Lortab - an overview
Lortab (Hydrocodone with Acetaminophen) belongs to the class of medications known as narcotic analgesics. Acetaminophen can be found in over the counter medications, but is still a pain reliever. This medication helps to increase the benefits of hydrocodone. This medication is often prescribed to help ease pain that ranges from moderate to severe. Lortab is a narcotic, so it is considered a controlled substance. This means that Lortab is specially regulated when it comes to use and sale.
Mallinckrodt is the maker of Lortab 5 and 10/500. Mikart, Inc. is the maker of Lortab Elixir, Lortab 2.5 and 7.5/100.
Lortab is most often prescribed to treat short term pain caused from surgery, injury and dental procedures. It is sometimes prescribed for the treatment of cancer, migraines, chronic pain and other conditions that cause long term pain. This medication is a narcotic, so it is often used incorrectly.
Any medication can cause secondary effects, but many people only experience minor effects, if any at all. Talk to your health care provider if you notice that any of the commonly reported secondary effects continue or are a problem while you're taking Lortab:
- Constipation, nausea and vomiting
- Blurring of the vision, drowsiness, dizziness and light headedness
- Trouble breathing, flushing and mood changes
Seek emergency medical care if you notice ay severe secondary effects:
- Anxiety, loss of or change in hearing
- Change in how much you urinate, fear unusual feelings of tiredness
- Interrupted breathing, and mood or mental changes
Lortab is the name brand form of the combination medication hydrocodone and acetaminophen. The hydrocodone found in Lortab works by binding to the receptors for pain that the brain has. This helps to ease pain that the body feels. Acetaminophen helps to stop the enzyme in the body that makes the body feel pain. Lortab can be found in capsule, liquid and tablet form. It is often prescribed to be taken about ever four to six hours orally. Hydrocodone can cause dependence and addiction if overused or abused. When a doctor prescribes Lortab, you should only take it as prescribed and not for longer or at higher doses.
At this time, there are many generic forms of Lortab on the market. These products are sold under their chemical name, hydrocodone/APAP. They can be found in the form of elixirs and tablets. You should know that most pharmacies don't stock the brand name form of Lortab because the generic form is much less expensive.