Table of Contents
- What Is Hydrocodone?
- Effects of Hydrocodone
- How Long Do the Effects of Hydrocodone Last?
- How Long Does Hydrocodone Stay in Your System?
- Factors That Affect Hydrocodone Elimination Time
- Hydrocodone Side Effects
- Hydrocodone Overdose
- Hydrocodone Withdrawal
- Hydrocodone Abuse and Addiction
- Treatment for Hydrocodone Addiction
- Know the Risks of Hydrocodone
Key Points
- Hydrocodone is an opioid pain reliever and cough suppressant that’s used to treat moderate to severe pain.
- The immediate-release version of hydrocodone lasts about 4 to 6 hours, while extended-release versions can last up to 24 hours.
- Though the effects wear off, there can still be traces of the drug in your system for much longer.
- Hydrocodone can have side effects and serious risks, including possible overdose and addiction.
Hydrocodone is one of the most commonly used prescription opioids in the U.S. It’s a potent painkiller that can treat pain caused by chronic conditions or cancer-related pain that hasn’t responded to other treatments.
The effects of hydrocodone can vary based on the formula and other factors. It also stays in the body for a long duration, making it detectable in urine, saliva, blood, and hair. Knowing how long the effects last and how long it stays in the body is important if you’re taking hydrocodone to avoid potential risks.
What Is Hydrocodone?
Hydrocodone is a semisynthetic opioid that’s derived from codeine. It used to be sold under Vicodin, but that’s since been discontinued. It’s primarily used as a pain reliever (analgesic) but may be prescribed as a cough suppressant (antitussive). Several formulas of hydrocodone are combined with other medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to enhance the pain-relieving effects.
Like other opioids, hydrocodone works by binding to the opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, reducing the perception of pain and altering emotional responses to discomfort.[1] While it’s highly effective, hydrocodone carries a serious risk of misuse, abuse, and addiction.
Effects of Hydrocodone
Hydrocodone is prescribed for its therapeutic effects for pain relief and cough suppression, but there are other short-term effects like:[2]
- Pain relief and relaxation
- Slow and shallow breathing
- Drowsiness
- Mental effects like poor concentration or mental fog
These effects can be mild or severe. It’s important to avoid driving a vehicle or engaging in activities requiring alertness and focus while taking this medication. Also avoid alcohol and discuss any other medications you are taking with a healthcare provider to avoid negative interactions.
How Long Do the Effects of Hydrocodone Last?
The duration of hydrocodone’s effects can vary based on several factors, including the formulation, dosage, and your metabolism and health.
Immediate-release hydrocodone has effects that begin 30 to 60 minutes after ingestion, and it reaches its peak effects in 1.3 to 1.8 hours.[3] The effects last about 4 to 6 hours. Extended-release hydrocodone takes 6 to 12 hours for the effects to begin, and they peak around 14 to 16 hours, then last up to 24 hours.[4]
How Long Does Hydrocodone Stay in Your System?
The noticeable effects of hydrocodone may wear off after a few hours or a day, but the drug stays in your system much longer. The half-life of hydrocodone is about 3.8 hours for immediate-release formulations. This is the time required for the drug concentration in blood plasma to decrease by half the amount of the original dose. It takes roughly 18 to 24 hours for the body to clear most hydrocodone.
