Hydrocodone/APAP Dosage: An Introduction
- Other medications you are taking
- How you respond to hydrocodone/APAP
- Other medical conditions you may have.
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
Hydrocodone/APAP Dosing for Pain
Typically, most hydrocodone/APAP products are taken every four to six hours as needed for pain, although the specific dosage your healthcare provider recommends may vary, depending on the specific strength of the product, as well as other factors. Your healthcare provider will recommend a specific dosage based on several factors. If your body is used to taking narcotic medications, you will be able to handle more hydrocodone/APAP than someone who does not regularly take narcotics. If you have liver or kidney disease, you may need a lower hydrocodone/APAP dosage.
Make sure to watch for any other sources of acetaminophen, including other prescription pain relievers and many over-the-counter products, such as
Tylenol®. To be safe, all other acetaminophen products should be avoided while you are taking hydrocodone/APAP, unless you are extremely careful to limit your total acetaminophen use (from all sources added together) to 4 grams per day. Taking more than 4 grams (4000 mg) of acetaminophen per day can cause liver damage, which can result in liver failure and death.
To calculate how much acetaminophen you are taking, use the larger number in the hydrocodone/APAP strength. For instance, hydrocodone 5/500 mg tablets contain 500 mg of acetaminophen per tablet.
