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Difference Between Lortab & Lorcet

Both Lortab and Lorcet are narcotic pain relievers and both include the compound hydrocodone. The main difference is that acetaminophen is added to Lorcet, while aspirin is added to Lortab. While both acetaminophen and aspirin are non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs, these drugs work somewhat differently.

  1. Lortab

    • Lortab is a combination of hydrocodone and aspirin. It is used to relieve moderate to severe pain in patients. It should not be used when a patient has a history of respiratory issues, such as sleep apnea or asthma; liver or kidney deficiencies; brain trauma or cancer; low blood pressure; stomach problems; adrenal insufficiencies; mental illness; scoliosis; or drug or alcohol addiction.

    Lorcet

    • Lorcet is a combination of hydrocodone and acetaminophen. It is also prescribed to alleviate moderate to severe pain. Lorcet should not be used by patients who have respiratory issues, such as sleep apnea or asthma; liver or kidney deficiencies; brain trauma or cancer; low blood pressure; stomach problems; adrenal insufficiencies; mental illness; scoliosis; or drug or alcohol addiction.

    Snesitivity

    • Depending on a patient's sensitivity to aspirin or acetaminophen, one or the other drug may be prescribed. If a patient is allergic to aspirin, Lorcet will be prescribed and vice versa.

    Drug Interactions

    • Some patients on low-dose aspirin therapy may not be able to take Lortab. Others may not be able to take Lorcet due to known drug interference associated with acetaminophen. Using either drug while taking other medications may prevent the medications from working properly or cause overdose.

    Considerations

    • Both drugs contain hydrocodone, a habit forming narcotic pain reliever. Special precautions must be taken to prevent addiction to either medication.

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