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Buy Hydrocodone online now and avail best discount, Hydrocodone is a prescription opioid for pain severe enough to need one. It is most often prescribed as a generic tablet combined with acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol. It also comes as an extended-release, hydrocodone-only medicine for severe long-term pain, and in some prescription cough medicines for adults.
Because it can cause addiction, dangerous breathing problems and fatal overdose, hydrocodone is a Schedule II controlled substance. It is legally available only with a valid prescription. This guide covers how it works, how it is dosed, its side effects and interactions, and how to use it as safely as possible.
Hydrocodone at a glance
Hydrocodone is a Schedule II opioid, sold mostly as generic hydrocodone/acetaminophen tablets.
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Generic name | Hydrocodone (usually as hydrocodone bitartrate) |
| Common combinations | Hydrocodone/acetaminophen; hydrocodone/ibuprofen |
| Brand names | Past brands include Vicodin, Norco and Lortab. These brands are no longer on the market, but generics are widely available |
| Drug class | Opioid (narcotic) analgesic and antitussive (cough suppressant) |
| Type | Semi-synthetic opioid made from codeine |
| DEA schedule | Schedule II. Combination products moved up from Schedule III on October 6, 2014 (DEA final rule) |
| Prescription | Always required. Refills are not allowed, so each fill needs a new prescription |
| Forms | Immediate-release tablets and oral solution (combinations); extended-release tablets and capsules (hydrocodone only) |
What is hydrocodone?
Hydrocodone is the name of the drug itself, not a brand. Hydrocodone/acetaminophen (sometimes written hydrocodone-APAP) is the generic name of the most common combination product. It has been sold under brand names such as Vicodin, Norco and Lortab.
Hydrocodone belongs to two drug classes: opioid (narcotic) analgesics, which relieve pain, and antitussives, which suppress cough. It is a semi-synthetic opioid, made in a lab from codeine, a natural opioid found in the opium poppy. The DEA describes it as closest to codeine in structure and to morphine in its effects.
Hydrocodone is among the most tightly controlled medicines in the U.S. In 2014, the DEA moved all hydrocodone combination products into Schedule II, its strictest category for drugs with an accepted medical use, citing concerns about abuse and overdose.
How hydrocodone works
Hydrocodone attaches to opioid receptors, mainly mu-opioid receptors, in the brain and spinal cord. This changes how the brain and nervous system respond to pain, so pain feels less intense. It also quiets the part of the brain that triggers coughing.
The same receptors control other body functions, which explains the drug’s risks. Hydrocodone can slow breathing and cause drowsiness and constipation. It also activates the brain’s reward system, which can produce euphoria. That effect drives misuse and addiction.
What is hydrocodone used for?
Hydrocodone treats pain and, in some combination products, cough in adults. It is not a fever medicine.
- Short-term pain. Immediate-release combination tablets treat pain severe enough to need an opioid, such as after surgery or a serious injury, when other pain relievers have not been enough. They are taken as needed.
- Severe long-term pain. Extended-release (ER), hydrocodone-only products are reserved for severe, ongoing pain that needs daily, around-the-clock opioid treatment. They are not for as-needed or short-term use.
- Cough. Some prescription cough medicines combine hydrocodone with ingredients such as chlorpheniramine, homatropine, guaifenesin or pseudoephedrine. Since 2018, the FDA has limited these medicines to adults 18 and older because their risks outweigh the benefits for children.
Does hydrocodone treat fever? No. Hydrocodone itself does not lower a fever. The acetaminophen in combination tablets can, but these medicines are prescribed for pain, not fever.
