Hydrocodone
Hydrocodone is a full opioid agonist primarily used for the management of moderate to severe pain requiring opioid-level analgesia. It acts on mu-opioid receptors in the central nervous system to produce its therapeutic effects. Due to its potential for dependence and abuse, it is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance.
Hydrocodone is an opioid analgesic used for moderate to severe pain that works by binding to mu-opioid receptors in the nervous system.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- R05DA03
- RxNorm
- 5489
- Generic
- Hydrocodone
- Class
- atc-r05
- Brands
- Ibudone, Zohydro, Hydromet, Verdrocet, Hysingla, Obredon, Hycofenix, Norco, Ventuss, Vicoprofen, Hy-KXP, Hycet, Tussionex, Reprexain, Hycodan
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- suspension, capsule, tablet, solution
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
7 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks, particularly in first trimester
regular fetal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid
avoid use near delivery due to risk of neonatal abstinence syndrome
fetal monitoring and assessment for neonatal withdrawal symptoms
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedingavoid
avoid breastfeeding during hydrocodone use due to infant exposure risk
monitor infant for excessive sleepiness and respiratory depression
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderlyreduce dose by 25-50%
use lower initial doses and titrate slowly, monitor for sedation and falls
regular assessment of pain control, sedation levels, and cognitive function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children under 12avoid
not recommended for use in children under 12 years of age
if used, close monitoring of respiratory status required
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
renal_impairment
severereduce dose by 50%
use reduced doses and extend dosing interval, monitor for accumulation
monitor renal function and adjust dose accordingly
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
moderate to severereduce dose by 50%
use reduced doses due to impaired metabolism, avoid in severe impairment if possible
monitor liver function and drug levels if available
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly prescribed since
General prescribing information
Drug class
Drug class information
Common uses
Common therapeutic uses
Controlled substance schedule
Regulatory classification
Management of moderate to severe pain requiring opioid analgesia; also available in combination formulations with other medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen for enhanced pain relief.
Full opioid agonist with primary selectivity for mu-opioid receptors; produces analgesia by altering perception of pain and emotional response to pain in the central nervous system.
Carries significant risks of dependence, addiction, respiratory depression, and other opioid-related adverse effects; should be used with caution in patients with respiratory conditions, head injuries, or history of substance abuse; must be titrated carefully and discontinued gradually to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy