Drug Study
Drug Name Classification Indications Mechanism of Action
Generic Narcotic Moderate to Blocks release of
Analgesic moderately severe inhibitory
hydrocodone/ pain. neurotransmitters,
acetaminophen altering perception of
Short-term pain and emotional response
Trade due to an injury, to pain.
surgery, or dental Hydrocodone/ibuprofen
Vicodin procedure. combination raises pain
Occasionally, it is threshold by
used to treat nonselectively inhibiting
chronic cyclooxygenase;
pain, migraines, or prostaglandin synthesis
other types of then decreases and anti-
recurring, long- inflammatory and
term conditions analgesic effects occur.
that cause pain.
Acetaminophen is a non-
narcotic analgesic (pain
reliever) and antipyretic
(fever reducer).
Acetaminophen works by
elevating the threshold to
pain, that is, in order for
pain to be felt, greater
stimulation of the nerves
responsible for the
sensation of pain is
necessary. It reduces
fever through its action
on the temperature-
regulating center of the
brain. Frequently,
hydrocodone and
acetaminophen are
Route/Frequency/Dosage Adverse Reactions Drug Interaction Nursing Consideration
The usual dose for adults CNS: confusion, Combining alcohol  In prolonged use,
is 1 to 2 tablets or drowsiness, sedation, and other sedatives monitor for
capsules (hydrocodone dysphoria, euphoria, with hydrocodone psychological and
2.5 to 10 mg; floating feeling, can lead to increased physical dependence.
acetaminophen 300 to hallucinations, sedation and even  Watch closely for
750 mg) every 4 to 6 headache, anxiety, cause confusion. withdrawal symptoms
hours or 15 mL of liquid depression, fatigue, Combining when drug is
every 4 to 6 hours as insomnia, lethargy, carbamazepine discontinued.
needed. nervousness, slurred (Tegretol, Tegretol  Assess elderly patients
speech, tremor, XR , Equetro, carefully for adverse
asthenia, unusual Carbatrol) with reactions.
dreams acetaminophen may  Monitor for signs and
CV: orthostatic increase the risk of symptoms of drug
hypotension, liver toxicity. overdose, including
bradycardia, peripheral nausea, vomiting,
edema, blurred vision, cool and
palpitations, arrhythmias clammy skin, dizziness,
EENT: blurred vision, confusion, dyspnea,
vision changes, diplopia, respiratory depression,
miosis, tinnitus, bradycardia, hearing
pharyngitis, rhinitis, loss, tinnitus, headache,
sinusitis and mood or behavior
GI: nausea, vomiting, changes.
constipation, dysphagia,  Patient teaching
esophagitis, dyspepsia,  Tell patient drug may
flatulence, gastritis, cause drowsiness.
gastroenteritis, mouth Caution him to avoid
ulcers, dry mouth, driving and other
anorexia hazardous activities until
GU: urinary retention or CNS effects are known.
frequency, erectile  Inform patient that
dysfunction prolonged use may lead
to physical or
combined to achieve pain Respiratory: respiratory psychological
relief, as in Vicodin and depression, bronchitis, dependence.
Lortab. dyspnea  Caution patient to avoid
Skin: pruritus, urticaria, alcohol during therapy.
diaphoresis, flushing  Instruct patient to move
Other: physical or slowly when sitting up or
psychological drug standing, to avoid
dependence, drug dizziness from sudden
tolerance blood pressure
decrease.
 As appropriate, review
all other significant and
life-threatening adverse
reactions and
interactions, especially
those related to the
drugs, tests, herbs, and
behaviors mentioned
above.