icoprofen
combines two widely used analgesics. It produces a wonderful combination
for the management of dental pain. The additive effect provides the
doctor with an alternative for the patient seeking pain relief.
The Vicoprofen tablet is 7.5 mg of Hydrocodone Bitrate with 200
mg of Ibuprofen. Hydrocodone Bitrate is a semi-synthetic, central acting
opoid. Ibuprofren is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, peripheral
acting drug. It is supplied in a fixed combination orally for short
term usage (usually less than 10 days). Any contraindications and
warnings for Ibuprofren are the same for Hydrocodone and Ibuprofen respectively.
Knoll Pharmaceutical Company provides research describing the analgesic.
They claim that there is a rapid onset of 11.0 to 16.2 minutes with its
maximum effect in one hour. They also claim that most adverse reactions
were mild and moderate with gastrointestinal reactions common. The
manufacturer recommends 1 tablet every four to six hours with a maximum
dosage of 5 tablets for a 24-hour period. Their study found that
one Vicoprofen (7.5 mg) was equal in relieving pain to two tablets of acetaminophen
with codeine (300 mg/30 mg x 2).
The suggested prescription is Vicoprofen #40 Tabs. I usually
dispense #12—#16, with instructions to take one tablet every 4-6 hours
as needed for pain.
I give this product a Four Star rating. I like hydrocodone
for some of my patients because they tolerate it better than codeine.
Some patients don’t like the side effects of codeine but aren’t
allergic to it and would like pain relief similar to codeine’s narcotic
effects.
Ibuprofen has also been shown to be effective in
treating inflammation. In the past, I have had the patients alternate
between Tylenol with codeine and Advil. Vicoprofen in this combination
seems to be effective and worth trying.
11/02/1999
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icoprofen
combines two widely used analgesics. It produces a wonderful combination
for the management of dental pain. The additive effect provides the
doctor with an alternative for the patient seeking pain relief.
