Information medicine
Lortab
Generic Name: acetaminophen and hydrocodone (a see ta MIN oh fen and hye droe KOE doan)
What is the most important information I should know about Lortab?
Do not take Lortab with alcohol, other narcotic pain medications, sedatives, tranquilizers, muscle relaxers, or other medicines that can make you sleepy or slow your breathing. Dangerous side effects may result.
Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you drink more than three alcoholic beverages per day or if you have had alcoholic liver disease (cirrhosis). You may not be able to take medication that contains acetaminophen.
Hydrocodone may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Lortab should never be given to another person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it.
Keep track of how many tablets have been used from each new bottle of this medicine. Hydrocodone is a drug of abuse and you should be aware if any person in the household is using this medicine improperly or without a prescription.
This medication can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.
Never take more Lortab than is prescribed. Tell your doctor if the medicine seems to stop working as well in relieving your pain.
What is Lortab?
Hydrocodone is in a group of drugs called narcotic pain relievers. It is similar to codeine.
Acetaminophen is a less potent pain reliever that increases the effects of hydrocodone.
The combination of acetaminophen and hydrocodone is used to relieve moderate to severe pain.
What should I avoid while taking Lortab?
Do not use any other over-the-counter cough, cold, allergy, or pain medication without first asking your doctor or pharmacist. Acetaminophen is contained in many cold and pain medicines available over the counter. If you take certain products together you may accidentally take too much acetaminophen. Read the label of any other medicine you are using to see if it contains acetaminophen. Do not drink alcohol while you are taking Lortab. Dangerous side effects or death can occur when alcohol is combined with hydrocodone. Check the label of any other medicines you take to be sure they do not contain alcohol.
Avoid using other medicines that make you sleepy (such as cold medicine, pain medication, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression or anxiety). They can add to sleepiness caused by hydrocodone, which could result in extreme drowsiness or coma.
What are the possible side effects of Lortab?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
shallow breathing, slow heartbeat;
seizure (convulsions);
cold, clammy skin;
confusion.
Less serious side effects are more likely to occur, such as:
constipation;
urinating less than usual;
nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite;
dizziness, headache; or itching.
severe weakness or dizziness; or feeling light-headed, fainting.
