Patient was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking Vicodin as follows:
- Vicodin has the potential to increase the intracranial pressure. Maintain a close watch for signs of elevated intracranial pressure, such as, headache, vomiting, double vision, and confusion. Individuals with history of head injury, curvature of the spine, and intracranial lesions are at increased risk for elevated intracranial pressures. Report any such findings to your physician immediately for a change in plan of care to be considered.
- Do not take Vicodin with alcohol. Both alcohol and Vicodin depress the respirations. When taken together, their effects on respirations can get added up and lead to severe respiratory depression and can even be fatal. Also, this can increase your risk of liver damage, as Vicodin contains acetaminophen and acetaminophen with alcohol is a dangerous combination for the liver.
- Do not abuse Vicodin by continuing to take the medication, even after the pain resolved.
- Vicodin is mainly excreted in the urine. Individuals with compromised renal functions tend to retain the drug in the circulation longer, thus resulting in toxicity. Vicodin should be avoided or used with extreme caution in such individuals. Observe compliance with any labs ordered for evaluation of renal function.