Forms and strengths
Combination strengths are written as two numbers: hydrocodone first, then acetaminophen (or ibuprofen). A “10/325” tablet holds 10 mg of hydrocodone and 325 mg of acetaminophen.
| Form | Common strengths (mg) | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Hydrocodone/acetaminophen tablets | 2.5/325, 5/325, 7.5/325, 10/325 (some products use 300 mg acetaminophen) | The most common form; immediate-release |
| Hydrocodone/acetaminophen oral solution | 7.5/325 or 10/325 per 15 mL | Measure with a marked dosing device, never a kitchen spoon |
| Hydrocodone/ibuprofen tablets | 2.5/200 to 10/200 | Meant for short-term use, generally under 10 days |
| Extended-release hydrocodone (hydrocodone only) | Tablets and capsules taken once or twice a day | Severe long-term pain only; always swallow whole |
| Hydrocodone cough medicines | Tablets, syrups, solutions and an extended-release suspension | Adults 18 and older only |
Older high-acetaminophen strengths are discontinued. Products such as 10/500, 10/650 and 10/660 mg are no longer sold in the U.S. In 2011, the FDA began limiting prescription combination products to 325 mg of acetaminophen per tablet or capsule to reduce liver damage. In January 2014, it told prescribers and pharmacists to stop prescribing and dispensing anything stronger.
About pill imprints. Imprint codes and colors vary by manufacturer and change over time, so this guide does not list them. To identify a pill, check your prescription label or ask your pharmacist. Appearance cannot prove a pill is genuine: counterfeit pills are made to look identical to real ones.
Hydrocodone dosage
Your prescriber sets your dose based on how severe your pain is, your age, your other health conditions and medicines, and any past opioid use. The goal is the lowest dose that controls your pain, for the shortest time needed. Never change your dose on your own.
Usual adult dosage (hydrocodone/acetaminophen tablets)
| Tablet strength | Usual dose | Maximum per 24 hours |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5/325 mg or 5/325 mg | 1 to 2 tablets every 4 to 6 hours as needed | 8 tablets |
| 7.5/325 mg or 10/325 mg | 1 tablet every 4 to 6 hours as needed | 6 tablets |
Source: tablet prescribing information and Mayo Clinic.
- Acetaminophen limit: Total acetaminophen from all sources must stay at or below 4,000 mg in 24 hours, or a lower limit your doctor sets. Many over-the-counter cold, flu, sleep and pain products also contain acetaminophen (sometimes labeled “APAP”), so check labels before taking anything else.
- Oral solution: The usual adult dose of the 7.5/325 mg per 15 mL liquid is 15 mL every 4 to 6 hours as needed, up to 90 mL (6 doses) a day. Measure it with a dosing syringe or cup.
- Extended-release hydrocodone: Taken once or twice a day for severe long-term pain. It is started and adjusted only by a prescriber.
Children
Only a doctor can decide whether a child should take a hydrocodone medicine, and at what dose. Several hydrocodone products are not approved for children at all:
- Hydrocodone cough medicines: not for anyone under 18
- Extended-release hydrocodone: not approved for anyone under 18
- Hydrocodone/ibuprofen: not indicated for children under 16
If you miss a dose
Most people take hydrocodone only as needed for pain, so there is no schedule to miss; just don’t take the next dose sooner than prescribed. If your doctor has you take it on a regular schedule, skip the missed dose and take the next one at the usual time. Never take two doses at once or extra medicine to catch up.
How to take hydrocodone safely
Take hydrocodone exactly as prescribed: never more, more often, or for longer than directed.
- Read the Medication Guide that comes with every fill. It explains the main risks and can change between fills.
- Measure liquids carefully with a marked oral syringe, dropper or dosing cup, never a household teaspoon.
- Swallow extended-release tablets and capsules whole, one at a time. Never crush, chew, break, cut, dissolve or open them, and do not pre-soak, lick or wet a tablet first. A damaged ER dose can release all the drug at once and cause a fatal overdose.
- Don’t put extended-release hydrocodone through a feeding tube.
- Avoid alcohol completely while taking hydrocodone.
- Don’t stop suddenly if you have been taking it regularly. Your prescriber can lower the dose gradually.
- Keep naloxone on hand. Naloxone (Narcan) and nalmefene can reverse an opioid overdose. They are available over the counter, from community programs or by prescription. Make sure the people around you know how to use them.
