Lortab is a brand name medication engineered to contain active ingredients hydrocodone bitartrate (a synthetic opioid) and acetaminophen (a non-opioid analgesic). The drug is typically prescribed for the treatment of moderate to severe acute, chronic, or postoperative pain. The hydrocodone component of Lortab functions via binding to opioid receptors in the central nervous system, principally the mu-opioid receptors (MORs).
Agonism of the mu-opioid receptors is known to generate potent analgesic effects, thereby attenuating perceived sensations of pain. This opioidergic stimulation is also known to alter concentrations of neurotransmitters such as: acetylcholine, dopamine, GABA, norepinephrine, and substance P. Altered neurotransmission often leads users to experience: reduced anxiety, mood enhancement (possibly euphoria), and feelings of pleasure.
Although the hydrocodone component of Lortab may effectively relieve pain, it is generally not regarded as a favorable long-term pain management strategy. Many users of Lortab are concerned with deleterious long-term effects, adverse reactions (e.g. impaired vigilance), and dependence. For this reason, some individuals decide to discontinue treatment, but may wonder how long Lortab stays in their system after their final dose.
How long does Lortab stay in your system?
If you recently discontinued your treatment, there’s a high likelihood that you’ll experience some agonizing Lortab withdrawal symptoms. Additionally, you may notice that side effects you experienced while taking Lortab are still lingering after you’ve ceased usage. The combination of discontinuation symptoms and lingering side effects may make you question how long Lortab stays in your system.
To determine how long Lortab is likely to remain in your system, it is necessary to consider the elimination half-lives of its ingredients: hydrocodone and acetaminophen. Some sources suggest that elimination half-life of hydrocodone within Lortab is estimated to be around 3.8 (+/- 18 minutes) in healthy adults. This indicates that the drug should be out of systemic circulation within 21 hours of your final dose.
However, other sources suggest that the half-life of hydrocodone may fall within the range of 3 to 9 hours. If the half-life spans to 9 hours, it may take just over 2 days to completely eliminate hydrocodone from your system. It is also necessary to account for the acetaminophen component of Lortab, which has an elimination half-life within the range of 1 to 4 hours, but is generally between 2 and 3 hours in healthy adults.
Knowing the half-life of acetaminophen helps us conclude that the drug is likely to be eliminated from systemic circulation within 22 hours after ingestion, but usually much sooner. Therefore it is likely that for most users, the acetaminophen component is cleared from a person’s system more rapidly than the hydrocodone component. It is also important to realize that hepatic metabolism of hydrocodone yields metabolites norhydrocodone and hydromorphone.
For the sake of determining how long Lortab is likely to stay in your system, it is only necessary to consider the half-life of norhydrocodone, which has a longer half-life than its parent (hydrocodone). Norhydrocodone has been reported to exhibit an elimination half-life of approximately 8 hours, suggesting that it is likely to stay in your system for approximately 44 hours after your final dose; over 2-fold the time of hydrocodone. With this information we can conclude that most users are likely to have completely eliminated Lortab (both hydrocodone and acetaminophen components) from their system within 2 days.
- Source: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/hydrocodone
- Source: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/acetaminophen
- Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23995596
Variables that influence how long Lortab stays in your system
Though most users of Lortab will eliminate the drug from their plasma within 2 days of their last dose, there is often interindividual variation in regards to elimination speed. Some users may eliminate both the hydrocodone and acetaminophen components of Lortab in less than 20 hours after cessation, whereas other users may take longer than 48 hours. Variables that dictate discrepancies in elimination times include: the individual taking Lortab, co-administered drugs, term/frequency of usage, and dosage.
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Individual factors
Two users could theoretically ingest a single dose of Lortab (e.g. 10 mg hydrocodone/325 mg acetaminophen) simultaneously, yet one user would likely eliminate the drug from his/her system quicker than the other. The speed of elimination is often a result of various individual factors including: a person’s age, body mass, and hepatic function. For this reason, it is necessary to consider these factors when estimating how long Lortab is likely to stay in your system.
Age: A person’s age may influence how long both hydrocodone and acetaminophen (via Lortab) remain in systemic circulation. Elderly adults tend to have diminished hepatic function, reduced renal function, and overall poorer physiologic efficiency compared to younger adults. Furthermore, those over the age of 65 are more likely to have other health problems and/or take additional medications that could interfere with the metabolism and elimination of Lortab.
