Lorcet Uses

Lorcet is primarily used for treating short-term pain caused by an injury, dental procedure, or surgery. It is specifically approved for treating moderate to moderately severe pain. In some circumstances, the medication can be used to treat recurring, long-term conditions that cause pain. Occasionally, healthcare providers may also recommend off-label Lorcet uses, such as for treating insomnia or coughing.

 

Uses of Lorcet: An Overview

Lorcet® (hydrocodone/APAP) is a prescription medication approved to treat pain that is moderate to moderately severe. It is not appropriate for mild pain (which can be treated with non-narcotic drugs) or very severe pain (since stronger medications are usually necessary). It is one of many different hydrocodone/APAP medications currently available.
 
Lorcet is typically used to treat short-term pain due to an injury, surgery, or dental procedure. Occasionally, it is used to treat chronic pain, migraines, or other types of recurring, long-term conditions that cause pain. It is often used (or rather, abused) inappropriately, as it contains a narcotic medication (see Lorcet Abuse).
 

How Does Lorcet Work?

Lorcet contains two different medications: hydrocodone and acetaminophen. Hydrocodone is a semi-synthetic narcotic, opioid pain reliever. It acts similarly to codeine. Hydrocodone is effective at decreasing pain and relieving coughing, but also causes drowsiness, mood changes, and mental "clouding." In the United States, hydrocodone is only available in combination medications; it is not available alone (as a single-ingredient medication).
 
Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and fever reducer commonly found in non-prescription medications, such as Tylenol®. Combining hydrocodone with acetaminophen helps improve the effectiveness of Lorcet and may limit the abuse potential of hydrocodone (the maximum dose of Lorcet is limited by the acetaminophen content). Make sure to carefully monitor your acetaminophen intake (including acetaminophen from other sources) while taking Lorcet in order to avoid toxicity (see Lorcet Drug Interactions and Lorcet Dosage for more information).
 
(Lorcet Uses Continued: Page 2)
Add this article to your Favorites     Email this article     Print
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;