Drug tests can detect hydrocodone or its metabolites (byproducts) for longer periods. Here are the general detection windows:[5]
- Urine: 1-4 days after last dose
- Blood: 1.3 hours for the highest concentration, but detectable for up to 24 hours after the last dose
- Saliva: 12-36 hours after last dose
- Hair: Up to 90 days after last dose
Factors That Affect Hydrocodone Elimination Time
Many factors affect how long it takes for hydrocodone to leave the body, including:
- Dosage: Higher doses usually last longer
- Formulation: Extended-release versions are designed to release lower doses slowly over time, so they last longer in the body
- Metabolism: People with faster metabolisms may process the drug more quickly
- Age and health: Older adults and people with liver or kidney problems may clear the drug more slowly
- Other medications: Some medications may interact with hydrocodone, either prolonging or shortening its effects
Hydrocodone Side Effects
Hydrocodone has common side effects, including:[6]
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Cold symptoms
- Anxiety
Some rare but serious side effects may occur, including:[7]
- A slow heart rate or weak pulse
- Pain or burning with urination
- Confusion or severe drowsiness
- A lightheaded feeling
- Breathing problems
- Low cortisol levels with vomiting, loss of appetite, dizziness, or tiredness
- High serotonin levels with hallucinations, fever, sweating, shivering, fast heart rate, twitching, nausea, vomiting, loss of coordination, diarrhea
Hydrocodone Overdose
Hydrocodone overdoses occur if you take more than your body can handle. The symptoms of a hydrocodone overdose may include:[8]
- Slow or shallow breathing
- Difficulty breathing
- Sleepiness
- Muscle weakness
- Cold, clammy skin
- Narrowed or widened pupils
- Slowed heartbeat
- Unresponsiveness
A hydrocodone overdose is a medical emergency. In addition to the risks of opioid overdose, high doses of acetaminophen can cause liver damage, liver failure, or even death. Overdosing on an opioid can also have fatal complications, but naloxone can help reverse the overdose until emergency medical responders arrive.
Hydrocodone Withdrawal
Like other opioids, hydrocodone can build tolerance and dependence quickly, even when taken as prescribed. If you become dependent on hydrocodone and stop taking it suddenly, intense and uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms can occur, including:[9]
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Fast pulse
- High blood pressure
- Enlarged pupils
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Muscle spasms
- Bone and muscle pain
- Goosebumps
- Sweating
- High body temperature
- Runny nose
Opioid withdrawal isn’t usually life-threatening, but it can be unpleasant enough to cause relapse. Severe symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea can cause dehydration and complications like electrolyte imbalances, however.
Hydrocodone Abuse and Addiction
It’s possible to become addicted to hydrocodone even if you take a prescription as intended. For this reason, hydrocodone is usually prescribed at the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible period.
Hydrocodone and other opioids work by binding to the pain receptors in the brain, blocking pain signals. These receptors are also responsible for the feel-good sensations of euphoria, which reinforce continued drug use. Some people develop an addiction to hydrocodone as they need higher and higher doses to achieve the same effects. They may begin to misuse hydrocodone by taking more frequent doses or higher doses, or they may abuse the drug by crushing the pills to snort or inject.
Once psychological addiction occurs, it becomes extremely difficult to control hydrocodone use. Eventually, the drug is prioritized over important relationships, responsibilities to home, work, or family, and health. Hydrocodone addiction is classified as an opioid use disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) with the following criteria:[10]
- Taking hydrocodone for longer periods or in larger amounts than intended
- Being unable to cut down or stop hydrocodone use
- Spending a lot of time obtaining, using, and recovering from hydrocodone use
- Experiencing cravings for hydrocodone
- Failing to fulfill obligations because of hydrocodone use
- Continuing hydrocodone use despite the problems it causes
- Using hydrocodone in risky situations
Treatment for Hydrocodone Addiction
If you or a loved one is struggling with hydrocodone addiction, it can be extremely difficult to overcome. Detox is often the first step to manage withdrawal symptoms, supervise health, and prevent medical complications.
Once detox is complete, it’s important to begin an addiction treatment program to address the emotional, social, and mental aspects of addiction. This can occur in outpatient or inpatient settings, depending on the support and supervision you need. Addiction treatment is tailored to your individual needs. However, it may include individual therapy, group counseling, and behavioral therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to learn healthier habits and support long-term sobriety.
Know the Risks of Hydrocodone
The time that hydrocodone stays in the body can vary from person to person because of genetics, age, dosage, and more. Understanding the drug’s effects and duration can help you avoid risks and use it responsibly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hydrocodone Duration and Effects
Below are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding this medication.
OCEAN RECOVERY EDITORIAL GUIDELINES
The internet contains a vast amount of misinformation, but when it comes to your health only peer reviewed, research centered data matters. At Ocean Recovery, all content published throughout our website has been rigorously medically reviewed by a doctorate level clinician, and cross checked for medical accuracy. Our editorial process helps our readers trust that the information they are consuming is factual and based upon scientific data. Your health is our top priority, find out more about how we safeguard the integrity of information on our website. Read More About Our Process