Therefore it is suspected that elderly individuals may retain Lortab in their systems for a longer duration than young healthy adults. A study from 2011 noted that elderly individuals are exposed to acetaminophen for a longer duration and peak plasma concentrations are greater than younger adults given the same dose. This is due to alterations in distribution and other age-related physiologic changes. If you are older, expect to retain Lortab for longer than if you are young and in good health.
- Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21241071
Body mass + Fat (%): The hydrocodone and acetaminophen within Lortab are both relatively hydrophilic when compared to other pain medications. This means that they are unlikely to accumulate in fat tissue when administered over a long-term. However, it is important to understand that a person’s body mass relative to the dosage ingested may affect how long the drug remains in their system.
Specifically, the greater a person’s overall size (height/weight) relative to the dosage of Lortab ingested, the quicker they’ll likely eliminate the drug. In other words, if we were to administer a 10/325 Lortab to a short/lightweight person and a tall/heavyweight individual, it is likely that the tall/heavyweight individual would eliminate the drug quicker from his/her system. Furthermore, individuals with a greater percentage of body fat may eliminate Lortab at a faster pace than those with less fat.
This is due to the fact that Lortab is relatively hydrophilic and is soluble in water, not fat tissue. Individuals with a high percentage of body fat tend to carry less water which is perhaps a reason that they’ll retain the drug for a shorter duration. Individuals with low body fat tend to have more muscle, which in turn stores more water, and ultimately may result in longer Lortab retention prior to elimination.
Genetics: It is understood that the hydrocodone component of Lortab is metabolized via hepatic CYP450 enzymes within the liver. Specifically CYP2D6 isoenzymes facilitate a majority of hydrocodone metabolism. The CYP2D6 gene is considered highly polymorphic in that there’s often significant individual variation in the alleles that are expressed.
Individuals with CYP2D6 alleles that reduce function of CYP2D6 isoenzymes may be considered “poor metabolizers” of Lortab. CYP2D6 poor metabolizers tend to experience prolonged elimination half-lives than those with more favorable CYP2D6 alleles. Normal CYP2D6 expression facilitates “extensive” (normal) metabolism, whereas optimal expression promotes ultra-rapid metabolism, leading to faster-than-usual metabolism and excretion of hydrocodone within Lortab.
Glutathione levels: Acetaminophen is thought to undergo hepatic sulphation and glucuronidation prior to its elimination. However, when taken at high doses, the acetaminophen can place a major burden on the liver by overwhelming sulphation and glucuronidation processes. This leads to acetaminophen being processed by CYP450 isoenzymes, which in turn forms the intermediary metabolite known as “NAPQI.”
NAPQI is a toxic compound that is capable of damaging the body. In most cases, it is detoxified automatically via conjugation with the antioxidant glutathione. However, if a person has low levels of endogenous glutathione, NAPQI may wreak havoc as a toxin within the body, and also prolong the elimination of acetaminophen. For this reason it is thought that individuals with higher levels of glutathione may eliminate acetaminophen at a faster rate than those with suboptimal or deficient glutathione levels.
- Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3829578
Food intake / Hydration: It could be thought that the pharmacokinetics of Lortab may be slightly altered as a result of food intake and/or hydration. A person taking the drug on an empty stomach may metabolize hydrocodone at a faster rate than someone taking it after eating a large meal, but the acetaminophen component may be better absorbed with food. For this reason, most users take Lortab with food.
In addition to food, it is necessary to consider that the degree to which a person stays hydrated could affect the drug’s excretion. A person that stays well hydrated may exhibit an increased urinary flow rate, thereby facilitating more efficient renal excretion of hydrocodone metabolites within the urine. Someone who is dehydrated may exhibit a decreased urinary flow rate, possibly prolonging elimination of Lortab.
Liver function: Those with hepatic impairment are likely to retain Lortab for a longer duration than those with normative hepatic function. Typically the degree of hepatic impairment will determine the extent to which elimination is prolonged. Someone with severe cirrhosis may retain the drug (and its metabolites) for a considerably longer period than 2 days, whereas a person with a healthy liver may eliminate the drug in less than 1 day.
