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Hydrocodone oral forms dosage: A detailed guide

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Hydrocodone oral forms are prescribed for certain types of severe pain in adults. These medications are taken by mouth. Dosage varies based on factors such as pain severity, your body’s response to the medication, and risk factors for misuse and addiction.
Medically reviewed by Alex Brewer, PharmD, MBA
Updated on

This article describes hydrocodone oral form dosages, strengths, and details on how to take the drug. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for hydrocodone.

Hydrocodone oral forms are generic medications. Hydrocodone extended-release (ER) oral tablet comes as the brand-name drug Hysingla ER. Hydrocodone ER oral capsule isn’t available as a brand-name drug. Extended release means that the drug is slowly released into your body over time after you take a dose.

Hydrocodone also comes in combination forms with other pain medications, but those forms aren’t described in this article. To learn more about these forms, talk with your doctor.

If you want to know more about hydrocodone oral forms, see this overview article. It covers details about the drug’s uses, side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.

Boxed warnings

This drug has boxed warnings about the risk of misuse and addiction. It also has boxed warnings for respiratory depression, accidental ingestion, neonatal withdrawal syndrome, and drug interactions. Boxed warnings are serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

For more information, see the “Boxed warnings” section at the end of this article.

Forms and strengths of hydrocodone

Hydrocodone oral forms come as follows:

  • Extended-release tablet that you swallow. It’s available in strengths of:
    • 20 milligrams (mg)
    • 30 mg
    • 40 mg
    • 60 mg
    • 80 mg
    • 100 mg
    • 120 mg
  • Extended-release capsule that you swallow. It’s available in strengths of:
    • 10 mg
    • 15 mg
    • 20 mg
    • 30 mg
    • 40 mg
    • 50 mg

Extended-release medications slowly release the drug into your body over time after you take a dose.

Dosage of hydrocodone

This article describes the recommended dosages* for hydrocodone oral forms.

If your doctor prescribes this medication, they’ll determine the dosage that’s best for you. Do not change your dosage of hydrocodone oral forms without your doctor’s recommendation.

* The drugmaker provides these recommended dosages. If your doctor prescribes hydrocodone, be sure to take the dosage they prescribe for you.

Usual recommended dosages of hydrocodone in adults

Usually, doctors will prescribe a low dosage of hydrocodone oral forms. Then, they’ll adjust it over time until the right dosage is reached. Ultimately, your doctor will prescribe the smallest dosage for the shortest duration of time that gives the desired outcome.

The information below describes dosages that are commonly prescribed. That said, always take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs.

Hydrocodone oral forms are prescribed to manage severe pain that needs daily, around-the-clock opioid treatment. This medication is given when other treatment options haven’t worked well enough. The drug’s dosage varies based on pain severity, your body’s response to the drug, and risk factors for misuse and addiction.*

* This drug has boxed warnings about the risk of misuse and addiction. It also has boxed warnings for other risks. Boxed warnings are serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For more information, see the “Boxed warnings” section at the end of this article.

Dosage for pain management

The following dosages are recommended for people taking an opioid for the first time and people without tolerance to opioids. A person is considered tolerant if they’ve taken certain dosages of other opioids for 1 week or longer.

  • dosage of hydrocodone extended-release oral tablet:
    • starting dosage: 20 milligrams (mg) once every 24 hours
  • dosage of hydrocodone extended-release oral capsule:
    • starting dosage: 10 mg once every 12 hours

Your doctor may adjust your dosage every 3 to 7 days, depending on the form of oral hydrocodone you take.

If you’re switching to hydrocodone oral forms from another opioid, your doctor will calculate your dosage. They’ll determine it based on the dosage of the other opioid you were taking. Your doctor can provide more information about how they’ll calculate your hydrocodone dosage.

If you have questions about hydrocodone oral forms dosages, ask your doctor for more information.

Dosage adjustments for hydrocodone

Your doctor will prescribe a dosage of hydrocodone oral forms based on several factors, including:

  • the severity of your pain
  • other conditions you have
  • other medications you take
  • your body’s response to the medication
  • your risk factors for misuse and addiction*
  • whether you’ve recently taken opioid medications

If you have liver or kidney problems, your doctor may lower your hydrocodone oral forms dosage depending on the severity of the condition.

