I've taken Vicodin 500mgx3 or less if needed for 7 yrs. I truly advise to follow the labels that are on the bottle, if food..take it w/food, if H2o...take it w/H20, I can't tell anyone how important this tiny label is. I have done just that for 7 yrs and the Vicodin has been working fine...believe me sometimes I run-out and get it 2 or 3 days later and I'm fine. I have 3 heri. disks in my back and scadica. I receive a complete ckup on my kidneys and liver which thank God are fine.....I drink about 10- 20 oz. of water a day to keep me clean and my urine is almost clear as H2o, doc says great!!