Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ASTRAMORPH PF versus VICODIN ES.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ASTRAMORPH PF versus VICODIN ES.
ASTRAMORPH PF vs VICODIN ES
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
Mu-opioid receptor agonist; produces analgesia, sedation, and euphoria by mimicking endogenous endorphins.
Hydrocodone is a mu-opioid receptor agonist; acetaminophen inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX) and modulates descending serotonergic pathways.
Intravenous: 8-10 mg over 2-5 minutes; may be repeated every 8-12 hours as needed. Oral (immediate release): 10-20 mg every 4-6 hours as needed. Oral (extended release): 10-40 mg every 12 hours.
Oral: 1 tablet (7.5 mg hydrocodone/300 mg acetaminophen) every 4-6 hours as needed for pain; maximum 6 tablets per day due to acetaminophen limit.
None Documented
None Documented
Terminal elimination half-life: 2-4 hours; prolonged in renal impairment (up to 12 hours in anuria) and elderly
Hydrocodone: terminal half-life approximately 3.3-4.5 hours in adults, extended in hepatic or renal impairment. Acetaminophen: terminal half-life about 2-3 hours.
Renal: 70-80% unchanged; Biliary/Fecal: 10-20% as metabolites
Hydrocodone: primarily renal (urine) as unchanged drug and metabolites (O-demethylation and 6-keto-reduction products); ~26% excreted unchanged. Acetaminophen: renal (urine), ~85% as glucuronide and sulfate conjugates, ~2% unchanged.
Category C
Category C
Opioid Analgesic
Opioid Analgesic