Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: DEMEROL versus VICODIN HP.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: DEMEROL versus VICODIN HP.
DEMEROL vs VICODIN HP
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
Meperidine is an opioid agonist that binds to mu-opioid receptors in the central nervous system, mimicking endogenous endorphins to produce analgesia, sedation, and euphoria. It also has additional weak actions at kappa and delta receptors.
Hydrocodone is a mu-opioid receptor agonist that inhibits ascending pain pathways; acetaminophen inhibits cyclooxygenase and has antipyretic effects.
50-150 mg IM, IV, or SC every 3-4 hours as needed for pain; oral 50-150 mg every 3-4 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
2.5-4 hours; prolonged in hepatic impairment (7-11 hours) 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 (90% as metabolites and unchanged drug; ~5% unchanged) and biliary/fecal (minor).
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