Lorcet

Lorcet is a prescription drug used for relieving pain. It contains acetaminophen and hydrocodone, a narcotic that is classified as a controlled substance. Lorcet comes in tablet and capsule form, and is either taken four to six hours as needed for pain or on a scheduled basis for chronic pain. Potential side effects of the medication include drowsiness, nausea, and constipation.

 

What Is Lorcet?

Lorcet® (hydrocodone/APAP) is a prescription pain medication. As a narcotic, it is classified as a controlled substance, which means that special regulations and laws control its sale and use.
 
(Click Lorcet Uses for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
 

How Does It Work?

Lorcet contains two different medications: hydrocodone bitartrate 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 with other medications; it is not available alone.
 
Acetaminophen ("APAP") is a pain reliever and fever reducer commonly found in non-prescription medications such as Tylenol®. "APAP" is an acronym for one of the chemical names for acetaminophen. Combining hydrocodone with acetaminophen helps improve Lorcet's effectiveness at relieving pain and may limit the abuse potential of hydrocodone, as the maximum dose of the drug is usually limited by the acetaminophen content.
 

Who Makes Lorcet?

Lorcet products are made by Forest Pharmaceuticals.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;