hydrocodone and ibuprofen, Vicoprofen

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Pharmacy Author:

Eni Williams, PharmD, PhD

Eni Williams, PharmD, PhD

Dr. Eni Williams graduated from Creighton University in 1988 with a B.S. degree in pharmacy and a Doctor of Pharmacy from Howard University in 1994. She also obtained a Ph.D. in Public Policy in 2009 at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.

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Medical and Pharmacy Editor:

Jay W. Marks, MD

Jay W. Marks, MD

Jay W. Marks, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist. He graduated from Yale University School of Medicine and trained in internal medicine and gastroenterology at UCLA/Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

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GENERIC NAME: hydrocodone and ibuprofen

BRAND NAME: Vicoprofen

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Vicoprofen is a combination of an opioid analgesic (hydrocodone bitartrate, a pain reliever related to narcotics) and a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (ibuprofen). Both medications are effective for pain management. It is estimated that one tablet of Vicoprofen is as effective as two tablets of Tylenol #3 (acetaminophen 300 mg plus codeine 30 mg). Vicoprofen was approved by the FDA in 1997.

GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes

PRESCRIPTION: Yes

PREPARATIONS: Tablets: hydrocodone bitartrate 7.5 mg and ibuprofen 200 mg.

STORAGE: Tablets should be stored at room temperature between 15-30 C (59-86 F).

PRESCRIBED FOR: Vicoprofen is used for the short-term treatment of moderate to severe pain.

DOSING: The usual dose of Vicoprofen is one tablet every 4 to 6 hours as needed for pain. The manufacturer recommends a maximum of 5 tablets per day and a short-term duration of treatment (less than 10 days).

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Hydrocodone, like other narcotic pain-relievers, interacts with medications and drugs that slow the brain's processes, such as alcohol, barbiturates, skeletal muscle relaxants including carisoprodol (Soma), cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril), and benzodiazepines (for example, lorazepam [Ativan], and clonazepam [Klonopin]).

Opioids such as hydrocodone can slow bowel motility. When combined with medications that possess anticholinergic activity, this effect on the bowel may be accentuated, leading to marked constipation. Such drugs include dicyclomine (Bentyl), some antihistamines (for example, carbinoxamine [Rondec], clemastine [Tavist], diphenhydramine [Benadryl], promethazine [Phenergan]); some phenothiazines (for example, thioridazine [Mellaril], triflupromazine [Stelazine]); some tricyclic antidepressants (for example, amitriptyline [Elavil, Endep] amoxapine [Asendin], clomipramine [Anafranil], protriptyline [Vivactil]); clozapine (Clozaril), cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril), and disopyramide (Norpace). The use of antidiarrheals (for example, diphenoxylate [Lomotil], loperamide [Imodium]) in persons taking opioid analgesics such as hydrocodone can lead to severe constipation and possibly greater sedation.

Cimetidine (Tagamet), when used with opiate analgesics such as hydrocodone, can cause confusion, disorientation, seizures or respiratory depression by increasing blood concentrations of the opiate.

Ibuprofen, which has blood thinning (anticoagulant) properties, is used with caution in patients taking other blood thinning anticoagulants such as warfarin (Coumadin), because of an increased risk of bleeding. Concurrent use of ibuprofen and clopidogrel (Plavix) can also lead to increased risk of bleeding. Patients taking lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid) can develop toxic blood lithium levels if ibuprofen is taken at the same time. Ibuprofen may increase methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall) toxicity when used together.

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Need help identifying pills and medications? Use the pill identifier tool on RxList.