Strong opioid

Hydrocodone

Hydrocodone bitartrate

Hydrocodone is an opioid painkiller that is widely used in the United States but is not authorised for use in the United Kingdom. It is not available on the UK market and UK prescribers do not prescribe it.

Class A controlled drug in the UKSchedule 2 (if supplied)Not licensed in the UK

How this medicine is supplied

Not licensed in the UK in the UK. Dispensed by us only against a valid prescription from a UK prescriber.

How prescriptions work

If you have taken an unknown or imported opioid and feel unwell, call 999 or NHS 111 immediately.

What it is used for

Not applicable in the UK — hydrocodone has no UK marketing authorisation
In the UK, comparable pain is usually managed with codeine, dihydrocodeine, tramadol or morphine under a prescriber's care

How it works

Hydrocodone is a semi-synthetic opioid that acts on the same receptors as morphine. Its effects, risks and dependence profile are similar to other strong opioids.

Forms available in the UK

No UK-licensed products
US products (often combined with paracetamol or ibuprofen) are not available here

Safety information you must know

Do not order hydrocodone from overseas websites. Medicines bought outside the UK regulated supply chain may be counterfeit, wrong strength, or contain other dangerous substances.
Possessing or importing a Class A controlled drug without a lawful prescription is a criminal offence in the UK.
If you have been prescribed hydrocodone abroad, speak to a UK GP or pharmacist before travelling or before you run out.

Common side effects

As with other strong opioids: drowsiness, constipation, nausea, itching and slowed breathing
Dependence and withdrawal with regular use

Interactions to be aware of

Alcohol, benzodiazepines and other sedatives
Paracetamol or ibuprofen in combined products (risk of overdose)
Other opioids

UK legal position

Hydrocodone has no UK marketing authorisation and is not stocked by UK pharmacies. Dihydrocodeine is the closest UK-licensed medicine and is itself a prescription-only controlled drug. Any website offering hydrocodone to UK customers without a prescription is operating unlawfully.

This page provides general information only and does not constitute medical advice, a prescription or an offer to supply. Doses are decided by your prescriber. If you think you may need this medicine, speak to your GP, an NHS 111 clinician or a specialist pain service. In an emergency, call 999.