- Never share or sell your medicine. It is illegal, and a single dose can kill someone it wasn’t prescribed for, especially a child.
Side effects of hydrocodone
Most hydrocodone side effects are mild, such as constipation, nausea and drowsiness. Breathing problems and allergic reactions, however, are emergencies.
Common side effects
Tell your doctor if any of these are severe or don’t go away:
- Constipation, which often does not improve over time
- Nausea, vomiting or stomach pain
- Drowsiness, tiredness or dizziness
- Lightheadedness, especially when standing up
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Increased sweating
- Lower sex drive, or trouble getting or keeping an erection
Other reported side effects include back pain, muscle spasms and tremor. Also tell your doctor about any hearing changes or ringing in the ears, since hearing loss has been reported with long-term hydrocodone/acetaminophen use.
Serious side effects
Call 911 for breathing problems, a severe allergic reaction, or anyone who can’t be woken up. For the other problems below, call your doctor right away or get emergency care.
| Problem | Warning signs |
|---|---|
| Breathing problems | Slow, shallow or noisy breathing; long pauses between breaths; shortness of breath; unusual snoring or pauses in breathing during sleep; blue or gray lips; extreme sleepiness or trouble waking up |
| Severe allergic reaction | Hives, rash, hoarseness, trouble breathing or swallowing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat |
| Serious skin reaction (from acetaminophen) | Skin redness, a spreading rash, blisters or peeling skin |
| Liver damage (from acetaminophen) | Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, upper-right belly pain, dark urine, pale or clay-colored stools, yellow skin or eyes |
| Serotonin syndrome (more likely with some antidepressants or migraine medicines) | Agitation, hallucinations, confusion, fever, sweating, shivering, fast heartbeat, severe muscle stiffness or twitching, loss of coordination, diarrhea |
| Adrenal gland problems | Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, weakness, tiredness or dizziness that won’t go away |
| Very low blood pressure | Lightheadedness or fainting, especially when standing up |
| Other | Chest pain or a change in heartbeat; seizures; new or worse pain, or pain from light touch; trouble swallowing |
The risk of breathing problems is highest during the first 24 to 72 hours of treatment and after any dose increase.
Hydrocodone overdose: warning signs and what to do
A hydrocodone overdose is a medical emergency because the drug can slow or stop breathing. It can happen when someone takes more than prescribed, mixes hydrocodone with alcohol or other sedating drugs, or takes a counterfeit pill. For a child, swallowing even one tablet can be fatal.
Signs of an opioid overdose
- Very small (“pinpoint”) pupils, although pupils can sometimes be widened
- Slow, shallow or stopped breathing, or choking, gurgling or snoring sounds
- Slow heartbeat
- Cold, clammy skin, or blue or gray lips and fingernails
- Extreme sleepiness, a limp body, or being unable to wake up or respond
- Coma
What to do
- Give naloxone (Narcan) if you have it, and call 911. If someone else is there, one person calls while the other gives naloxone.
- Try to keep the person awake and breathing, and lay them on their side so they don’t choke.
- Stay with them until help arrives. If normal breathing hasn’t returned 2 to 3 minutes after the first dose, give a second dose.
Naloxone won’t harm someone who isn’t having an opioid overdose, so use it if you’re unsure (CDC). Most states also have Good Samaritan laws that may protect people who call for help.
If the person is awake and breathing normally, for example a child who may have swallowed a pill, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 right away for instructions.
Acetaminophen overdose: the hidden danger
Too much acetaminophen can cause severe liver damage, and symptoms may be mild or missing for the first day. Early signs include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, sweating and stomach pain. Later signs include yellow skin or eyes, dark urine and extreme tiredness.
If someone has taken more than the daily limit, call Poison Control even if they feel fine. Treatment works best when it starts early.
Dependence, addiction and withdrawal
Regular hydrocodone use can cause physical dependence, even when you take it exactly as prescribed. Dependence is not the same as addiction, but both are reasons to use the lowest dose for the shortest time.
