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What is Lortab
 Hydrocodone
(related to codeine) is in a class of drugs called narcotic
analgesics. It relieves pain.
Acetaminophen
is a less potent pain reliever that increases the effects
of hydrocodone.
Together,
acetaminophen and hydrocodone are used to relieve moderate-to-severe
pain.
Lortab
may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this
medication guide.
General medical information about Lortab
Hydrocodone is habit forming. It is possible become
physically and/or psychologically dependent on the medication.
Do not take more than the prescribed amount of medication
or take it for longer than is directed by your doctor. Withdrawal
effects may occur if Lortab is stopped suddenly after several
weeks of continuous use. Your doctor may recommend a gradual
reduction in dose.
Avoid
alcohol while taking Lortab. Alcohol can increase drowsiness
and dizziness caused by the medication, possibly resulting
in unconsciousness and death. Also, acetaminophen can be damaging
to the liver when taken with alcohol.
Lortab
may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness,
including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, pain relievers,
anxiety medicines, seizure medicines, and muscle relaxants.
Dangerous sedation, dizziness, or drowsiness may occur if
Lortab is taken with any of these medications. Tell
your doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and do
not take any medicine without first talking to your doctor.
Lortab may cause constipation. Drink plenty of water
(six to eight full glasses a day) to lessen this side effect.
Increased fiber in the diet may also help to alleviate constipation.
What you should find out before taking Lortab Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have:
- a history of alcohol or drug abuse;
-
kidney disease;
- liver disease;
- asthma;
- urinary retention;
- an enlarged prostate;
- hypothyroidism;
- seizures or epilepsy;
- gallbladder disease;
- a head injury; or
- Addison's disease.
You may not be able to
take Lortab, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special
monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions
listed above.
Lortab is in the FDA pregnancy category
C. This means that it is not known whether it will be harmful
to an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first
talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become
pregnant during treatment.
Lortab passes into breast
milk and may affect a nursing infant. Do not take this medication
without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding
a baby.
If you are younger than 18 years of age or
older than 60 years of age, you may be more likely to experience
side effects from Lortab. Your doctor may prescribe a lower
dose.
How should take Lortab Take Lortab exactly as directed by your doctor. If
you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist,
nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each
dose with a full glass of water.
Take Lortab with
food or milk if it causes stomach upset.
To ensure
that you get a correct dose, measure the liquid form of
Lortab with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not with
a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring
device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.
Hydrocodone is habit forming. It is possible become physically
and/or psychologically dependent on the medication. Do not
take more than the prescribed amount of medication or take
it for longer than is directed by your doctor. Withdrawal
effects may occur if Lortab is stopped suddenly after several
weeks of continuous use. Your doctor may recommend a gradual
reduction in dose.
Lortab may cause constipation.
Drink plenty of water (six to eight full glasses a day)
to lessen this side effect. Increased fiber in the diet
may also help to alleviate constipation.
Store Lortab
at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
If you miss a dose: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Do
not take a double dose of this medication. Wait the prescribed
amount of time before taking the next dose.
What happens if you overdose: Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is
suspected.
Symptoms of an Lortab overdose may include
slow breathing, seizures, dizziness, weakness, loss of consciousness,
coma, confusion, tiredness, cold and clammy skin, small
pupils, nausea, vomiting, and sweating.
Avoid while taking Lortab
Avoid
alcohol while taking Lortab. Alcohol can increase drowsiness
and dizziness caused by the medication, possibly resulting
in unconsciousness and death. Also, acetaminophen can be damaging
to the liver when taken with alcohol.
Lortab may increase the effects of other drugs that cause
drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines,
pain relievers, anxiety medicines, seizure medicines, and
muscle relaxants. Dangerous sedation, dizziness, or drowsiness
may occur if Lortab is taken with any of these medications.
Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking,
and do not take any medicine without first talking to your
doctor.
Use caution when driving, operating machinery,
or performing other hazardous activities. Hydrocodone may
cause drowsiness or dizziness. If you experience drowsiness
or dizziness, avoid these activities.
Other products
may also contain acetaminophen, especially over-the-counter
pain, fever, cold, and allergy medications. Do not take
any other products that contain acetaminophen without first
talking to your doctor. Too much acetaminophen can be dangerous.
Possible side effects of Lortab If you experience any of the following serious side
effects, stop taking Lortab and seek emergency medical attention
or contact your doctor immediately:
- an allergic
reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling
of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
- slow,
weak breathing;
- seizures;
- cold, clammy
skin;
- severe weakness or dizziness;
- unconsciousness;
- yellowing of the skin or eyes; or
- unusual
fatigue, bleeding, or bruising.
Other, less serious
side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take
Lortab and talk to your doctor if you experience
-
constipation;
- dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, or decreased
appetite;
- dizziness, tiredness, or lightheadedness;
- muscle twitches;
- sweating;
- itching;
- decreased urination; or
- decreased sex
drive.
Hydrocodone is habit forming. It is possible
become physically and/or psychologically dependent on the
medication. Do not take more than the prescribed amount
of medication or take it for longer than is directed by
your doctor. Withdrawal effects may occur if Lortab is stopped
suddenly after several weeks of continuous use. Your doctor
may recommend a gradual reduction in dose.
Side effects
other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your
doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that
is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect Lortab Do not take Lortab if you have taken a monoamine
oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan),
phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the
last 14 days. Dangerous side effects could result.
Lortab
may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness,
including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, pain relievers,
anxiety medicines, seizure medicines, and muscle relaxants.
Dangerous sedation, dizziness, or drowsiness may occur if
Lortab is taken with any of these medications. Tell your doctor
about all medicines that you are taking, and do not take any
medicine without first talking to your doctor.
Other products may also contain acetaminophen,
especially over-the-counter pain, fever, cold, and allergy
medications. Do not take any other products that contain
acetaminophen without first talking to your doctor. Too
much acetaminophen can be dangerous.
Drugs
other than those listed here may also interact with Lortab.
Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription
or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals,
and herbal products. |
