Hydrocodone

Uses

  • Management of severe and persistent pain
  • Control of exhausting, nonproductive cough

Adverse Effects

Considerations for PT

  1. Consider timing for pain relief prior to Physiotherapy intervention Consider timing for pain relief prior to Physiotherapy intervention

Route of Administration

  1. Oral (Extended Release)

Mechanism of Action

Binds to opioid receptors in the central nervous system, causing:

  • Inhibition of ascending pain pathways
  • Alteration of pain perception
  • Alteration of response to pain
  • Generalized central nervous system depression

Drug Dynamics

Time to Peak Effect

6 hours to 30 hours

Duration of Action

12 hours to 24 hours

Time to Onset

30 minutes to 60 minutes

Resources

*Some links accessed via VCH Intranet

Last updated: April 30, 2026