Why is acetaminophen in vicodin

But acetaminophen may cause other unwanted effects when taken in large doses, including liver damage. Hydrocodone belongs to the group of medicines called narcotic analgesics pain medicines.

It acts on the central nervous system CNS to relieve pain, and stops or prevents cough. When hydrocodone is used for a long time, it may become habit-forming, causing mental or physical dependence. However, people who have continuing pain should not let the fear of dependence keep them from using narcotics to relieve their pain. Mental dependence addiction is not likely to occur when narcotics are used for this purpose. Physical dependence may lead to withdrawal side effects if treatment is stopped suddenly.

However, severe withdrawal side effects can usually be prevented by gradually reducing the dose over a period of time before treatment is stopped completely. There is a problem with information submitted for this request.

Sign up for free, and stay up-to-date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID, plus expert advice on managing your health. Error Email field is required. Taking this medication with drugs that can inhibit activity of certain liver enzymes can increase the amount of hydrocodone in your body and cause more side effects.

You may have increased breathing problems or drowsiness. Examples of these drugs include:. Taking this medication with drugs that can increase activity of certain liver enzymes can lower the amount of hydrocodone or acetaminophen in your body. You may need a higher dose of this medication to control your pain.

However, because drugs interact differently in each person, we cannot guarantee that this information includes all possible interactions.

Always speak with your healthcare provider about possible interactions with all prescription drugs, vitamins, herbs and supplements, and over-the-counter drugs that you are taking.

Taking it again could be fatal cause death. Drinking alcohol while taking this medication may cause:. For people with head injury: If you have a head injury, hydrocodone may cause increased pressure in your brain and cause breathing problems. For people with stomach problems: Use caution taking this drug if you have intestinal obstruction, ulcerative colitis, or constipation.

This medication may worsen your symptoms. For people with severe kidney disease: This drug may build up in your body, which can cause trouble breathing and other side effects. For people with lung disease: If you have lung disease, you might have trouble breathing if you take this medication.

For people with severe liver disease: If you have severe liver disease, your risk of liver failure is increased. Also, this drug may build up in your body, which can cause trouble breathing and other side effects. For people with prostate enlargement: If you have an enlarged prostate, taking acetaminophen-hydrocodone may cause increased difficulty in urination. For people with asthma : If you have severe or uncontrolled asthma, do not use this medication without talking to your doctor.

You may have to take the first few doses in a monitored setting. For pregnant women: This drug is a category C pregnancy drug. That means two things:. Babies born to mothers who regularly take opioids such as hydrocodone may be born physically dependent on this drug.

This can cause symptoms of withdrawal, or neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome. Symptoms can include:. For women who are breastfeeding: Acetaminophen is passed in small amounts in breast milk.

Hydrocodone also passes into breast milk and may result in excessive tiredness and slowed breathing in a child who is breastfed. Breastfeeding while taking this medication may come with risks. For seniors: Older adults may have decreased kidney, liver, and heart function.

All possible dosages and drug forms may not be included here. Your dosage, drug form, and how often you take the drug will depend on:. However, because drugs affect each person differently, we cannot guarantee that this list includes all possible dosages.

Always speak with your doctor or pharmacist about dosages that are right for you. Acetaminophen-hydrocodone is used for short- or long-term treatment. For this drug to work well, a certain amount needs to be in your body at all times. This could result in dangerous side effects. If you take too much: If you take too much, you can overdose on this medication.

If you or someone you are with overdoses, call your local emergency number such as , or your local poison center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline from anywhere in the United States. Acetaminophen with hydrocodone is the main ingredient in many prescription painkillers, including:.

Seek medical help right away. DO NOT make the person throw up unless poison control or a health care provider tells you to. Your local poison control center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline from anywhere in the United States.

This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions. This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the United States use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The provider will measure and monitor the person's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. How well someone does depends on how much hydrocodone and acetaminophen they swallowed and how quickly they receive treatment. The faster medical help is given, the better the chance for recovery. A hospital stay may be needed for more doses of the medicine that reverses the effects of the drug. Complications may cause permanent disability.