Hepatic impairment is known to downregulate function of various enzymes within the liver such as CYP2D6 that are responsible for metabolizing Lortab. Should an individual with cirrhosis already have poor CYP2D6 function as a result of a genetic polymorphism, retention of Lortab may significantly increase. If you have a healthy liver, you should expect to metabolize and excrete the drug in an optimal amount of time.
Metabolic rate: A person’s BMR (basal metabolic rate) may impact how long Lortab lingers in their system after their last dose. Individuals with a high BMR tend to burn more energy at rest and are thought to process (metabolize) exogenous substances at a quicker rate than those with a low BMR. The lower your BMR, the less efficiently you may metabolize Lortab and longer you should expect it to remain in your system. That said, remains unclear as to whether the affect of BMR on Lortab excretion is of clinical significance.
Renal function: Those with renal impairment may be unable to efficiently excrete Lortab metabolites following its metabolism. After the drug is metabolized, its metabolites are eliminated from the body within the urine by way of the kidneys. Should an individual experience abnormal kidney function (or impairment), Lortab metabolites may accumulate prior to elimination and may recirculate throughout the body, leading to prolonged elimination.
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Co-administered drugs (CYP2D6)
Taking other drugs along with Lortab may significantly affect how long it stays in your system after stopping. Due to the fact that the hydrocodone within Lortab is metabolized by CYP2D6 enzymes, drugs that alter enzymatic CYP2D6 function will likely affect Lortab’s half-life. Particularly, there are substances known as “CYP2D6 inhibitors” that serve to interfere with CYP2D6 function and others known as “CYP2D6 inducers” that enhance CYP2D6 function.
Should you have taken a CYP2D6 inhibitor along with Lortab, you can expect its elimination half-life to increase as a result of its poor metabolism. Examples of some common CYP2D6 inhibitors include: Amiodarone, Codeine, Citalopram, Deiavirdine, Fluoxetine, Methadone, Paroxetine, Perphenazine, Serindole, and Yohimbine. On the other hand, if you took a CYP2D6 inducer along with Lortab, you can likely expect its half-life to decrease.
Notable CYP2D6 inducers include the drugs Dexamethasone and Rifampin. These agents will serve to activate or enhance functionality of CYP2D6 isoenzymes, facilitating improved metabolism. It is important to realize that the degree of CYP2D6 inhibition/induction is likely a result of the potency of the administered agent, as well as its dosage.
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Frequency of usage
Both the frequency of administration, as well as the term (total duration) over which you took Lortab could affect how long it stays in your system. Usually the former (frequency) has a greater influence over the latter (total duration) on elimination half-life. This is due to the fact that when administered at a high frequency (e.g. several times per day), Lortab (hydrocodone/acetaminophen) concentrations peak within the plasma
Higher plasma concentrations among multi-dose users is reason as to why frequent/chronic users are more likely to fail a drug test compared to single-dose users. A single dose user will not have accumulated metabolites within the plasma nearly the extent of a multi-dose user. It is also necessary to consider that administration of Lortab frequently (e.g. several times per day) may impair the efficiency of hepatic metabolism and renal excretion.
Efficiency of hepatic metabolism may plummet due to the fact that multiple doses of Lortab likely tax CYP2D6 isoenzymes to a greater extent than single doses. Furthermore, a greater number of metabolites are formed upon metabolism of multiple doses – all of which will necessitate excretion via the kidneys. Due to heightened levels of metabolites undergo renal excretion among multi-dose users, the efficiency of renal excretion may decrease.
Therefore if you are a single dose user, you can expect to eliminate Lortab from your system relatively quickly; it is unlikely that you will have taxed your liver or kidneys and plasma concentrations of metabolites will be reduced. However, if you take Lortab frequently (e.g. 3-6 times per day) or abuse it, you can expect it to linger in your system for a longer duration after stopping.
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Cumulative daily dosage
The dosage of Lortab that you take can affect how long it is likely to stay in your system after discontinuation. Generally the higher the dosage you’ve been taking, along with how frequently you’ve been taking it, the longer you can expect it to remain in your system. On the other hand, the lower the dosage of Lortab that you take, the faster it is likely to get cleared from systemic circulation.
Lortab is manufactured in the following dosages (first number hydrocodone/second acetaminophen): 5 mg/325 mg, 7.5 mg/325 mg, 10 mg/325 mg, 5 mg/500 mg, 7.5 mg/500 mg, 10 mg/500 mg. A person who was regularly taking the highest dose of Lortab (10 mg hydrocodone/500 mg acetaminophen) will likely take longer to eliminate it than a person taking the lowest dose (5 mg/325 mg). Obviously the frequency of administration should be considered along with dosage.
