having a bowel movement
fear or nervousness
feeling of indigestion
hearing loss
impaired hearing
pain in the chest below the breastbone
unusual drowsiness, dullness, tiredness, weakness, or feeling of sluggishness
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Yes, opioid medications like Vicodin (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) have a risk for addiction. It's one of the reasons why opioids are considered controlled substances. Addiction can happen as a result of misuse, or when a medication is used for non-medical reasons for its desirable physical or emotional effects. Signs of addiction include having cravings to use the medication, continuing to use the medication even though you have negative consequences from it, and having withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking it. Take opioid medications exactly as prescribed to you. Don't change the dose or how often you take it without talking to your prescriber. Talk with your prescriber if you're concerned about the risk for addiction.
Yes, opioids like Vicodin (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) can make you sleepy. Let your prescriber and care team know if you're taking other medications that make you sleepy, such as benzodiazepines or muscle relaxants. Mixing opioids with these types of medications or alcohol can make sleepiness more intense. Avoid alcohol while you're taking opioids. Also avoid driving or doing anything that requires concentration until you know how Vicodin (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) affects you.
It takes about 30 minutes for Vicodin (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) to start working to relieve pain.
Vicodin (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) and Percocet (oxycodone / acetaminophen) are both pain medications that contain a combination of an opioid and acetaminophen. But the opioid is different: Vicodin contains hydrocodone, and Percocet contains oxycodone. Some studies comparing these opioids showed that they generally work just as well as each other for pain. Nausea and dizziness occurred less often in people who took acetaminophen with hydrocodone than with oxycodone. But another study found that constipation from hydrocodone was more common than from oxycodone. Speak with your prescriber to learn more about the differences between Vicodin and Percocet.
Norco and Vicodin are brand-name medications that contain the same two active ingredients, hydrocodone and acetaminophen. Both brand-name medications have strengths that contain 5 mg, 7.5 mg, or 10 mg of hydrocodone. But Vicodin and Norco contain differing amounts of acetaminophen. Both Vicodin and Norco brand names have been discontinued and aren't available in the United States anymore. But there are generic hydrocodone/acetaminophen tablets that are still available.
Opioids like Vicodin (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) generally aren't recommended during pregnancy unless the benefits are clearly greater than the risks. Taking opioids while you're expecting can raise the risk of developmental and growth problems in your baby. Your unborn baby can become dependent on the opioid and then develop neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome after they're born. This is a serious, life-threatening problem that happens when your newborn baby has opioid withdrawal symptoms, like poor feeding and sucking behavior, abnormal sleep patterns, and possibly seizures. Your baby will need immediate medical care if this happens. Discuss with your prescriber about the risks and benefits of Vicodin (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) if you're pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant. There might be safer options for you.
Discuss with your prescriber about the risks and benefits of taking Vicodin (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) while you're breastfeeding. If you need to breastfeed, it's usually recommended to try non-opioid pain medications first before considering opioid medications. This is because the hydrocodone in this combination medication can get into breast milk. Breastfeeding your baby while you're taking this opioid medication can raise the risk of serious and potentially life-threatening side effects in your baby. These side effects can include sleepiness, slowed breathing or other breathing problems, slowed heartbeat, and limpness. Speak with your prescriber about other options that might be safer, like switching to another medication or using baby formula instead.
| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10mg/325mg | 120 tablets | $20.98 | $0.17 |
| 5mg/325mg | 12 tablets | $8.16 | $0.68 |
| 7.5mg/325mg | 90 tablets | $22.10 | $0.25 |
| 5mg/300mg | 12 tablets | $9.91 | $0.83 |
| 7.5mg/300mg | 90 tablets | $23.79 | $0.26 |
| 10mg/300mg | 120 tablets | $36.59 | $0.30 |
| 2.5mg/325mg | 12 tablets | $8.72 | $0.73 |
Your prescriber will work with you to find the right dose of Vicodin (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) for your individual needs. It's recommended to use the lowest dose possible for the shortest duration of time to manage your pain.
Vicodin (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) is typically taken by mouth every 4 to 6 hours as needed for pain.
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Vicodin (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) will not be safe for you to take.