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Missed dose of hydrocodone

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist right away if you realize you forgot to take a dose of hydrocodone oral forms. They’ll likely advise that you skip the missed dose and take your next dose as scheduled.

For tips on how to plan your doses of hydrocodone oral forms and avoid missing a dose, read this article. You could also try:

  • downloading a reminder app on your phone
  • setting an alarm
  • putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your calendar, bathroom mirror, or bedside table

Overdose of hydrocodone

It’s important that you do not take more hydrocodone oral forms than your doctor prescribes. Doing so can lead to serious side effects.

Note: Hydrocodone is an opioid medication. If overdose of hydrocodone is known or suspected, it should be treated right away with a drug called naloxone (Narcan). Talk with your doctor about whether you should have Narcan available while you’re taking hydrocodone.

Symptoms of hydrocodone overdose

Symptoms of an overdose can include:

What to do if you take too much hydrocodone

If you think you’ve taken too much hydrocodone, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.

Frequently asked questions

Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about hydrocodone oral forms and its dosage.

Is there a ‘normal dose’ of hydrocodone?

No, there isn’t a “normal dose” of hydrocodone. The dosage of hydrocodone a doctor prescribes varies with each person.

A study looked at the average dosage of hydrocodone given to participants. The average dosage from this study may be used as a general guideline for doctors. But it’s not a recommended dosage for prescribing hydrocodone.

When determining your dosage, your doctor will consider factors such as:

  • the severity of your pain
  • other conditions you have
  • other medications you take
  • your body’s response to the medication
  • your risk factors for misuse and addiction*
  • whether you’ve recently taken opioid medications

Always take the dosage that your doctor prescribes for you. Talk with your doctor if you have any concerns about your hydrocodone dosage.

* This drug has boxed warnings about the risk of misuse and addiction. It also has boxed warnings for other risks. Boxed warnings are serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For more information, see the “Boxed warnings” section at the end of this article.

What is the lowest dose of hydrocodone?

There isn’t a set lowest dose for hydrocodone. The drug’s dosage varies for each person taking it. The lowest dosage prescribed for you may not be the lowest dosage prescribed for someone else.

The recommended starting dosage for someone taking an opioid for the first time or without opioid tolerance* is as follows:

  • hydrocodone extended-release oral tablet: 20 milligrams (mg) once every 24 hours
  • hydrocodone extended-release oral capsule: 10 mg once every 12 hours

Every 3 to 7 days, your doctor may adjust your dosage depending on the form of oral hydrocodone you take.

If you have more questions about your dosage of hydrocodone, ask your doctor for details.

* A person is considered opioid-tolerant if they’ve taken certain dosages of other opioids for 1 week or longer.

Will hydrocodone’s dosage be calculated by my body weight?

No, body weight isn’t used to calculate hydrocodone dosages.

The drug’s dosage is based on individual factors. To determine your dosage, your doctor will consider:

  • the severity of your pain
  • other conditions you have
  • other medications you take
  • your body’s response to the medication
  • your risk factors for misuse and addiction*
  • whether you’ve recently taken opioid medications

Talk with your doctor to learn the dosage of hydrocodone that’s right for you. For more information about the drug’s dosage, see the “Dosage of hydrocodone” section above.

* This drug has boxed warnings about the risk of misuse and addiction. It also has boxed warnings for other risks. Boxed warnings are serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For more information, see the “Boxed warnings” section at the end of this article.

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Is hydrocodone used long term?

It depends. Hydrocodone oral forms are prescribed to manage severe pain that needs daily, long-term opioid treatment. This medication is given when other treatment options haven’t worked well.

That said, hydrocodone oral forms are controlled substances that are regulated by the government. This drug has boxed warnings* about the risk of misuse and addiction, which can lead to life threatening overdose. This risk increases the longer hydrocodone is taken.

For this reason, your doctor will recommend that you take hydrocodone oral forms for the shortest amount of time needed. If you and your doctor determine this medication is safe and effective for your condition, they’ll prescribe it for the length of time that’s right for you.

* This drug has boxed warnings about other risks too. Boxed warnings are serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For more information, see the “Boxed warnings” section at the end of this article.

How hydrocodone is taken

Hydrocodone oral forms are taken by mouth, with or without food. You’ll take the medication one or more times per day depending on your treatment plan. Your doctor may advise that you take hydrocodone around the same time each day. This can help the drug work more effectively because it keeps a consistent amount of the drug in your body.

