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.
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.
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.
The knee joint is composed of three compartments and ligaments which stabilize the joint. Causes of knee pain may include injury, degeneration, infrequently infection and rarely bone tumors. Although routine x-rays do not revel meniscus tears, they can be used to exclude other problems of the bones and tissues. The knee joint is the most commonly involved joint in rheumatic disease, as well as immune diseases that affect various tissues of the body.
Drug addiction is a chronic disease that causes drug-seeking behavior and drug use despite negative consequences to the user and those around him. Though the initial decision to use drugs is voluntary, changes in the brain caused by repeated drug abuse can affect a person's self-control and ability to make the right decisions and increase the urge to take drugs. Drug abuse and addiction are preventable.
Pain management and treatment can be simple or complex, according to its cause. There are two basic types of pain, nociceptive pain and neuropathic pain. Some causes of neuropathic pain includes: complex regional pain syndrome, interstitial cystitis, and irritable bowel syndrome. There are a variety of methods to treat chronic pain, which are dependant on the type of pain experienced.
Pain management can be simple or complex,
depending on the cause of the pain. An example of pain that is typically less complex would
be nerve root irritation
from a herniated disc with pain radiating down the leg. This condition
can often be alleviated with an epidural steroid injection and
physical therapy. Sometimes, however, the pain does not go away. This can
require a wide variety of skills and techniques to treat the pain. These skills
and techniques include:
Interventional procedures
Medication management
Physical therapy or chiropractic therapy
Psychological counseling and support
Acupuncture and other
alternative therapies; and
Referral to other medical specialists
All of these skills and services are necessary because pain can involve many
aspects of a person's daily life.
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