Cancer, arthritis and some nerve conditions are diseases for which Lortab and prednisone are often prescribed together. Each is prescribed for different symptoms. Lortab is usually prescribed for pain, and prednisone is a corticosteroid used to treat inflammation. Drugs.com states that Lortab and prednisone do not interact with each other, but both affect multiple organs. The effects seen when taking the drugs together are primarily related to either Lortab or prednisone.
Decreased Inflammation
Prednisone is a powerful depressor of the immune system. PDR Health lists its function as decreasing joint swelling, soft tissue swelling and airway reactivity. Epocrates Online notes that Lortab may depress the immune system. Lortab contains acetaminophen that reduces fever.
Pain Relief
Hydrocodone, a narcotic, is the more powerful pain reliever in Lortab. Drugs.com reports that the acetaminophen in Lortab augments the pain relief from the narcotic. Prednisone may provide pain relief by reducing inflammation.
Decreased Stress Response
Drugs.com emphasizes that at times of increased pain or stress, such as surgery, the dosages of both prednisone and Lortab may need to be increased. The body naturally produces more cortisol under stress. Prednisone suppresses this response. The body also produces opiates in response to pain. If the body is tolerant to Lortab, more potent opioids are required to produce pain relief.
When Drugs Are Stopped
Stopping either Lortab or prednisone after continuous regular use will produce symptoms. Hydrocodone is an addictive opiate medication, making Lortab a frequently abused drug. Taking Lortab on a regular basis and then stopping can lead to opiate withdrawal. Drugs.com emphasizes that prednisone should not be discontinued without physician monitoring, because prednisone suppresses adrenal gland production of corticosteroids.
Alcohol Damage
Drinking alcohol should be avoided while taking either drug. Epocrates Online warns that acetaminophen taken in excess may damage the liver, and drinking alcohol exacerbates potential liver problems. PDR Health notes that taking prednisone and alcohol together may damage the stomach.
Other Effects
PDR Health explains that medication side effects cannot be predicted in all individuals. Not all patients experience the same symptoms. Nausea and vomiting are common side effects of Lortab and prednisone. Fatigue and muscle aches can be caused by either medication. Mood changes seen with prednisone use are increased agitation and anxiety, while Lortab usually causes drowsiness. In some individuals, Lortab may produce anxiety. The hydrocodone in Lortab causes constipation and urinary retention, while prednisone may cause diarrhea and increased urination.
Potential Contraindications
Patients may have a concern about taking Lortab and prednisone together, because Lortab dispensing information suggests caution when using in patients with Addison's disease. This disease involves the inability of the adrenal gland to make a sufficient amount of cortisol. The "American Journal of Infectious Disease" reports that in patients taking chronic opiates, there is inhibition of corticotropin-releasing hormone. However, the treatment for Addison's disease is prednisone.
As a corticosteroid, prednisone interferes with glucose tolerance, so it should be used with care in diabetics.
References
- Epocrates Online: Lortab
- PDRHealth: Prednisone
- Drugs.com: Drug interactions between Lortab and prednisone
- National Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Information Service: Adrenal Insufficiency and Addison's Disease
- "American Journal of Infectious Diseases"; Gonadal and Adrenal Abnormalities in Drug Users: Cause or Consequence of Drug Use Behavior and Poor Health Outcomes; Todd T Brown, et al.; 2006
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