The prescribed dosage for hydrocodone may depend on a person’s individual treatment plan. Other factors, including your specific diagnosis, body weight, and medical history, may affect your dosage of hydrocodone.
Hydrocodone comes as an extended-release (ER) oral capsule and ER oral tablet. (Extended-release tablets and capsules release the medication slowly over time.) It’s usually taken once or twice per day.
Hydrocodone is approved for use in adults to treat severe pain.
Hydrocodone is a generic medication that belongs to a drug class called opioid analgesics (pain relievers). Hydrocodone ER oral tablet is available in a brand-name version, Hysingla ER.
This article describes the dosages of hydrocodone, as well as its strengths and how to take it. To learn more about hydrocodone, including its uses and side effects, see this hydrocodone overview.
Your doctor will likely start you on a low dosage and adjust it over time to reach the right amount for you. They’ll ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.
The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended for hydrocodone. But be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs. In some cases, doctors may adjust your dosage from those mentioned here.
Hydrocodone forms
Hydrocodone is available as an ER oral capsule and ER oral tablet.
Hydrocodone strengths
Hydrocodone ER oral capsule comes in the following strengths:
- 10 milligrams (mg)
- 15 mg
- 20 mg
- 30 mg
- 40 mg
- 50 mg
Hydrocodone ER oral tablet is available in the following strengths:
- 20 mg
- 30 mg
- 40 mg
- 60 mg
- 80 mg
- 100 mg
- 120 mg
Hydrocodone is approved to treat severe pain. The typical hydrocodone dosage for adults with severe pain may depend on:
- form of hydrocodone prescribed
- whether the person has taken an opioid before
- which opioid medication the person was initially prescribed
See the table below for dosage details.
| Starting dosage in people who haven’t been taking an opioid medication | Starting dosage in people switching to hydrocodone from another opioid medication | |
|---|---|---|
| ER oral capsule | 20 mg once per day | Your doctor will calculate your dose based on the opioid(s) you’re switching from and the dose(s) you are currently taking. |
| ER oral tablet | 10 mg twice per day | Your doctor will calculate your dose based on the opioid(s) you’re switching from and the dose(s) you are currently taking. |
Your doctor will find the lowest effective dosage for you. They may slowly increase your dosage if needed.
Always follow your prescribing doctor’s instructions. Notify them if you experience any side effects that may prevent you from taking your medication.
Your doctor or pharmacist will advise you how to take hydrocodone. Typically, recommendations for taking hydrocodone include:
- Both hydrocodone ER oral capsules and ER oral tablets are meant to be swallowed whole with enough water to make sure you swallow the capsule or tablet right away.
- Do not crush, chew, suck, or dissolve the ER oral capsules or ER oral tablets.
- Do not open the ER oral capsules and do not pre-soak, lick, or wet the ER oral tablets.
- Both the ER oral capsules and ER oral tablets can be taken with or without food.
How long do you take hydrocodone?
Hydrocodone is usually a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely take it long term.
Do not take more hydrocodone than your doctor prescribes, as this can lead to harmful effects.
Symptoms of hydrocodone overdose
Symptoms caused by an overdose of hydrocodone can include:
- extreme sleepiness
- muscle weakness
- respiratory depression (slow, shallow breathing)
- clammy skin
- pinpoint pupils
- loss of consciousness (fainting)
In some cases, an overdose can lead to coma.
What to do in case you take too much hydrocodone
Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve taken too much Hydrocodone. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room.
Disclaimer: Medical News Today 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.