Many people may wonder how many times a day
Vicodin® (
hydrocodone/APAP) should be taken. Vicodin comes in tablet form and is typically taken every four to six hours as needed for pain. "As needed" means you will only take a dose if you are experiencing pain (if you are not in pain, you will skip the dose), while "scheduled use" means you should take it on schedule, even if you are not in pain. Most healthcare providers prescribe Vicodin on an "as needed" basis, rather than a scheduled basis.
However, you should not take Vicodin around the clock at the minimum interval between doses. For instance, even though it is okay to take a dose four hours after a previous dose, you should not take the maximum dose of Vicodin every four hours around the clock, as this would exceed the recommended maximum daily dose. For the various strengths of Vicodin available, there is a maximum amount of tablets that you should not exceed within a 24-hour period.
(Click Vicodin Dosage for more information on when Vicodin should be taken. This article also discusses Vicodin dosing guidelines for treating moderate to moderately severe pain, as well as factors that may affect your dosage.)
