Common Side Effects

• Drowsiness: Feeling unusually sleepy or tired.
• Dizziness: Feeling lightheaded or faint.
• Nausea and Vomiting: An upset stomach or the urge to vomit.
• Constipation: Difficulty having regular bowel movements.
• Headache: Persistent pain in the head.
• Dry Mouth: A lack of saliva causing a dry sensation in the mouth.

Serious Side Effects

• Respiratory Depression: Slow, shallow, or difficult breathing.
• Severe Hypotension: Extremely low blood pressure.
• Adrenal Insufficiency: Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, fatigue, weakness, dizziness.
• Seizures: Uncontrolled shaking or convulsions.
• Allergic Reactions: Rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, difficulty breathing.

Before Taking Hydrocodone

• Medical History: Inform your doctor of any history of brain disorders, breathing problems, kidney disease, liver disease, mental/mood disorders, or a history of substance use disorder.
• Allergies: Inform your doctor if you are allergic to hydrocodone or any other medications.
• Pregnancy: Use during pregnancy only if clearly needed; it may harm an unborn baby.
• Breastfeeding: Hydrocodone passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby.
• Interactions: Discuss any other medications or supplements you are taking to avoid dangerous interactions.

While Taking Hydrocodone

• Alcohol: Avoid alcoholic beverages as they can increase the risk of serious side effects.
• Driving and Machinery: Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely.
• Dependence and Addiction: Use only as prescribed to minimize the risk of addiction.

• Adults: The dosage of hydrocodone varies depending on the specific product, the severity of the pain, and the patient's response to the medication. Commonly, it is prescribed in combination with acetaminophen (e.g., 5 mg hydrocodone/325 mg acetaminophen), taken every 4 to 6 hours as needed.
• Maximum Dosage: The total daily dosage should not exceed the prescribed amount due to the risk of liver damage from acetaminophen and the risk of severe side effects from hydrocodone.