Are Lortab and Hydrocodone the EXACT same drug?

Question

I know that Hydrocodone is the generic version of Lortab, but Hydrocodone makes me sick and Lortab does not. My friend swears that because one is the generic of the other, they are exactly the same, but how can that be if one makes me sick and the other doesn't?

Answer 1

Yes, Lortab is a brand name for a combination product of hydrocodone and acetaminophen. There are many other brand names (in the U.S.) such as Vicodin and Norco, to name just a few.

Many folks suffer nausea and even vomiting when taking opioids (commonly called narcotics). It's a normal side effect. The vomiting center in the brain is stimulated and some people who are sensitive to the effect get "sick." Many people confuse this as an "allergy" when it's simply a side effect. However, if you're extremely sensitive it might as well be an allergy. Most folks tend to be sensitive to the "natural" opioids morphine and codeine and not as sensitive to the semi-synthetics such as hydrocodone or oxycodone. Taking it with food may lessen this effect. It's also dose-related, the higher the strength, the more likely you'd get ill.

I've had patients say that the generic makes the sick and the brand name doesn't. This flies in the face of common sense. The inactive ingredients in tablets for the most part are common foodstuffs such as starch, but some people are sensitive to talc. Most brand name and generics contain similar ratios of inactive ingredients because the science of making a tablet doesn't vary much from product to product. Again, if you become nauseated, take it with food.

For more info, see the link below.

I hope this helps.

Rick the Pharmacist

Answer 2

Hydrocodone makes you sick because while they(lortab,hydrocodone) both have the same ACTIVE ingredient the other cheaper ingredients used to make the pill are probably interfering with your system.

Answer 3

Lortab is hydrocodone and acetaminophen, not just the former, but it's the exact same drug, and your nausea with the generic is inexplicable, at least on that point.

Answer 4

Just because the active ingredient is exactly the same doesn't mean the drug is exactly the same. They may have different additives and inert ingredients. They may have different bio-availabilities. The side-effect pofile can be different even though the active ingredient is the same.

Answer 5

no