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Vicoprofen |
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What is Vicoprofen and why is it prescribed? Vicoprofen is a chemical cousin of the painkiller Vicodin. Both products contain the prescription pain medication hydrocodone. However, while Vicodin also includes acetaminophen, Vicoprofen replaces it with ibuprofen. Vicoprofen relieves acute pain. It is generally prescribed for less than 10 days, and cannot be used in the long-term treatment of osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. Vicoprofen can be habit-forming. If you take Vicoprofen over a long period of time, you can become both mentally and physically dependent on it, and you may find that it no longer works for you at the prescribed dose. How should you take Vicoprofen? Follow your doctors directions for taking Vicoprofen. Do not increase the amount you take or the number of doses per day without your doctor's approval. Vicoprofen should be used only for pain, and only as needed. If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take two doses at the same time. Store Vicoprofen at room temperature in a tightly sealed, light-resistant container. Are there any Vicoprofen side effects? Vicoprofen side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Vicoprofen side effects may include abdominal pain, anxiety, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, gas, headache, indigestion, infection, insomnia, itching, loss of strength, nausea, nervousness, sweating, swelling, and vomiting. Less common Vicoprofen side effects may include confusion, dark tarry stool, difficulty breathing, fever, flu symptoms, frequent urination, hiccups, inflammation of the throat and nasal passages, loss of appetite, mouth ulcers, pain, ringing in the ears, skin tingling, stomach inflammation, tension, thinking abnormalities, thirst, and throbbing heartbeat. Rare Vicoprofen side effects may include abnormal dreams, agitation, allergic reaction, altered vision, asthma, bad taste, bronchitis, chalky stool, decreased sex drive, depression, difficulty swallowing, dry eyes, elevated mood, hives, hoarseness, impotence, increased cough, inflamed sinuses, inflammation of the tongue or intestines, joint pain, low blood pressure, lung congestion, mood changes, muscle ache, pneumonia, rapid or irregular heartbeat, rash, shallow breathing, skin swelling, slurred speech, teeth clenching, tremor, urinary problems, vertigo, and weight loss. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Vicoprofen? If Vicoprofen is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Vicoprofen with ACE-inhibitor-type blood pressure and heart drugs (such as Capoten and Vasotec), Alcohol, Antidepressants (such as Elavil, Norpramin, and Pamelor), Antihistamines (such as Benadryl, chlorpheniramine, and Tavist), Aspirin, Blood-thinning drugs (such as Coumadin), Drugs that control muscle spasms (such as Artane and Cogentin), Lithium (Lithobid, Lithonate), Major tranquilizers (such as Haldol and Thorazine), Methotrexate (Rheumatrex), Other narcotic painkillers (such as Demerol, morphine, and Percocet), Sleeping pills (such as Halcion and Restoril), Tranquilizers (such as Ativan, Valium, and Xanax), or Water pills (such as Lasix and HydroDIURIL). Are there any special warnings about Vicoprofen? Vicoprofen can make you drowsy and slow. Alcohol, sedatives, tranquilizers, and other narcotic painkillers can increase drowsiness. Do not combine them with Vicoprofen. High doses of Vicoprofen may produce troubled, irregular, or slowed breathing. If you are sensitive to this drug, or have a head injury, such problems are more likely. Narcotics tend to increase the pressure of the fluid inside the skull, and this effect can be exaggerated by a head injury. Avoid Vicoprofen if possible. Use Vicoprofen with caution if you have a severe liver or kidney disorder, heart failure, lupus, underactive thyroid or adrenal glands, an enlarged prostate, or any narrowing of the duct that drains the bladder. Caution is also called for in those who are weak, elderly, or dehydrated. Vicoprofen suppresses the cough reflex so use it cautiously if you have a lung condition or have just had surgery. The ibuprofen in Vicoprofen has been known to cause ulcers, and stomach bleeding can start without warning. If you have had such problems in the past, make sure the doctor is aware of it. Smoking, drinking, old age, and poor health make stomach problems more likely. Vicoprofen can prolong bleeding time and cause a decrease in blood cell count. If you are taking a blood-thinning medication, use Vicoprofen with caution. Vicoprofen can also cause water retention. Be cautious if you have high blood pressure or poor heart function. Contact your doctor if you notice any signs of stomach or intestinal bleeding, suffer blurred vision or other eye problems, get a skin rash, or notice any weight gain or swelling. If you have a severe allergic reaction, stop taking Vicoprofen and seek medical help immediately. |
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Information on this website is provided for educational purposes and should not replace discussions with your doctor. |
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