Patient was educated on Vicodin and its mechanism of action as follows:

1. Vicodin is a pain medication that is combination of an opioid pain killer and a non-opioid pain killer.
2. The opioid pain killer in Vicodin is Hydrocodone that is derived from codeine and the non-opioid pain killer is the Acetaminophen.
3. Vicodin is used to relieve moderate to severe pain.
4. Vicodin binds with the opioid receptors in the brain and block the release of excitatory neurotransmitters, such as, substance P, which are involved with pain production. Thus, Vicodin primarily modifies the pain signaling in the brain.
5. This action of Vicodin alters the perception of pain by the patient.
6. The Acetaminophen reduces the fever and is a less potent pain reliever that potentiates the action of Hydrocodone.