Lortab

Lortab is the brand name for the drug combination of hydrocodone and acetaminophen which makes Lortab a Schedule II drug. Lortab is available by prescription only because it is considered as serious a drug as morphine or cocaine which are also Schedule II drugs. A narcotic that is available in pill or liquid form, Lortab can be effective up to 5 ours on a single dose. Lortab is prescribed for pain as an alternative to morphine and is an opiate like heroin. Lortab has gained in popularity over the last 5 years as has other products containing hydrocodone which is quickly becoming a popular drug of abuse.

How should I take Lortab?

Take Lortab exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take it in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Tell your doctor if the medicine seems to stop working as well in relieving your pain.

An overdose of acetaminophen can cause serious harm to your liver. The maximum amount of acetaminophen for adults is 1 gram (1000 mg) per dose and 4 grams (4000 mg) per day. One Lortab tablet may contain up to 750 mg of acetaminophen. Know the amount of acetaminophen in the specific product you are taking.

Measure the liquid form of this medication with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.

Recommended dosage

Your doctor will adjust the dosage according to the severity of the pain and the way the medication affects you.

The dosages given below are for Vicodin products only. If your doctor prescribes other brands, your daily dose may vary.

All forms of Vicodin are taken every 4 to 6 hours as needed for pain. The usual dose of Vicodin is 1 or 2 tablets, up to a maximum of 8 tablets per day. The usual dose of Vicodin HP is 1 tablet, up to a maximum of 6 tablets per day. For Vicodin ES, the usual dose is 1 tablet, up to a maximum of 5 tablets per day.

Serious Side Effects

Serious Side Effects Seen With Lortab Some Lortab side effects, while occurring infrequently, are potentially serious and should be reported immediately to your healthcare provider. These include but are not limited to: Slow or irregular breathing; Slow heart rate (bradycardia); The urge to take more Lortab than prescribed or for a non-medical purpose (see Lortab Abuse); Confusion; Difficulty passing urine; Anxiety or fear; Severe constipation; Low blood pressure (hypotension); Severe drowsiness; Signs of liver damage

Precaution:

When used for long periods of time or at high doses, Lortab may not work as well and may require higher doses to obtain the same effect as when originally taken. This is known as TOLERANCE. Talk with your doctor if Lortab stops working well. Do not take more than prescribed.

Some people who use Lortab for a long time may develop a need to continue taking it. People who take high doses are also at risk. This is known as DEPENDENCE or addiction.

If you suddenly stop taking Lortab , you may experience WITHDRAWAL symptoms including anxiety; diarrhea; fever, runny nose, or sneezing; goose bumps and abnormal skin sensations; nausea; vomiting; pain; rigid muscles; rapid heartbeat; seeing, hearing or feeling things that are not there; shivering or tremors; sweating; and trouble sleeping.

Drug Interactions

Patients receiving narcotics, antihistamines, antipsychotics, antianxiety agents, or other CNS depressants (including alcohol) concomitantly with hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen tablets may exhibit an additive CNS depression. When combined therapy is contemplated, the dose of one or both agents should be reduced.

The use of MAO inhibitors or tricyclic antidepressants with hydrocodone preparations may increase the effect of either the antidepressant or hydrocodone.

Storage

Do not store tablets or capsules in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down. Keep the liquid forms of this medicine from freezing. Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.