A person using Lortab “10/500” just twice per day will not have taken as much as a person using “7.5/325” five times per day. The total ingested Lortab for the first individual would be 20 mg hydrocodone and 1000 mg acetaminophen, whereas the second person would’ve ingested 37.5 mg hydrocodone and 1625 mg acetaminophen. In addition to considering frequency along with dosage, other factors such as a person’s hepatic function and body mass may need to be considered.
However, the general rule of thumb is that higher cumulative daily dosages require more extensive hepatic metabolism, leading to increased metabolite formation, and less efficient renal excretion. If you are taking a high daily dosage of Lortab, expect to retain the drug for longer after cessation than an individual taking a lower daily dose.
Lortab: Absorption, Metabolism, Excretion (Details)
Following oral administration of Lortab, the hydrocodone component is efficiently absorbed by the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. When administered at a dosage of 10 mg, plasma concentrations peak within approximately 1.3 hours at an average level of 26.3 ng/ml in healthy adults. Of an administered Lortab dosage, approximately 19% to 45% of the hydrocodone is bound to plasma proteins.
After absorption, the hydrocodone component is metabolized by CYP450 enzymes, principally CYP2D6 isoenzymes, but CYP3A4 isoenzymes contribute to a minor extent. CYP2D6 isoenzymes prompts O-demethylation of hydrocodone to form the metabolite hydromorphone, whereas CYP3A4 isoenzymes catalyze oxidation via N-demethylation to form the metabolite norhydrocodone. Various additional hydroxymetabolites are also formed in small quantities including: 6-alpha-hydrocodol and 6-beta-hydrocodol.
Of a hydrocodone dose, upwards of 50% clearance is mediated by CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 enzymes, whereas an additional 40% is mediated by non-CYP (cytochrome) pathways. The average elimination half-life of hydrocodone within Lortab is 3.8 hours (usually within the range of 3.5 and 4.1 hours), meaning it is likely to be eliminated from the system within 21 hours post-ingestion. However, the norhydrocodone metabolite formed via N-demethylation may exhibit a half-life of approximately 8 hours, suggesting that it may linger for nearly 2 days post-ingestion (nearly a full day longer than its parent chemical, hydrocodone).
Upon administration of the acetaminophen component within Lortab, it is metabolized primarily by the liver, but the kidney and small intestine may contribute to a minor extent. Hepatic enzymes metabolize acetaminophen and convert it to metabolites via glucuronidation and sulfation, thereby forming APAP-gluc (acetaminophen glucuronide), APAP-sulf (acetaminophen sulfate), and a small percentage of NAPQI. An even smaller percentage of acetaminophen remains unchanged prior to excretion.
Acetaminophen is known to carry an elimination half-life ranging from 2 to 3 hours in healthy adults, indicating that it is likely to be cleared from systemic circulation between 11 and 17 hours post-ingestion. Most users of Lortab will find that the acetaminophen component is out of their system faster than the hydrocodone. Up to 90% of the acetaminophen should be eliminated via urine within 24 hours, primarily as APAP-glucuronides and APAP-sulfates.
Urinary excretion of hydrocodone typically contains: 6-20% unchanged hydrocodone, 2-14% norhydrocodone, and 5-6% hydromorphone. Other hydrocodone metabolites such as: dihydrocodeine, isodihydrocodeine, dihydromorphone, and isodihydromorphone – may also appear within urine in varying amounts. The metabolite hydromorphone has a half-life of 2.3 hours, meaning it is likely to be eliminated faster than the parent chemical “hydrocodone.”
On the other hand, the metabolite norhydrocodone has a half-life of 8 hours, meaning it could take up to 2 days to eliminate from the plasma, and possibly longer to fully excrete via urine. There is some evidence to suggest that norhydrocodone metabolite levels may be subject to variation based on sex of Lortab users. Females reportedly exhibit greater norhydrocodone levels (likely from greater density of CYP3A4 isoenzymes), whereas males form more hydromorphone metabolites (from greater CYP2D6 isoenzyme density).
