Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ASTRAMORPH PF versus VICODIN HP.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ASTRAMORPH PF versus VICODIN HP.
ASTRAMORPH PF vs VICODIN HP
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 that inhibits ascending pain pathways; acetaminophen inhibits cyclooxygenase and has antipyretic effects.
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.
One tablet (hydrocodone bitartrate 10 mg/acetaminophen 660 mg) orally every 4-6 hours as needed for pain; maximum 6 tablets per day.
None Documented
None Documented
Terminal elimination half-life: 2-4 hours; prolonged in renal impairment (up to 12 hours in anuria) and elderly
Hydrocodone: 3.8-5.5 hours (mean 4.5 h). Acetaminophen: 2-3 hours. Clinical context: dosing interval every 4-6 hours for acute pain.
Renal: 70-80% unchanged; Biliary/Fecal: 10-20% as metabolites
Primarily renal: hydrocodone is eliminated as conjugated metabolites (glucuronides) ~80%; unchanged drug ~5%. Biliary/fecal: minor, <10%.
Category C
Category C
Opioid Analgesic
Opioid Analgesic