Hydrocodone is an opioid (
morphine-like) medication. It is an active ingredient in several hundred different prescription drugs. In these medications, hydrocodone is always combined with at least one other active ingredient (most often
acetaminophen); hydrocodone is not available by itself. Although most often used for pain relief, hydrocodone is also used as a cough suppressant.
The medication is a narcotic and is a "controlled substance" in the United States.
Who Makes These Medications?
Hydrocodone medications are prescription pharmaceuticals produced by various different manufacturers. Unlike many other drugs with abuse potential, hydrocodone is not made clandestinely (in illegal operations, such as with "meth labs").
How Does Hydrocodone Work?
Hydrocodone is a semi-synthetic narcotic, opioid pain reliever. It acts similarly to codeine. It is effective at decreasing pain and relieving coughing, but also causes drowsiness, mood changes, and mental "clouding." It is thought that opioid pain relievers (such as hydrocodone) work by binding to opioid receptors in the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord).
Hydrocodone has a significant potential for both psychological and physical dependence and abuse. In fact, it is classified as a controlled substance, meaning that there are special rules and regulations for prescribing and obtaining the medication. Because it can be a desirable drug of abuse, people often try to buy hydrocodone through illegal means, such as from foreign countries or online sources that do not require a prescription. It is readily available and relatively inexpensive (at least in generic form), making it a popular drug of abuse.
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When and How Do I Take It?
General considerations include the following:
- This medication comes in tablet, capsule, or liquid form. It is taken by mouth, often every four hours as needed for pain (although the specific instructions may vary depending on the particular product).
- It is probably best to take hydrocodone with food, as it can be upsetting to the stomach.
- Do not drink alcohol while taking this medication (see Hydrocodone and Alcohol).
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Do not increase your dose without your healthcare provider's approval. Do not suddenly stop taking it, especially if you have taken it regularly for more than several weeks (see Hydrocodone Withdrawal Symptoms).
The dosage that your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- The particular hydrocodone product
- How you respond to the medication
- Other medications you are taking
- Other medical conditions you may have.
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
Side Effects of Hydrocodone
As with any medicine, hydrocodone can cause side effects. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. Most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Common hydrocodone side effects include, but are not limited to:
(Click Hydrocodone Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Hydrocodone?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking this medication if you have:
- Liver disease, such as cirrhosis, liver failure, or hepatitis
- Kidney disease, such as kidney failure (renal failure)
- A head injury or high intracranial pressure
- Severe abdominal (stomach) pain
- Hypothyroidism
- Addison's disease
- An enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hypertrophy, or BPH)
- Lung disease of any sort
- A history of drug or alcohol dependence
- Any allergies, including allergies to foods, dyes, or preservatives.
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about any other medications you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
What If I Take an Overdose?
An overdose with hydrocodone can be very dangerous. If you happen to overdose on this medication, seek immediate medical attention.
Hydrocodone should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep this and all other medications out of the reach of children. Because it can be a desirable drug of abuse, make sure to keep it in a safe place.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
This medication is often prescribed on an "as needed" basis, which means you do not need to take a dose if you do not feel pain. If you forget to take a dose of hydrocodone and notice significant pain, take your missed dose right away. However, make sure to wait the recommended time before the next dose.
There are several hundred prescription hydrocodone products available. Some of these products are not approved by the FDA (this is actually fairly common among older medications), although the FDA has taken steps to remove such unapproved hydrocodone products from the market. Most of these unapproved products are cough syrups that contain hydrocodone plus one or more other active ingredients.
The most commonly prescribed (and abused) hydrocodone products are hydrocodone plus
acetaminophen ("
hydrocodone/APAP") pain medications, such as:
Most (but not all) hydrocodone products are available in generic form.