- Physical dependence: Your body adapts to the drug, so stopping suddenly causes withdrawal.
- Tolerance: Over time, the same dose may relieve less pain. Tell your doctor instead of taking more on your own.
- Addiction (opioid use disorder): Compulsive use despite harm, such as cravings, taking more than prescribed, or using it for reasons other than pain. The risk is higher if you or a family member has had a substance use problem or an overdose, or if you have depression or another mental health condition.
Withdrawal symptoms
Stopping hydrocodone suddenly after regular use can cause:
- Anxiety, restlessness and irritability
- Trouble sleeping and frequent yawning
- Runny nose, teary eyes, sweating and chills
- Widened (dilated) pupils
- Muscle, back and joint pain, and weakness
- Nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhea and loss of appetite
- Fast breathing and fast heartbeat
- Low mood or depression
Don’t stop on your own. Your prescriber can lower the dose gradually, because stopping abruptly can also bring back severe pain and cause serious distress.
Getting help
Opioid use disorder is treatable, including with medicines such as buprenorphine, methadone and naltrexone. If you’re worried about your use, talk to your doctor or call the free, confidential SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357, available 24/7. In a crisis, call or text 988.
Precautions and warnings
A few conditions rule hydrocodone out, and many others mean your doctor needs to adjust the dose or monitor you more closely.
Who should not take hydrocodone
Your doctor will likely not prescribe hydrocodone if you have:
- Severely slowed breathing
- Acute or severe asthma, unless you’re in a monitored medical setting
- A known or suspected blockage in the stomach or intestines, including paralytic ileus
- An allergy to hydrocodone or acetaminophen (or ibuprofen, for that combination)
Tell your doctor before starting if you
- Have had an allergic reaction to any opioid
- Have ever had a problem with alcohol, prescription drugs or street drugs, or an overdose, or have a family history of these
- Have depression or another mental health condition
- Have asthma, COPD, sleep apnea or other breathing problems
- Have liver or kidney disease
- Have had a head injury, brain tumor or seizures, or a condition that raises pressure in the brain
- Have thyroid, adrenal, pancreas, gallbladder or heart disease
- Have trouble urinating or an enlarged prostate
- Are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Are 65 or older
These conditions don’t automatically rule hydrocodone out. Your doctor may choose a lower dose, monitor you more closely or pick a different treatment.
Everyday safety
- Drowsiness: Don’t drive or use machinery until you know how hydrocodone affects you.
- Dizziness and fainting: Get up slowly. Sit with your feet on the floor for a few minutes before standing, especially in the first days of treatment.
- Constipation: Drink plenty of fluids, eat fiber, and ask your doctor whether you need a stool softener or laxative.
- Fertility: Long-term use may reduce fertility in both men and women.
- Tests and surgery: Tell your doctors, dentist and lab staff that you take hydrocodone.
Pregnancy
Regular hydrocodone use during pregnancy can cause neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome, a withdrawal reaction in the newborn that can be life-threatening if not recognized and treated. If you’re pregnant or planning to be, talk with your doctor about the risks and other options. Don’t stop suddenly without medical advice.
Breastfeeding
Hydrocodone and acetaminophen both pass into breast milk. Talk to your doctor before breastfeeding while taking hydrocodone, and get medical help right away if your baby is unusually sleepy or has trouble feeding or breathing. The FDA advises against breastfeeding while taking opioid cough medicines.
Older adults
People 65 and older can be more sensitive to hydrocodone, with a higher risk of drowsiness, confusion, falls and slowed breathing. Doctors often start them on a lower dose.
Interactions with other medicines, food and alcohol
The most dangerous combination is hydrocodone with alcohol, benzodiazepines or other sedating drugs, which can stop breathing. Give your doctor and pharmacist a full list of everything you take, including over-the-counter medicines and supplements.
