ES

Hydrocodone bitartrate

Drug Class: Analgesics (Opioid)
Brand Names: Hysingla ER, Zohydro ER

Dosages

For Zohydro ER: 10 mg every 12 hours initially, increasing in increments of 10 mg every 12 hours for 3 to 7 days, as needed. Doses greater than 80 mg/day should only be used in patients with tolerance to opioids.

For Hysingla ER: One tablet of 20 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg, 60 mg 80 mg, 100 mg OR 120 mg taken every 24 hours.

Potential Side Effects

Abdominal pain; back pain; constipation; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; fatigue; headache; itching; muscle spasms; nausea; swelling of the feet; tremor; upper respiratory infection; urinary tract infection; vomiting.

Special Instructions


Must be taken consistently. Not for as-needed relief.

Do not increase the dose on your own or stop treatment abruptly unless told to do so by a doctor. Do not drive, operate machinery or perform other potentially dangerous activities until you know whether the medication will affect your ability to do them safely.

Related Medications:
Hydrocodone bitartrate with ibuprofen 
Hydrocodone with acetaminophen

Be Aware

Opioids can slow breathing and suppress the cough reflex. Before taking an opioid, tell your doctor if you have a history of lung disease or breathing difficulties. Taking opioids with certain other drugs can increase the risk of dangerous side effects. Especially tell your doctor if you take antihistamines (allergy medications), tranquilizers, sleeping pills, muscle relaxants or other pain medication, or if you have a history of alcohol or drug abuse.

There is a greater risk of overdose and death with extended-release opioid formulations, including hydrocodone bitartrate. This drug should be used only when other treatments have failed to provide relief.

LAST UPDATED: 07/07/2015

The Arthritis Today Drug Guide is meant for education – not self-medicating. Arthritis Today, the Arthritis Foundation and the Drug Guide Medical Review Panel do not endorse any products mentioned in this guide. While we endeavor to keep the information up to date, we make no representations or warranties about the completeness of the information provided.