Therefore it may be of greater difficulty to detect hydrocodone metabolites among males using Lortab compared to females. That said, is appears as though 70% of hydrocodone will be eliminated in the first 24 hours, and remaining metabolites should be excreted within 3 days (72 hours). Therefore Lortab is unlikely to remain in the body (in substantial quantities) for longer than 3 days.
- Source: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/hydrocodone
- Source: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/acetaminophen
Types of Lortab Drug Tests
There are many types of tests that can be used to detect Lortab in your system after ingestion. Most common tests include: urine tests, blood tests, and hair tests. Salivary (oral fluid) testing has become increasingly popular in recent years. However, of all the tests, urine testing is most common because it is non-invasive and capable of detecting metabolites for longer than blood or saliva testing.
Urine tests: If you’re subject to a urine test, you’ll be instructed to provide a fresh unaltered urine sample. This sample will be then sent to a laboratory for a “urinalysis” to be analyzed for various hydrocodone metabolites. Due to the fact that hydrocodone is primarily eliminated unchanged through urine, a urine test can effectively detect the drug for up to 48 hours in some users.
After 2 days post-ingestion, hydrocodone itself is unlikely to remain detectable. However, it is very possible that the hydrocodone metabolite (formed by way of N-demethylation via CYP3A4) “norhydrocodone,” still remains detectable in urine. Norhydrocodone is believed to remain detectable for up to 4 days.
Furthermore, norhydrocodone is more likely to be detectable in women than men (due to greater formation of the metabolite during hepatic metabolism). It is possible that among high dose/frequent users of Lortab, norhydrocodone metabolites remain for up to a full week after administration.
Hair tests: Another reliable way to determine whether an individual has ingested hydrocodone within Lortab is via collection of a hair sample. Hair samples generally consist of follicles removed from a person’s scalp, which are then sent to a laboratory for analysis. Hydrocodone may show up on a hair sample after a few days of usage, and remain detectable for up to 3 months thereafter.
As a result of the long window of detection associated with hair samples, hair testing is a great way to accurately gauge long-term hydrocodone ingestion. Once in the lab for assessment, precise quantities of the drug in hair are determined with GC/MS (gas chromatography/mass spectrometry) and/or ELISA (enzyme linked immunosorbent assays).
The quantity of hydrocodone appearing within a users hair is directly proportional to the amount of Lortab they ingested. Individuals that abused Lortab will likely exhibit more hydrocodone within follicle outgrowths than those who took lower doses. Hair tests are a viable alternative to urine tests in that they are able to detect small amounts (pictograms per milligram) of hydrocodone.
Saliva tests: Oral fluid samples can be collected and analyzed with high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for hydrocodone metabolites. Though the window of detection is shorter in a saliva sample compared to a hair or urine test, saliva testing is convenient and feasible, especially when used by law enforcement to test for opioid intoxication. Salivary fluid will contain hydrocodone and norhydrocodone among users of Lortab.
That said, neither hydrocodone nor its norhydrocodone metabolites will remain detectable in an oral fluid sample collected too long after ingestion. Even among a long-term, frequent user of Lortab, the hydrocodone component (and metabolites) wouldn’t likely be detectable 4 days after discontinuation. Among most individuals that are tested for hydrocodone via an oral fluid sample, detectability will be strongest on the day of ingestion.
Blood tests: An alternative way to test for Lortab, albeit relatively invasive, is by way of a blood sample. Individuals that are hospitalized or unable to voluntarily provide a fresh urine sample may be mandated to provide a blood sample or face unwanted legal consequences. Blood samples can accurately verify suspected opioid intoxication among those who have Lortab in their systems.
Hydrocodone usually becomes readily detectable within 1 hour of Lortab ingestion, and remains detectable in varying amounts (along with its metabolites) for up to 24 hours after ingestion. The window of detection in the bloodstream may even exceed 24 hours among high-dose/long-term users or those that have overdosed (or abused) Lortab. Due to the invasive nature of blood testing and shorter window of detection compared to urine testing, it is generally reserved for hospital patients and/or scientific research.
- Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16872564
- Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24944068
Who may get tested for Lortab?
Many individuals may not be tested specifically for “Lortab,” but may be tested for the hydrocodone component. Hydrocodone can impair vigilance, cognitive function, and motor skills – leading to disastrous consequences among those in certain occupations. Furthermore, individuals in rehabilitation and/or criminals may be tested for hydrocodone should they appear intoxicated.