Medicines
| Medicine or group | Examples | What can happen |
|---|---|---|
| Benzodiazepines and other sedating drugs | Alprazolam, diazepam, lorazepam; sleep medicines; muscle relaxants; other opioids; gabapentin and pregabalin | Extreme sleepiness, slowed or stopped breathing, coma and death |
| Drugs that block the liver enzyme CYP3A4 | Erythromycin, clarithromycin, ketoconazole, itraconazole, ritonavir | Higher hydrocodone levels and a greater risk of overdose |
| Drugs that speed up CYP3A4 | Rifampin, carbamazepine, phenytoin | Hydrocodone may work less well; stopping one of these later can raise hydrocodone levels |
| Serotonin-raising drugs and supplements | SSRIs, SNRIs, tricyclic antidepressants, triptans for migraine, St. John’s wort, tryptophan | Serotonin syndrome |
| MAO inhibitors | Phenelzine, tranylcypromine, isocarboxazid, selegiline, linezolid, methylene blue | Serious reactions; tell your doctor if you’ve taken one in the past 2 weeks |
| Mixed agonist-antagonist and partial-agonist opioids | Butorphanol, nalbuphine, pentazocine, buprenorphine | Weaker pain relief and possible withdrawal |
| Opioid blockers | Naltrexone; samidorphan (in olanzapine/samidorphan) | Block hydrocodone’s effects and can trigger withdrawal |
| Anticholinergic drugs | Some bladder, allergy and stomach medicines | Severe constipation and trouble urinating |
| Other acetaminophen products | Tylenol and many cold, flu and sleep medicines | Too much acetaminophen and liver damage |
Food, drinks and other substances
- Alcohol: Don’t drink while taking hydrocodone. Alcohol adds to its sedating effects and raises the risk of dangerous breathing problems, coma and death. Combined with acetaminophen, it also raises the risk of liver damage.
- Cannabis and street drugs: Marijuana can add to drowsiness and poor coordination, and street drugs raise the risk of serious breathing problems, sedation or coma.
- Grapefruit and grapefruit juice: Grapefruit can block CYP3A4, the enzyme that breaks down hydrocodone, which may raise hydrocodone levels in your blood. Ask your doctor before having it.
Can you buy hydrocodone online?
Only with a valid prescription, filled by a licensed pharmacy. Because hydrocodone is a Schedule II controlled substance, federal law requires a prescription from a licensed prescriber who has evaluated you for a legitimate medical reason. Schedule II prescriptions can’t be refilled, so each fill needs a new one.
Any website that sells hydrocodone without a prescription, or after a quick online questionnaire, is operating illegally. The risks go far beyond extra fees:
- Counterfeit pills: In 2024, the DEA warned that illegal online pharmacies were shipping fake pills made with fentanyl or methamphetamine to U.S. customers. The pills looked like real medicines such as oxycodone, and at least one buyer died after taking one.
- No safety checks: No pharmacist reviews your dose, allergies or other medicines.
- Legal risk: Buying a controlled substance without a valid prescription is illegal.
- Fraud: Illegal sites may misuse your payment and personal information.
How to get hydrocodone legally
- See a licensed prescriber, in person or through telehealth where federal and state rules allow, who can evaluate your pain.
- Fill the prescription at a licensed pharmacy, either a local one or a verified online pharmacy that requires a valid prescription.
- When you pick it up, ask your pharmacist about naloxone, safe storage and disposal.
Red flags of an illegal online pharmacy
Based on DEA guidance, be wary of a site that:
- Doesn’t ask for a prescription
- Charges far less than other pharmacies, or lists prices in a foreign currency
- Shows no proof of a state pharmacy license or DEA registration
- Sends medicine in damaged or foreign-language packaging, without an expiration date, or looking different from your usual pills
To check a pharmacy, use the FDA’s BeSafeRx resources, NABP’s safe.pharmacy tools or your state board of pharmacy. If you think you received a fake pill, don’t take it, and report it to the DEA.
Storage and disposal
Store hydrocodone where no one else can reach it, and get rid of leftovers as soon as you no longer need them.
