Hydrocodone is the drug name for common prescription pain medications like Vicodin, Norco, and Lortab.

Like other opiates, hydrocodone use is an effective and highly useful drug, but it brings with it a high risk for addiction and abuse.

In this article, we’ll go over all you need to know about what hydrocodone is and what makes it so dangerous.

We’ll discuss what addiction to hydrocodone looks like, and what to do in the event of an overdose.

A Primer On Hydrocodone

Hydrocodone is a semi-synthetic derivative of codeine — a naturally occurring opioid found in the poppy plant (Papaver somniferum).

Most pharmaceuticals companies manufacturing hydrocodone don’t use it alone. It’s most often combined with other medications like acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen.

Once in the body, hydrocodone is converted by the liver to hydromorphone and Norhydrocodone. Hydromorphone is roughly 5 times more potent than hydrocodone itself [4], while norhydrocodone is considered an inactive metabolite.

Compared to other opiates, hydrocodone doesn’t cross the blood-brain barrier efficiently, lowering many of its psychoactive effects such as euphoria.

Drugs That Contain Hydrocodone

Brand Name	Ingredients
Vicodin	Hydrocodone & acetaminophen
Norco	Hydrocodone & acetaminophen
Lortab	Hydrocodone & acetaminophen
Vicoprofen	Hydrocodone & ibuprofen
Lorcet	Hydrocodone & acetaminophen
Maxidone	Hydrocodone & acetaminophen
Zydone	Hydrocodone & acetaminophen
Ibudone	Hydrocodone & ibuprofen
Reprexain	Hydrocodone & ibuprofen
Alor 5/500	Hydrocodone & aspirin
Azdone	Hydrocodone & aspirin
Damason-P	Hydrocodone & aspirin
Lortab ASA	Hydrocodone & aspirin
Panasal 5/500	Hydrocodone & aspirin
Hysingla ER	Controlled release hydrocodone
Zohydro ER	Controlled release hydrocodone

What is Hydrocodone Used For?

Interestingly, hydrocodone is almost exclusively used in the United States. The International Narcotics Control Board reports that 99% of the worldwide hydrocodone supply was consumed in the United States [2].

Hydrocodone is used to treat mild to moderate pain. It’s prescribed by doctors for those who need relief from their symptoms around the clock.

It’s also used as a cough suppressant similar to its precursor molecule, codeine.

Hydrocodone vs. other Opiates

Hydrocodone is considered a selective agonist of the μ-opioid receptors [1].

How Hydrocodone Compares to Other Opioids:

Half as potent as Oxycontin
A tenth as potent as morphine
Slightly stronger than codeine

Hydrocodone Side Effects

Anxiety
Constipation
Contraction Of The Pupils (miosis)
Difficulty Urinating
Dizziness
Drowsiness
Dry Mouth and Throat
Itching
Lightheadedness
Mood abnormalities
Nausea
Rash
Vomiting

References

Talley, N. J., Frankum, B., & Currow, D. (2015). Essentials of Internal Medicine. Elsevier Health Sciences.
International Narcotics Control Board Report 2008. United Nations Pubns. 2009. p. 20.
Zacny, J. P., & Gutierrez, S. (2009). Within-subject comparison of the psychopharmacological profiles of oral hydrocodone and oxycodone combination products in non-drug-abusing volunteers. Drug and alcohol dependence, 101(1-2), 107-114.
Zhou, S. (2016). Cytochrome P450 2D6: structure, function, regulation and polymorphism. CRC Press.