What Factors Affect Lortab® Dosage?

Available only by prescription, Lortab® depends on the narcotic properties of hydrocodone for much of its pain relieving properties, incorporating acetaminophen primarily to prevent abuse by limiting dosage increases due to the risk of overdose. The frequency and intensity of side effects increase linearly with Lortab® dosage increases, making it advisable to use the lowest effective dose. Some factors that may affect the appropriate initial Lortab® dosage are the patient's age, weight, drug regimen, tolerance to opioid painkillers, and level of liver or kidney function.

The standard Lortab® dosage recommended by the manufacturer for use in the management of pain in adult patients is one tablet given every four to six hours as required. The dose can be increased if unsuccessful in controlling the patient's pain, and increases may be required to accommodate the development of tolerance to the medication. Within a 24-hour period, the total Lortab® dosage administered should not exceed six tablets due to the risk of acetaminophen toxicity. A larger initial Lortab® dosage may be required when switching the patient to the medication from another narcotic painkiller due to opioid cross-tolerance. When discontinuing use, it may be necessary to gradually reduce the dose to lower the symptoms of opiate withdrawal in the patient.

Patients with diminished kidney function may need to use a lower Lortab® dosage due to a decreased ability to excrete the drugs and their metabolites into the urine. Since the drugs are metabolized in the liver and can cause liver damage with high doses, patients with lowered levels of liver function may also need to be given a lower Lortab® dosage. Geriatric patients or those with hypothyroidism, prostatic hypertrophy, Addison's disease, pulmonary disease, or urethral stricture should receive the lowest possible dose initially, with increases in dosage carefully monitored.

Due to the inherent risk of liver damage posed by high doses of acetaminophen, the consumption of alcohol alongside Lortab® dramatically increases the risk of hepatotoxicity as well as additional risk of coma, respiratory complications, damage to the central nervous system, and gastrointestinal injury. A number of other drugs are known to interact dangerously with Lortab®, including amphetamines, cocaine, Ritalin®, barbituates, and benzodiazepines, producing a wide range of adverse and potentially fatal reactions.

Lortab® is a combination of the drugs acetaminophen and hydrocodone that is used to treat moderate to severe pain. Common side effects include sweating, drowsiness, constipation, euphoria, dizziness, itching, lightheadedness and nausea. The more serious side effects are vomiting, mood alteration, permanently reduced testosterone levels, blood disorders, irregular respiration, anxiety, lethargy, difficult urination, and skin rash.