Dr. Ogbru received his Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy in 1995. He completed a Pharmacy Practice Residency at the University of Arizona/University Medical Center in 1996. He was a Professor of Pharmacy Practice and a Regional Clerkship Coordinator for the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy from 1996-99.
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: Hydrocodone is a narcotic pain-reliever and a cough
suppressant, similar to codeine. Hydrocodone blocks the receptors on nerve cells
in the brain that give rise to the sensation of pain. Acetaminophen is a
non-narcotic analgesic (pain reliever) and antipyretic (fever reducer).
Acetaminophen works by elevating the threshold to pain, that is, in order for
pain to be felt, greater stimulation of the nerves responsible for the sensation
of pain is necessary. It reduces fever through its action on the
temperature-regulating center of the brain. Frequently, hydrocodone and
acetaminophen are combined to achieve pain relief, as in Vicodin and Lortab. For
more information please see acetaminophen (Tylenol).
PRESCRIPTION: Yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes
PREPARATIONS: Tablets, capsules and liquid. Among the many brands the dose of
acetaminophen ranges between 500 and 750 mg, and the dose of hydrocodone ranges
between 2.5 and 10 mg.
STORAGE: Hydrocodone/acetaminophen should be stored at room
temperature, between 15-30°C (59-86°F).
PRESCRIBED FOR: Hydrocodone/acetaminophen is prescribed for the relief of
moderate to moderately severe pain.
DOSING: The usual dose for adults is 1 to 2 tablets or capsules (hydrocodone
2.5 to 10 mg; acetaminophen 300 to 750 mg) every 4 to 6 hours or 15 mL of liquid
every 4 to 6 hours as needed.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Combining alcohol and other sedatives with hydrocodone can
lead to increased sedation and even cause confusion. Combining carbamazepine
with acetaminophen may increase the risk of
liver toxicity.
NURSING MOTHERS: Hydrocodone/acetaminophen is excreted in
breast milk, and,
therefore should be used cautiously by nursing mothers.
SIDE EFFECTS: The most frequent adverse reactions include lightheadedness,
dizziness, sedation, nausea, and vomiting. Other side effects include
drowsiness, constipation, and spasm of the ureter, which can lead to difficulty
in urinating. Hydrocodone can impair thinking and the physical abilities
required for driving or operating machinery. Hydrocodone can depress breathing,
and should be used with caution in elderly, debilitated patients and in patients
with serious lung disease. Hydrocodone may be habit forming. Mental and physical
dependence can occur, but are unlikely when used for short-term pain relief.
There are many causes of back pain. Pain in the low back can relate to the bony lumbar spine, discs between the vertebrae, ligaments around the spine and discs, spinal cord and nerves, muscles of the low back, internal organs of the pelvis and abdomen, and the skin covering the lumbar area.
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.
Liver disease can be cause by a variety of things including infection (hepatitis), diseases such as gallstones, high cholesterol or triglycerides, blood flow obstruction to the liver, and toxins (medications and chemicals). Symptoms of liver disease depends upon the cause; however, common symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, upper right abdominal pain, and jaundice. Treatment depends upon the cause of the liver disease.
Neck pain (cervical pain) may be caused by any number of disorders and diseases. Tenderness is another symptom of neck pain. Though treatment for neck pain really depends upon the cause, treatment typically may involve heat/ice application, traction, physical therapy, cortisone injection, topical anesthetic creams, and muscle relaxants.
Tylenol liver damage (acetaminophen) can occur from accidentally ingesting too much acetaminophen, or intentionally. Acetaminophen is a drug contained in over 200 OTC and prescription medications from NyQuil to Vicodin. Avoiding unintentional overdoses include reading medication labels, write down the dosages of medications you are taking, do not drink excessive alcohol while taking acetaminophen. In severe cases, a liver transplant may be necessary.
Fractures occur when bone cannot withstand the outside forces applied to the bone. Fractures can be open or closed. Types of fractures include: greenstick, spiral, comminuted, transverse, compound, or vertebral compression. Common fractures include: stress fracture, compression fracture, rib fracture, and skull fracture. Treatment depends upon the type of fracture.
Coccydynia is an inflammation of the bony area (tailbone or coccyx) located between the buttocks. Coccydynia is associated with pain and tenderness at the tip of the tailbone between the buttocks. Pain is often worsened by sitting. There are many causes of tailbone pain that can mimic coccydynia including: fracture, pilonidal cysts, infection, and sciatica. Treatment methods include medication and rest.
Whiplash is a common injury to a person's neck following a car accident (in most cases). Symptoms include: headache, neck pain, neck and shoulder stiffness, shoulder pain, fatigue, dizziness, jaw pain, arm pain, weakness of the arm(s), visual disturbances, and tinnitus. Diagnosis is generally with a physical exam, x-rays, or possibly an MRI. Treatment generally includes physical therapy and time.
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.
Rotator cuff disease is damage to any of the four tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint. Shoulder pain and tenderness are common symptoms. Rotator cuff disease treatment depends on the severity of the shoulder injury.
Chronic pain is pain (an unpleasant sense of discomfort) that persists or progresses over a long period of time. In contrast to acute pain that arises suddenly in response to a specific injury and is usually treatable, chronic pain persists over time and is often resistant to medical treatments.
Whiplash is a relatively common injury that occurs to a person's neck
following a sudden acceleration-deceleration force, most commonly from motor
vehicle accidents. The term "whiplash" was first used in 1928. The term "railway
spine" was used to describe a similar condition that was common in persons
involved in train accidents prior to 1928. The term "whiplash injury" describes
damage to both the bone structures and soft tissues, while "whiplash associated
disorders" describes a more severe and chronic condition.
Fortunately, whiplash is typically not a life threatening injury, but it can
lead to a prolonged period of partial disability. There are significant economic
expenses related to whiplash that can reach 30 billion dollars a year in the United
States, including:
Chronic Pain RSS
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