Dosage of Hydrocodone: An Introduction
The dose of
hydrocodone that your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- The particular hydrocodone product
- How you respond to hydrocodone
- Other medications you are taking
- Other medical conditions you may have.
As is always the case, do not adjust your dosage unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
Hydrocodone Dosing for Pain or Cough
Typically, most hydrocodone products are taken every four to six hours as needed for pain, although the specific dosage your healthcare provider recommends may vary, depending on the specific strength of the product, as well as other factors. Some long-acting products are taken less frequently (such as just twice a day). Your healthcare provider will recommend a specific dosage based on several factors. If your body is used to taking narcotic medications, you will be able to handle more hydrocodone than someone who does not regularly take narcotics.
Keep in mind that hydrocodone always comes in combination with one or more other active ingredients (such as
acetaminophen). It is often the other active ingredients that determine and limit the dosage of hydrocodone that you can take. Be sure you know how much you should take per dose, how often you can take the medication, and your maximum dosage per day. Your healthcare provider or pharmacist can provide you with this information (which is specific to the particular product and your particular situation).
