Hydrocodone vs Vicodin
Hydrocodone and Vicodin are drugs that are given to alleviate pain. Pain as a fifth vital sign is another important assessment among humans. Pain can be a sign of impending deadly occurrences, such as, chest pain in heart attacks. However, Vicodin and Hydrocodone aren’t indicated for the heart.
Hydrocodone is a chemical which was discovered in Germany during 1920 by Carl Mannich and Helene Lowenheim. It was approved for production in the US during the 1940’s.
Hydrocodone was manufactured first and became a brand name. Vicodin, on the other hand, became one of its trade names. Hydrocodone is an opioid narcotic while Vicodin is made up of two substances: Paracetamol and Hydrocodone. Paracetamol acts as an analgesic or pain killer and as an antipyretic or fever reducer.
Hydrocodone is used as an analgesic and antitussive. Antitussive is indicated for coughing. It suppresses the individual’s urge to cough. Hydrocodone is also used as a sleeping aide. Non-medical use of Hydrocodone is to make the person in a state of euphoria or happiness. Vicodin, on the other hand, is indicated for mild to severe pain the same as Hydrocodone. It is also used for severe cough thus it is also an antitussive.
The side effects of Vicodin are gastrointestinal upsets, dizziness, and nausea. The side effects of Hydrocodone are itching, nausea, sweating, and euphoria or state of happiness. Adverse effects, such as, allergies should be reported to the physician immediately. Vicodin and Hydrocodone should be taken as prescribed by your doctors. Do not experiment by taking larger doses because this may compromise your health.
Hydrocodone should not be taken along with the following substances including: alcohol, barbiturates, cocaine, among others because it may cause respiratory depression, liver problems, heart attack, pulmonary failure, amnesia, and seizures. Vicodin should not be taken along with antidepressant drugs, MAO inhibitors, bladder medications, and Irritable Bowel meds to ensure safety and avoid drug interactions.
Summary:
1.
Hydrocodone is a drug with only a single component while Vicodin contains two substances.
2.
Hydrocodone was discovered earlier while Vicodin was made later.
3.
Hydrocodone was manufactured as a brand name while Vicodin was under Hydrocodone as one of its trade names.
4.
Both drugs are indicated as analgesic and antitussive.