You might have seen a white, oval-shaped pill stamped with “G037” and wondered what it’s for. This tablet is commonly prescribed to help manage moderate to severe pain, especially when over-the-counter options aren’t enough. [1]
Beyond its appearance, there is a lot to understand—what it contains, how it works in the body, and what risks may be associated with its use.
Whether you’re filling a prescription or trying to identify a found pill, it’s important to know the facts.
G037 White Pill Identifier: What This Medication Is and What It’s Used For
The G037 white oval pill is a prescription medication. It’s to help manage moderate to severe pain. It’s a scored, white, oval-shaped tablet with the imprint “G037” on one side—an identifying mark used to confirm the pill’s contents.
This pill is a combination medication made up of hydrocodone bitartrate (this is an opioid pain reliever) and acetaminophen (a non-opioid analgesic), according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). [2]
Together, these two ingredients work to reduce pain more effectively than either could on its own. Hydrocodone helps block pain signals in the brain, while acetaminophen increases the body’s pain threshold.[3]
Hydrocodone works similarly to other prescription pain medications like oxycodone and brand-name Vicodin.
The G037 white oval pill falls under a Schedule II controlled substance classification, which means it has a high potential for misuse, even when prescribed. That’s why it’s typically used for short-term situations where the pain is intense, like after surgery or a serious injury, and other medications just haven’t done the job. [4]
One of the brand names for this pill is Lortab. [5]
Various pharmaceutical manufacturers make it, but the ingredients and effects are generally the same.
Whether you’re taking it for a few days or as part of a more extended recovery process, it helps to know exactly what you’re working with, especially because it carries the risk of physical dependence, addiction, and opioid overdose.
Being informed about what the G037 pill is—and what it isn’t—can make a significant difference when it comes to using it responsibly and monitoring for any unexpected side effects along the way.
What Is the G037 Pill Used For and How Does It Work?
The G037 white oval pill is most commonly prescribed to treat moderate to severe acute pain, following an injury, dental procedure, or surgery. [6]
It’s often recommended when over-the-counter treatment options like ibuprofen or acetaminophen alone aren’t enough to provide relief.
This pill combines two pain-relieving ingredients:
- Hydrocodone, a prescription opioid that targets pain receptors in the brain [7]
- Acetaminophen, a non-opioid that raises the body’s pain threshold and reduces fever
By working through different mechanisms, these two ingredients offer stronger pain relief together than they each would on their own.
Hydrocodone helps dull the brain’s perception of pain, while acetaminophen enhances the body’s ability to tolerate it.
Because of the presence of hydrocodone, this medication is typically for short-term pain management and comes with important safety considerations due to its potential for dependence.
G037 Pill Dosage, Strength, and Potential Side Effects
The G037 white oval pill typically contains 10 mg of hydrocodone and also 325 mg of acetaminophen per tablet. [8]
It’s usually administered every 4 to 6 hours as needed for pain relief, but dosage and frequency should always be determined by a medical provider based on individual needs.
Because this medication contains acetaminophen, it’s important not to exceed 3,000 mg of acetaminophen in 24 hours.[9]
Taking too much, whether through multiple doses of this pill or by combining it with other medications that contain acetaminophen, can lead to serious liver damage, which can be life-threatening.
Like any prescription pain reliever that’s an opiate or opioid medication, the G037 pill can cause side effects. Some are common and manageable, while others may be more serious.
Common side effects may include:[10]
- Drowsiness
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
More serious risks include:
- Slowed or difficult breathing
- Liver damage (especially if it’s taken in high doses or with alcohol)
- Risk of dependency or overdose, particularly with long-term use or misuse
Understanding these medication details is key when taking prescription pain relievers like the G037 pill. If you or a loved one is experiencing unexpected symptoms, it’s essential to seek medical advice promptly. [11]
Can You Become Dependent on the G037 Pill?
Because the G037 pill contains hydrocodone, a prescription opioid, it has the potential to be habit-forming. [12] Even when taken as prescribed, it’s possible to develop a physical or psychological dependence over time, and that can significantly affect physical and mental health.
Dependence doesn’t always start with misuse.
Sometimes, it develops gradually—even in individuals who use the medication exactly as directed. However, signs that the medication may be getting misused can include:
- Taking more than prescribed
- Running out of pills early
- Using the medication to cope with stress, anxiety, or emotions rather than physical pain
The longer someone uses a medication containing hydrocodone, the higher the risk of developing opioid use disorder.[13] That’s why this medication is typically intended for short-term use under careful supervision.
Safety Tips, Warnings, and Medication Interactions
If you’ve been prescribed the G037 pill, there are a few important safety points to keep in mind:[14]
- Avoid alcohol. It elevates the risk of liver damage (due to acetaminophen) and can heighten the sedative effects of hydrocodone.
- Be cautious with driving or operating machinery until you know how the medication affects your focus and coordination.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications, especially sedatives like benzodiazepines or sleep aids, as combining them can increase the risk of breathing problems.
- The G037 pill can also interact with antidepressants, antipsychotics, and other medications affecting the central nervous system (CNS), so full transparency with your provider is essential.[15]
Understanding the risks and how to use this medication responsibly is key to staying safe while managing pain.
Storage and Safe Handling of the G037 White Oval Pill
When it comes to medications like the G037 white oval pill, how it’s stored and handled matters just as much as how it’s taken.
Because this pill contains hydrocodone—an opioid pain reliever—it’s especially important to keep it secure and out of reach of others, particularly children, teens, and anyone who may be at risk for misuse.[16]
The pill should be kept in its original container, sealed well, and stored at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Bathrooms and kitchen cabinets may seem convenient, but the humidity in these spaces can affect the quality of medications over time.
Leftover pills should never be shared, saved “just in case,” or thrown in the trash where others could find them.
Many communities offer secure drug take-back programs or provide guidance on how to dispose of unused medications safely and responsibly. If a take-back program isn’t available, your local pharmacy or healthcare provider may offer disposal options.
Practicing safe storage not only protects those in your home, but it also helps prevent medication misuse in your community.
Even when prescribed, opioids like the G037 pill need to be handled carefully.
Final Takeaways on the G037 White Oval Pill
The G037 white oval pill can offer relief when pain is hard to manage, especially in the short term.
That said, like any medication that contains an opioid, it comes with some real considerations, particularly when it comes to side effects, the potential for misuse, and the risk of addiction and dangerous drug interactions. [17]
If you’re feeling unsure about how this pill is affecting you, or if you’re noticing changes in someone you care about, it’s completely okay to ask questions. You don’t need to have it all figured out on your own. Talk to your healthcare professional if needed.
Being curious, staying informed, and reaching out when something doesn’t feel right are all part of staying safe. Sometimes, just understanding what a medication is and how it works can make all the difference.
