Archive for August, 2011

Vital Facts About The Drug Vicodin

SUMMARY: Vicodin is among the drug of choice used against moderate to severe case of pain. The effectiveness of this compound is attributed to the potent combination of acetaminophen and hydrocodone. These narcotic and non-narcotic ingredients are strong enough to eliminate body discomforts. However, due to the addictive properties of a narcotic drug, vicodin must be utilized with caution under the strict control of a doctor’s prescription.

Vicodin is a significant medicine used by doctors to treat moderate to severe pain. The effect of this drug is strong. Its capability to inhibit substances which cause soreness or body aches is vital to the compound’s reaction in eliminating pain. Vicodin has long been in circulation as a trusted pain medication. However, acquiring it needs a physician’s prescription. The scientific name for vicodin is acetaminophen hydrocodone. The elements contained in this compound are both narcotic and non-narcotic. Hydrocodone belongs to substances which constitutes narcotic ingredients that repel pain. On the other hand, acetaminophen is a common drug utilized against common sting or throbbing.

The potent drug is also known as Lorcet, Lortab and Norco in the market. Vicodin is a popular choice as a pain reliever in Western countries. One big reason for this is its immediate effect against serious body tenderness. Abbott Laboratories manufacture the drug since its development in the early 80s. Vicodin is made available through oral, tablet and capsule forms. While the compound is an effective option against the relentless onset of pain, it is also considered dangerous. The drug is classified as a controlled substance under Schedule Three under the Federal Drug Law. It means that Vicodin needs prescription without the supporting paper works. It also indicates that only a limited number of its forms can be purchased to control an individual’s intake upon doctor’s instructions.

What keeps Vicodin a level above the rest of the other pain medications is its powerful and effective toning down of body disturbances. A large percentage of acetaminophen dominates the content of the compound with a small part addition of the hydrocodone substance. There is a reason why both elements have been mixed to form a strong combination. Aside from its function in eliminating pain, acetaminophen also allows a quick absorption of hydrocodone into the body. This immediate incorporation into the system allows both elements to counter the disturbing components of pain.

The acetaminophen content of vicodin has added indication. Aside from its role in eliminating pain, it is also counters cough symptoms. Although it has been manufactured primarily as a pain reliever, the acetaminophen ingredient in the drug can also be utilized in countering other body disturbances like fever. The normal vicodin content is 500 mg acetaminophen and 5 mg hydrocodone. However, higher doses like the 7.5/750 and the 10/660 ratios are also available. Intake of the compound must be limited under eight tablets daily so as to prevent overdose. Due to its narcotic content, vicodin works in the brain to remove pain. It is very important that the use of this drug must take into account the addictive properties of its narcotic ingredient for the entire duration of the medical prescription. It should also be noted that combination with other substances like alcohol can be very dangerous.

Information About The Drug Codeine

Summary: Codeine is a powerful drug which can be found in many medicines for relieving minor aches and cough. It is available in syrup and tablet form.

Codeine is a weak pain reliever and cough medicine which is similar to morphine. It is a pain reliever derived from the opium poppy plant. The body actually converts a small amount of it into morphine. It works by binding the opioid receptors in the brain which transmit pain signals from the brain to the body. This increases the level of pain tolerance in the patient and decreases their discomfort. However, it does not completely relieve the pain and the patient can still feel it. It is combined with other medicines to make it more effective.

Codeine is also known as Codeine phosphate, codeine sulfate and methyl morphine. It is also unofficially known by many names such as T-threes, coties, etc. Doctors prescribe this pill with other medication for pain relief after minor surgery, broken bones, sprains, migraines and other minor pains. It only relieves the symptoms and does not treat the cause. It is more commonly found in cough syrups. This drug is not prescribed for those below the age of 16. Codeine comes in tablet, capsule and syrup form. It should only be taken in the measurement prescribed by your doctor.

Before taking Codeine, inform your doctor if you are allergic to it or under any other type of medication. It is also important to mention any type of surgery, illness or disease you may have had. Limit or stop your intake of Codeine if you are pregnant or breast feeding. Codeine is shown to be absorbed in breast milk and can be quiet harmful to your child. Codeine is also known to make a person drowsy, lightheaded and may cause dizziness and fainting. Thus avoid taking this medicine when driving, taking care of a child etc. Avoid taking alcohol when under this medication.

Codeine use can be quite addictive and habit forming and thus in most countries such as the United States, a prescription is required for this drug. Codeine is said to create a feeling of extreme happiness and well being. However, when the effects wear off, it can cause the user to feel depressed and nervous. This leads to addiction. It is quite easy to obtain Codeine legally as it is available in many cough syrups. Overdosing on codeine can be fatal as it can cause a patient to stop breathing. If you have forgotten one dose, take it as soon as your remember but avoid it if you are close to your next dose.