- Keep it in its original container, tightly closed, at room temperature and away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).
- Store it out of reach of children, teens, visitors and pets, ideally locked. One tablet can cause a fatal overdose in a child.
- Count your tablets so you’ll notice if any go missing.
- Dispose of leftovers through a drug take-back program; many pharmacies have drop-off kiosks. If you can’t reach one promptly, MedlinePlus advises flushing leftover hydrocodone combination products down the toilet so no one else can take them.
Alternatives to hydrocodone
There is no exact substitute for hydrocodone; the right option depends on what is causing your pain. The CDC’s 2022 opioid prescribing guideline found that non-opioid treatments work at least as well as opioids for many common kinds of short-term pain, such as low back pain, neck pain, headaches and pain after minor surgery.
Non-opioid pain medicines
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol): for mild to moderate pain. Never take it with a hydrocodone/acetaminophen product unless your doctor says so, because that doubles up on acetaminophen.
- NSAIDs: ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), naproxen (Aleve) and aspirin (Bayer) ease pain and inflammation. Check with your doctor first if you have kidney disease, stomach ulcers or heart disease, or take a blood thinner.
- Topical pain relievers: such as diclofenac gel or lidocaine patches, for pain in one area.
- Other prescription medicines: certain antidepressants (such as duloxetine) or anti-seizure medicines (such as gabapentin) for nerve pain, and short courses of corticosteroids (steroids) for some kinds of inflammation.
Non-drug approaches
- Heat and ice
- Physical therapy and exercise
- Acupuncture, massage or spinal manipulation
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based approaches for long-term pain
Herbal and natural remedies
Turmeric (curcumin), boswellia and clove oil (for toothaches) are popular natural remedies for mild pain. Evidence for them is limited, they don’t replace treatment your doctor prescribes, and some can interact with other medicines. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before trying them.
Other prescription opioids
Your doctor may consider a different opioid, such as oxycodone (OxyContin; Percocet when combined with acetaminophen), morphine (for example, Kadian), methadone (Dolophine, Methadose) or meperidine (Demerol). These are not simple swaps:
- Strength differs. Milligram for milligram, oxycodone is about 1.5 times as strong as hydrocodone, based on the CDC’s conversion factors.
- Methadone is especially tricky. It stays in the body a long time and can build up.
- Some are long-acting. OxyContin and Kadian are extended-release products meant only for severe, long-term pain.
Never switch or combine opioids on your own; only your prescriber can do this safely.
Frequently asked questions
Is hydrocodone more addictive than oxycodone?
Neither is clearly more addictive than the other. Both are Schedule II opioids with a high risk of addiction, misuse and overdose. Oxycodone is stronger per milligram, but your risk depends more on the dose, how long and how you take it, and your personal risk factors.
What is the difference between hydrocodone and oxycodone?
Both are semi-synthetic opioids prescribed for severe pain, and both come combined with acetaminophen and in extended-release forms. Oxycodone is about 1.5 times as potent, and hydrocodone is also used in some prescription cough medicines for adults. Neither is used to treat fever.
Which hydrocodone strength is prescribed most often?
There is no single standard strength. Prescribers are advised to start with the lowest effective dose for the shortest time needed, then adjust it based on your pain, health and any past opioid use.
Can I take Tylenol with hydrocodone?
Usually not. Most hydrocodone pain tablets already contain acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, so adding Tylenol can push you past the daily limit and damage your liver. Combine them only if your doctor tells you to, and check cold and flu medicine labels too.
Is hydrocodone the same as Vicodin or Norco?
Vicodin, Norco and Lortab are brand names that have been used for hydrocodone/acetaminophen tablets. These brands are no longer on the market, but generic hydrocodone/acetaminophen is widely available and contains the same active ingredients.
Can I get refills of hydrocodone?
No. Since hydrocodone combination products moved to Schedule II in 2014, prescriptions can’t include refills. You need a new prescription each time.





