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Hydrocodone and acetaminophen

Brand names: Norco, Vicodin, Lortab

Hydrocodone with acetaminophen is an opioid combination pain medicine for pain severe enough to need an opioid.

Brand namesNorco, Vicodin, Lortab
Type of medicineOpioid pain medicine
Prescription?Prescription
ImportantThis page is general information, not a prescription. Don't start, stop, or change a medicine without talking to your provider or pharmacist.

Overview

It combines an opioid (hydrocodone) with acetaminophen (Tylenol). It's a controlled substance and can be habit-forming.

What it's used for

  • Short-term severe pain, such as after surgery, a dental procedure, or an injury

How to take it

  • Take it exactly as prescribed. Never take more or more often.
  • Don't take any other medicine that contains acetaminophen (Tylenol, many cold medicines) unless your provider says to.
  • Keep naloxone (Narcan) at home and show family where it is. It can reverse an opioid overdose.
  • Keep it locked up and dispose of leftovers at a take-back site.

Your dose depends on your health and other medicines. Always follow your prescription label, and ask your pharmacist if anything is unclear.

Side effects

Common side effects

  • Constipation
  • Nausea
  • Sleepiness
  • Dizziness
Call 911Slow, shallow, or stopped breathing, blue lips, or can't be woken up
Call 911Extreme sleepiness or confusion
Call your provider todayYellow skin or eyes, dark urine, or pain in the upper right belly (liver)
Call 911A blistering, peeling, or widespread red rash, especially with fever

Warnings

  • Boxed warnings: addiction and misuse, slowed breathing, accidental swallowing by children, and liver damage from too much acetaminophen.

Other medicines, foods, and alcohol

  • Taking it with alcohol, benzodiazepines (like alprazolam or lorazepam), sleep medicines, gabapentin, or other opioids can slow breathing and cause death.
  • Other products with acetaminophen add toward the daily limit.
  • Some antibiotics, antifungals, and HIV medicines raise hydrocodone levels.

Tell your provider and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin, and supplement you take.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Long-term use in pregnancy can cause withdrawal in the newborn. Talk with your provider.

Missed doses, overdose, and storage

If you miss a dose

This medicine is often taken only when needed. If you take it on a schedule, take a missed dose when you remember, unless it's almost time for the next one. Don't double up.

If someone takes too much

Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or get help online at poison.org. Call 911 if the person collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be woken.

Storing it

Store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), and out of reach of children and pets.

Conditions it's used for

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-13.