Both drugs are narcotic pain relievers. They are mostly prescribed for providing the relief of moderate to severe pain. They both contain pain-relieving agents known as hydrocodone and acetaminophen. Vicodin and Lortab are available in tablet form.
However, Lortab is also sometimes offered in liquid form. The main difference between Vicodin and Lortab is the hydrocodone and acetaminophen factor. In Lortab, there may be variations in the amount of hydrocodone. However, the acetaminophen dosage in Lortab remains at 500 mg, regardless of the varying hydrocodone strength.
Vicodin was first manufactured in 1978 by the company, Knoll, while Lortab was introduced to the United States in 1997. Vicodin is more often prescribed than Lortab. Vicodin has its name imprinted on one side of the pill, which is its trademark. Lortab comes in pink, while Vicodin is white.