Many people may wonder when
Lortab® (
hydrocodone/APAP) should be taken. The medicine comes in tablet and elixir form and is typically taken every four to six hours as needed for pain. "As needed" means you will only take a dose if you are experiencing pain (if you are not in pain, you will skip the dose), while "scheduled use" means you should take it on schedule, even if you are not in pain. Most healthcare providers prescribe Lortab on an "as needed" basis, rather than a scheduled basis.
As an opioid medication, Lortab can cause stomach upset if it is taken on an empty stomach, so it is best to take your dose with food. Be careful not to exceed the maximum recommended daily dose, as this could lead to overdose symptoms or poisoning from the
acetaminophen component, which can cause liver failure. Also, do not suddenly stop taking Lortab, especially if you have taken it regularly for more than several weeks.
(Click Lortab Dosage for more information on when to take this drug. This article also discusses general Lortab dosing guidelines for treating moderate to moderately severe pain, as well as factors that may affect your dosage.)
