Hydrocodone and Acetaminophen

(Vicodin ®, Lortab®, Nocro®, Lorcet®, Lorcet Plus®) tablets

This is a short-acting opioid (also called breakthrough pain medicine). Take it when you have pain and need immediate relief. If you don’t have pain, don’t take it.
You can take this medicine with or without food. Swallow whole, unless specifically directed by your doctor. Take with water or another beverage.

It usually takes 15-30 minutes to start working, and 90 minutes for you to feel the most relief.

It usually lasts for about 4 hours, after which you may start to feel more pain.

Some people notice side effects when starting this medicine or increasing the dose.

The side effects are similar to most opioids, including:

Follow the prescription instructions. Ask your care team if you have any questions about the instructions. Do not take a higher dose or take it more often than prescribed.
Avoid taking extra acetaminophen (tylenol). For a person with a healthy liver, doctors advise taking no more than 3000-4000mg of acetaminophen per day. Because this medication includes acetaminophen, it is important to make sure that you are not exceeding this dose.
Avoid driving. while taking opioids. Until you see how it affects you, also avoid other tasks that call for you to be alert.
Avoid drinking alcohol. Drinking alcohol puts you at risk for dangerous side effects from opioids, like sedation and slow breathing.
Keep your medicine in its original bottle instead of a pill organizer or other container. This helps you keep track of how much you are using. It also helps prevent medication errors, like taking the wrong pill by accident.

Tap for more information about using opioids safely.