Vicodin vs Vicodin ES

Pain management is important among healthcare practitioners, mostly for doctors and nurses, as they render direct care among patients. Patients in hospitals are susceptible to pain primarily the post-operative clients who have undergone surgery and injuries. The wound is fresh inside and out, and intense painkillers must be given prior to the weaning off of the anesthesia.

Most painkillers given in these situations are mild analgesics. But when the patients ask for more, they are given more intense types of painkillers. One such class of drugs which falls into this category are Vicodin and Vicodin ES. Let us try to distinguish their differences.

Vicodin and Vicodin ES are classified under hydrocodones. Hydrocodone is somewhat related to codeine. It is a pain reliever, a narcotic ,and cough suppressant. So it has many functions. The generic name of both drugs are hydrocodone/acetaminophen. Since it contains acetaminophen, it can also be used at the same time to lower fever and to make the pain really much more tolerable since there is a synergistic effect when hydrocodone and acetaminophen are combined together.

Thus, Vicodin and Vicodin ES are brand names of the said generic drug. There are no major differences except for a few details. Vicodin is available in 5mg/500mg dosages while Vicodin ES is available in 7.5mg/750mg dosages.

There are several adverse effects that must be reported when taking both drugs such as: shallow breathing, slow pulse or heartbeat, fainting, seizure, nausea, stomach pain, itching, and problems with urination. These should be reported immediately to your physician.

Vicodin and Vicodin ES are manufactured by Abbott Laboratories. Both are given for moderate pain to moderately severe pain.

Summary:

1. Vicodin and Vicodin ES are classified under hydrocodones.
2. The generic name of both drugs are hydrocodone/acetaminophen.
3. Vicodin and Vicodin ES are brand names of the said generic drug.
4. Vicodin is available in 5mg/500mg dosages while Vicodin ES is available in 7.5mg/750mg dosages.
5. Vicodin and Vicodin ES is manufactured by Abbott Laboratories.
6. There are several adverse effects that must be reported when taking both drugs such as: shallow breathing, slow pulse or heartbeat, fainting, seizure, nausea, stomach pain, itching, and problems with urination. These should be reported immediately to your physician.

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