Vicoprofen

Vicoprofen is a brand-name prescription analgesic that combines hydrocodone bitartrate, an opioid analgesic, with ibuprofen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Each tablet typically contains 7.5 mg of hydrocodone and 200 mg of ibuprofen. The product is used for the short-term management of moderate to moderately severe acute pain in adults.

Pharmacology and mechanism: Hydrocodone provides central analgesia by binding mu-opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, while ibuprofen reduces inflammation and pain by inhibiting cyclooxygenase enzymes and prostaglandin synthesis. The combination aims to provide both central and peripheral pain relief.

Administration and dosing: Vicoprofen is taken by mouth, usually one tablet every six hours as needed for pain, and the total daily dose should not exceed four tablets, or as directed by a clinician. The formulation is intended for short-term use and should be used with caution in patients who have not previously tolerated opioid therapy or NSAID therapy.

Safety and precautions: It is a Schedule II controlled substance in the United States due to the hydrocodone component, with a risk of dependence and abuse. It should not be used in individuals with hypersensitivity to hydrocodone or NSAIDs, active gastrointestinal ulcers or bleeding, significant hepatic or renal impairment, uncontrolled asthma or NSAID-sensitive bronchospasm, or during the third trimester of pregnancy. Caution is advised when combining with alcohol or other central nervous system depressants.

Adverse effects: Common adverse effects include constipation, nausea, drowsiness, dizziness, and vomiting. Serious risks include respiratory depression from hydrocodone, gastrointestinal bleeding, liver or kidney injury, and severe allergic reactions.

History and regulation: Vicoprofen was introduced in the United States in the late 1990s. In the U.S., hydrocodone–ibuprofen formulations are regulated as Schedule II controlled substances.