Pocket Doc
Issue date: 10/2/06 Section: Health & Fitness
I heard that girls who get tattoos on their lower backs are unable to receive epiderals during labor. Is this true?
No, it is not true. Tattoos exist because macrophage white blood cells that reside in the skin phagocytise the dye where it stays forever inside the cell; tattoos have no bearing on a needle passing through the skin into the epidural space of the spinal canal. Though I do not perform epidurals, I do perform diagnostic spinal taps when indicated for suspected meningitis or brain hemorrhage. To be honest, I actual enjoy examining the various lumbosacral tattoos that exist. When they are in the right place, I like to pick part of the tattoo to aim for with the needle: the eagle's wing, the snake's eye or the "o" of "Love me now."
What's the difference between Percocet and Vicodin?
The only difference between Percocet and Vicodin is that Percocet is a combination of oxycodone and acetaminophen, while Vicodin is a combination of hydrocodone and acetaminophen. There is no significant difference between oxycodone and hydrocodone. Each are similarly potent narcotics.
One drug would be chosen over the other based on a patient's preference or allergic reaction to one or the other. Percocet and Vicodin have different strengths of both of their components written with the narcotic component first, such as 5/325 indicating 5 mg of oxycodone and 325 mg of acetaminophen in the case of Percocet 5/325.
These drugs are commonly prescribed and are generally considered safe, but they have risks based on chronic or excessive use for both of their components. The narcotic component can be dangerous causing respiratory depression with a single large dose, especially if combined with alcohol. It is also dangerous with chronic low level use because of decreased effectiveness leading to increased use and eventual physical dependency (just ask Brett Favre or Rush Limbaugh about this). The acetaminophen component also can be dangerous with large doses as it can cause liver toxicity leading to liver failure. And, while UIC is very good at liver transplants, it is none-the-less something to be avoided.
Dr. Ralph and Dr. George are Emergency Room physicians with the University of Illinois at Chicago's Medical Center.
As with all medical advice, consult your physician before beginning any regimen or if symptoms persist for more than 5 days.
Send your anonymous questions to pulse@chicagoflame.com.
No, it is not true. Tattoos exist because macrophage white blood cells that reside in the skin phagocytise the dye where it stays forever inside the cell; tattoos have no bearing on a needle passing through the skin into the epidural space of the spinal canal. Though I do not perform epidurals, I do perform diagnostic spinal taps when indicated for suspected meningitis or brain hemorrhage. To be honest, I actual enjoy examining the various lumbosacral tattoos that exist. When they are in the right place, I like to pick part of the tattoo to aim for with the needle: the eagle's wing, the snake's eye or the "o" of "Love me now."
What's the difference between Percocet and Vicodin?
The only difference between Percocet and Vicodin is that Percocet is a combination of oxycodone and acetaminophen, while Vicodin is a combination of hydrocodone and acetaminophen. There is no significant difference between oxycodone and hydrocodone. Each are similarly potent narcotics.
One drug would be chosen over the other based on a patient's preference or allergic reaction to one or the other. Percocet and Vicodin have different strengths of both of their components written with the narcotic component first, such as 5/325 indicating 5 mg of oxycodone and 325 mg of acetaminophen in the case of Percocet 5/325.
These drugs are commonly prescribed and are generally considered safe, but they have risks based on chronic or excessive use for both of their components. The narcotic component can be dangerous causing respiratory depression with a single large dose, especially if combined with alcohol. It is also dangerous with chronic low level use because of decreased effectiveness leading to increased use and eventual physical dependency (just ask Brett Favre or Rush Limbaugh about this). The acetaminophen component also can be dangerous with large doses as it can cause liver toxicity leading to liver failure. And, while UIC is very good at liver transplants, it is none-the-less something to be avoided.
Dr. Ralph and Dr. George are Emergency Room physicians with the University of Illinois at Chicago's Medical Center.
As with all medical advice, consult your physician before beginning any regimen or if symptoms persist for more than 5 days.
Send your anonymous questions to pulse@chicagoflame.com.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
thamalipxu
posted 10/16/06 @ 12:39 PM CST
Information about medicins
10 325 Hydrocodone (related to codeine) is in a class of drugs called narcotic analgesics.
10 325 hydrocodone is used to relieve moderate-to-severe pain and a cough
suppressant
The combination of acetaminophen and hydrocodone comes as a tablet, capsule,
and liquid to take by mouth. (Continued…)
Lortab Rehab
posted 9/23/08 @ 2:10 PM CST
When a patient is given a prescription for Lortab, he or she may not have been informed by the prescribing physician about the nature of this drug. The patient may not be aware that Lortab is a combination of acetaminophen (commonly known as Tylenol) and hydrocodone (an active narcotic analgesic and anti-cough agent). (Continued…)
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