- Criminals: It is possible that someone involved in a criminal act, or an already confined criminal, may be tested for the presence of drugs (or their metabolites). Should the individual appear intoxicated or an officer speculate that hydrocodone was ingested, a special drug screening may be issued. If the criminal is caught having illicitly ingested hydrocodone (by way of Lortab), additional punishment is a likely outcome.
- Drug rehab clients: Individuals in rehab may be subject to random or regular drug testing to ensure that they’ve maintained sobriety. Those in rehabilitation, especially for addiction or dependence to opioids may be tested specifically for hydrocodone metabolites. Should an individual in rehab test “positive” for hydrocodone metabolites (e.g. norhydrocodone), a longer stay and additional counseling will be encouraged.
- Employees: Various occupations such as pilots, truck drivers, machinists, and bus drivers cannot afford to work while intoxicated. Even taking medically acceptable doses of Lortab could impair their performance, potentially causing an error that leads to damaged equipment or even a serious (possibly fatal) accident. For this reason, random drug testing may assess for the presence of hydrocodone and its metabolites among certain workers.
- Military members: Individuals in the military are frequently tested for drugs due to the fact that ingestion of CNS depressants may impair performance and/or compromise the safety of fellow troops. On the battlefield, in training, or while working with heavy-duty equipment (or weaponry) – sobriety is demanded. Should a military member get caught with hydrocodone in his/her system from Lortab, that individual may be delisted.
Tips to clear Lortab from your system
If your goal is to eliminate Lortab from your system as fast as possible, the easiest way to do so is to refrain from using it; this is obvious to most people. Many users are looking for tricks to get Lortab out of their system quicker than average, but these tricks are seldom effective. Below are some tips that you can consider for detoxification, but understand that these should be verified for safety and efficacy with a medical professional prior to implementation.
- Discontinuation: Though it may be possible to expedite its elimination speed via manipulation with certain tactics, the degree to which elimination is expedited by these tactics is unlikely to be significant compared to refraining from usage. The longer you’ve been off of Lortab, the less acetaminophen and hydrocodone will be lingering in your system. Work with a medical professional to successfully taper off of the drug and maintain sobriety.
- Activated charcoal: Taking activated charcoal is a great way to detoxify your gastrointestinal tract of endotoxins and accumulation of any acetaminophen from the Lortab. Activated charcoal has an electronic charge that adsorbs exogenous chemicals (e.g. drugs) that may be unmetabolized in your gastrointestinal tract. Though this supplement will not expedite elimination, it will aid in detoxification.
- Calcium-D-Glucarate: This supplement is known to act as a beta-glucuronidase inhibitor, aiding the kidneys in the excretion of various toxins. Beta-glucuronidase inhibition essentially clears molecules out of detoxification pathways, allowing the kidneys to detoxify themselves. It is possible that metabolites from Lortab will be excreted with greater efficiency among those supplementing with calcium-d-glucarate.
- Glutathione: A toxic metabolite NAPQI can form as a result of acetaminophen metabolism via CYP450 enzymes. Individuals with high endogenous levels of the antioxidant glutathione are well-equipped to excrete this metabolite efficiently. However, if a person has lower than average glutathione, NAPQI may accumulate and do damage to the body. Supplementation with glutathione may facilitate optimal detoxification of NAPQI.
- Urinary pH: The excretion of many drugs is affected by an individual’s urinary pH. Some drugs are excreted with high efficiency when urinary pH is low or “acidic” and retained for a long duration when urinary pH is “alkaline” (high pH). Acidic urine can be attained via dietary modifications and may expedite the elimination of Lortab. That said, it is important to avoid increasing acidity too much, as this could cause acidosis.
How long has Lortab stayed in your system after stopping?
If you’ve stopped taking Lortab, share a comment regarding how long you believe the drug stayed in your system after your final dose. Do you think that any component (acetaminophen or hydrocodone) remained in your system for longer than an average of 20 hours? On the other hand, do you think that the drug may have been eliminated from your system faster than average?
If you speculate that the drug was eliminated at a faster or slower pace than usual from your system, mention factors that may support your speculation such as: your age, hepatic function, co-administered drugs (inhibiting CYP2D6), etc. Realize that the vast majority of Lortab users shouldn’t expect the drug to linger in their system for more than 3 days. Only in extreme outlier cases of abuse would the drug be likely to be eliminated at a slower rate.