What is Lortab: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Lortab overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Lorcet, Lorcet HD, Lorcet Plus, Lortab 10/325, Lortab 5/325, Lortab 7.5/325, Lortab Elixir, Norco, Verdrocet, Xodol, Xodol, Xodol, Vicodin HP, Xodol, Xodol 5/300

Generic Names:

  • Lortab

Uses:

  • Treats pain. This medicine contains a narcotic pain reliever.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Analgesic, Opioid/Acetaminophen Combination

Forms:

  • Capsule, Liquid, Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Lortab used for?

Lortab is available an an oral liquid and is used to relieve moderate to severe pain. Lortab can slow or stop your breathing. You should never use Lortab in large amounts, or for longer than prescribed.

What form(s) does Lortab come in

  • Capsule

  • Liquid

  • Tablet

What are common Lortab doses?

Common Lortab prescriptions

  • Lortab
    473ml of 10-300mg/15ml bottle

  • Lortab
    10-325mg tablet

  • Lortab
    5-325mg tablet

  • Lortab
    7.5-325mg tablet

How to take Lortab

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Drop off any unused narcotic medicine at a drug take-back location right away. If you do not have a drug take-back location near you, flush any unused narcotic medicine down the toilet. Check your local drug store and clinics for take-back locations. You can also check the DEA web site for locations. Here is the link to the FDA safe disposal of medicines website: www.fda.gov/drugs/resourcesforyou/consumers/buyingusingmedicinesafely/ensuringsafeuseofmedicine/safedisposalofmedicines/ucm186187.htm

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • An overdose can be dangerous. Follow directions carefully so you do not get too much medicine at one time.

  • Oral liquid: Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

  • Drink plenty of liquids to help avoid constipation.

  • This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Oral liquid: Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

  • An overdose can be dangerous. Follow directions carefully so you do not get too much medicine at one time.

  • This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

  • Drink plenty of liquids to help avoid constipation.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Drop off any unused narcotic medicine at a drug take-back location right away. If you do not have a drug take-back location near you, flush any unused narcotic medicine down the toilet. Check your local drug store and clinics for take-back locations. You can also check the DEA web site for locations. Here is the link to the FDA safe disposal of medicines website: www.fda.gov/drugs/resourcesforyou/consumers/buyingusingmedicinesafely/ensuringsafeuseofmedicine/safedisposalofmedicines/ucm186187.htm

What to do if you miss a dose of Lortab

Lortab contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to acetaminophen, hydrocodone, or other narcotic medicines, or if you have stomach or bowel blockage (including paralytic ileus) or serious lung or breathing problems (including asthma, respiratory depression).

Lortab warnings

  • This medicine could cause infertility. Talk with your doctor before using this medicine if you plan to have children.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, lung or breathing problems, gallbladder or pancreas problems, an underactive thyroid, Addison disease, prostate problems, trouble urinating, stomach problems, or a history of head injury or brain tumor, seizures, alcohol or drug addiction.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems: High risk of overdose, which can lead to deathRespiratory depression (serious breathing problem that can be life-threatening)Sleep-related breathing problems (including sleep apnea, sleep-related hypoxemia)Liver problemsSerious skin reactionsSerotonin syndrome (when used with certain medicines)

  • This medicine can be habit-forming. Do not use more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor if you think your medicine is not working.

  • This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or doing anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

  • This medicine contains acetaminophen. Read the labels of all other medicines you are using to see if they also contain acetaminophen, or ask your doctor or pharmacist. Do not use more than 4 grams (4,000 milligrams) total of acetaminophen in one day.

  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

  • This medicine may cause constipation, especially with long-term use. Ask your doctor if you should use a laxative to prevent and treat constipation.

Lortab interactions

  • Do not use this medicine if you are using or have used an MAO inhibitor within the past 14 days.

  • Some medicines can affect how hydrocodone/acetaminophen works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following: Carbamazepine, erythromycin, ketoconazole, mirtazapine, phenytoin, rifampin, ritonavir, tramadol, trazodoneDiuretic (water pill)Medicine to treat depression or mental health problemsMedicine to treat migraine headachesPhenothiazine medicine

  • Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol. Tell your doctor if you are using buprenorphine, butorphanol, nalbuphine, pentazocine, or a muscle relaxer (including cyclobenzaprine, metaxalone).

  • Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine. Acetaminophen can damage your liver, and your risk is higher if you also drink alcohol.

  • Too much of this medicine can cause death. Symptoms of an overdose include extreme dizziness or weakness, trouble breathing, slow heartbeat, seizure, and cold, clammy skin.

  • This medicine contains acetaminophen. Read the labels of all other medicines you are using to see if they also contain acetaminophen, or ask your doctor or pharmacist. Do not use more than 4 grams (4,000 milligrams) total of acetaminophen in one day.

  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

  • This medicine may cause constipation, especially with long-term use. Ask your doctor if you should use a laxative to prevent and treat constipation.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Lortab side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Extreme weakness, shallow breathing, slow heartbeat, sweating, seizures, cold or clammy skin

  • Dark urine or pale stools, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes

  • Blistering, peeling, red skin rash

  • Blue lips, fingernails, or skin

  • Lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Anxiety, restlessness, fast heartbeat, fever, muscle spasms, twitching, diarrhea, seeing or hearing things that are not there

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Constipation, nausea, vomiting

  • Tiredness or sleepiness

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