Hydrocodone oral forms should be swallowed whole. The tablets and capsules should not be crushed, chewed, or dissolved. Doing so can increase the risk for serious side effects. If your prescribed dosage consists of more than one tablet, take one tablet at a time with enough water to swallow it immediately.

If it’s hard for you to swallow capsules or tablets, view this article. It provides suggestions on how to swallow medications that come in pill form. Also, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can offer recommendations about taking the medication.

Hydrocodone can cause severe drowsiness, dizziness, or lightheadedness. For these reasons, you shouldn’t drive, operate heavy machinery, or drink alcohol,* while taking hydrocodone oral forms.

Take hydrocodone oral forms exactly as your doctor prescribes. Do not suddenly stop taking the drug without first talking with your doctor. Suddenly stopping it could increase your risk of withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms are side effects that can occur when you stop taking a drug that your body has become dependent on. With dependence, your body needs the drug in order to function like usual.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions about how to take hydrocodone oral forms.

* This drug has boxed warnings about the risk of consuming alcohol during treatment. It also has boxed warnings for other risks. Boxed warnings are serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For more information, see the “Boxed warnings” section at the end of this article.

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What to ask your doctor

This article describes the usual recommended dosages for hydrocodone oral forms. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they’ll determine the dosage that’s best for you.

Do not change your dosage of hydrocodone oral forms without your doctor’s recommendation. You should take hydrocodone exactly as your doctor prescribes it.

Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about your treatment plan.

Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:

  • Is the hydrocodone plus acetaminophen dosage different from that of hydrocodone without acetaminophen?
  • What’s the dosage of hydrocodone for dogs?
  • Is there a syrup form of hydrocodone available? If so, what is the hydrocodone syrup dose?
  • Will my doctor also prescribe naloxone with hydrocodone oral forms? If so, what’s the dosage?

Boxed warnings

This drug has boxed warnings about the risk of misuse and addiction. It also has boxed warnings for respiratory depression, accidental ingestion, neonatal withdrawal syndrome, and drug interactions. Boxed warnings are serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

For more details about these warnings, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Risk of misuse or addiction. Hydrocodone increases the risk of misuse and addiction. With misuse, a drug is taken in a way other than how it’s prescribed. With addiction, a drug is taken even if doing so is causing harm.

Possible complications of misuse and addiction are overdose and death. For this reason, the FDA requires that a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) is followed when a doctor prescribes hydrocodone. A REMS helps ensure you and your doctor are aware of these risks.

Risk of serious respiratory depression. Hydrocodone can slow your breathing causing a condition called respiratory depression. In some cases, this can be life threatening. If you have trouble breathing while taking this drug, call your doctor right away or seek emergency medical help.

Risk of accidental ingestion. If hydrocodone is accidentally taken by a person it’s not prescribed for, it may be fatal with just one dose. This is particularly true for children. Talk with your doctor about ways to help prevent accidental ingestion.

Risk of neonatal withdrawal syndrome. Taking hydrocodone during pregnancy can increase the risk of withdrawal symptoms in the infant after birth. Withdrawal symptoms are side effects that can occur when you stop taking a drug that your body has become dependent on. With dependence, your body needs the drug in order to function like usual.

This condition can be life threatening. The risk is higher if hydrocodone is taken for a long period of time during pregnancy. Talk with your doctor if you are pregnant or can become pregnant.

Risk of drug interactions that can result in a fatal outcome. Hydrocodone is broken down by your liver. Taking hydrocodone with other drugs that the liver also processes increases the risk of serious side effects. These side effects include ones that may be fatal. Talk with your doctor about other medications you take.

Risk of use with benzodiazepines and other central nervous system (CNS) depressants, including alcohol. Taking hydrocodone with benzodiazepines or another CNS depressant increases certain risks. These are slow breathing, excessive sedation, coma, and even death. Talk with your doctor about all other medications you take before starting hydrocodone treatment.

Also, keep in mind that alcohol is a CNS depressant. If you drink alcohol, you should avoid drinking it while taking hydrocodone. Consuming alcohol while taking hydrocodone extended-release oral capsules increases certain risks. These include the risk of slow breathing, excessive sedation, coma, and even death. Avoid drinking alcohol during hydrocodone treatment.

Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

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