Vicodin™ Controlled Release

Trade Name Vicodin" Controlled Release, Vicodin CR"... 

Among the compounds that fall within this class are hydrocodone (e.g., Vicodin), oxycodone (e.g., OxyContin—an oral, controlled-release form of the drug), morphine, fentanyl, codeine, and related medications. Morphine and fentanyl are often used to alleviate severe pain, while codeine is used for milder pain. Other examples of opioids prescribed to relieve pain include propoxyphene (Darvon) hydromorphone (Dilaudid) and meperidine (Demerol), which is used less often because of its side effects. In addition to their effective pain-relieving properties, some of these medications can be used to relieve severe diarrhea (for example, Lomotil, also known as diphenoxylate) or severe coughs (codeine). 

Other sustained-release opioids it will probably be approved as a more controlled schedule II narcotic, which may influence its prescription and use. The new drug application for Vicodin CR contains confidential information and at this time it remains unclear whether it will be approved as a schedule II or III analgesic. 

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