Lortab Elixir (Hydrocodone Bitartrate and Acetaminophen Oral Solution) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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May 27, 2012

Lortab Elixir

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For what conditions are pain medications used?

Virtually any disease as well as most injuries and surgical procedures involve some degree of pain. It's not surprising, then, that pain medications, also known as analgesics, are among the most commonly used drugs in the U.S. Pain can range from minor, acute complaints, such as a muscle sprain, to chronic, severe pain, such as that sometimes experienced by cancer patients. Some drugs used for other conditions also are effective at relieving certain types of pain. These drugs include certain drugs used for depression, epilepsy, and anxiety.

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Pain medications can be broadly classified into two categories: prescription and nonprescription. In the latter category are several mild anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, naproxen), as well as acetaminophen. These are mainly meant for use with short-term, acute pain -- menstrual cramps,...

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LORTAB® ELIXIR
(hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen) Oral Solution 7.5 mg/500 mg per 15 mL

DRUG DESCRIPTION

Hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen is supplied in liquid form for oral administration.

WARNING: May be habit forming (see PRECAUTIONS, Information for Patients, and DRUG ABUSE AND DEPENDENCE).

Hydrocodone bitartrate is an opioid analgesic and antitussive and occurs as fine, white crystals or as a crystalline powder. It is affected by light. The chemical name is 4,5α- epoxy-3-methoxy-17-methylmorphinan-6-one tartrate (1:1) hydrate (2:5). It has the following structural formula:

C₁₈H₂₁NO₃ • C₄H₆0₆ • 2 ½ H₂0 M.W. 494.490

Acetaminophen, 4'-hydroxyacetanilide, a slightly bitter, white, odorless, crystalline powder, is a non-opiate, non-salicylate analgesic and antipyretic. It has the following structural formula:

C₈H₉NO₂ M.W. 151.16

Lortab Elixir (hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen oral solution) contains: Per 5 mL Per 15 mL

Hydrocodone Bitartrate........................2.5 mg 7.5 mg
Acetaminophen.................................167 mg 500 mg
Alcohol............................................... 7% 7%

In addition, the liquid contains the following inactive ingredients: citric acid anhydrous, ethyl maltol, glycerin, methylparaben, propylene glycol, propylparaben, purified water, saccharin sodium, sorbitol solution, sucrose, with D&C Yellow #10 and FD&C Yellow #6 as coloring and natural and artificial flavoring.

What are the precautions when taking hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen oral solution (Lortab Elixir)?

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other narcotics (such as morphine, codeine); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: brain disorders (such as head injury, tumor, seizures), breathing problems (such as asthma, sleep apnea, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-COPD), kidney disease, liver disease, mental/mood disorders (such as confusion, depression), personal or family history of regular use/abuse of drugs/alcohol, stomach/intestinal problems (such as blockage, constipation, diarrhea...

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Last reviewed on RxList: 2/1/2008
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.