AboutNigel Simmons Expertise I am happy to answer general questions on medicines and hospital care. If possible, please use approved / chemical names rather than brands which are not internationally recognised.
Like all health professionals I am bound by a duty of care which prevents me giving detailed information about medication or treatment of people other than the questioner.
I will endeavour to help wherever possible or point towards more appropriate advice. If however your question crosses too far into patient confidentiality, I hope you will understand why I cannot answer your question.
Consider.. would you want me to discuss your care with a friend or relative without your knowledge?
Experience Registered as a UK pharmacist in 1982 and have worked in a number of hospital and health management posts around the UK. Formerly Chief Pharmacist for a 440 bed general hospital in Cambridgeshire.
Past/Present clients Previously Sysop on CompuServe UK Professionals forum.
Question is it ok to take lortab when you are pregnant
Answer Alysia
The gerneral rule is that no drugs should be taken during pregnancy because it is impossible to be absolutely sure no problems will occur. Any drug use should only be under advice and supervision from a doctor or midwife, and used only when the risks are acceptably small compared to the need for the drug.
While acetaminophen is considered relatively safe for occasional use during pregnancy the hydrocodone also contained in Loratab is more of a problem.
The US FDA state: "Lortab may be harmful to an unborn baby, and could cause breathing problems or addiction/withdrawal symptoms in a newborn. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Lortab can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use Lortab without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby."
My advice would be to avoid all use of Loratab unless specifically prescribed by your doctor. It should certainly not be taken late in pregnancy because of the risk to the baby during and after birth.
If you have been using Loratab and only subsequently discovered that you are pregnant, you should stop taking it and see your doctor.
