Hydrocodone is a drug that helps us control pain. It is specifically indicated for individuals requiring pain relief who are not suitable candidates for alternative treatments. This medication may be prescribed in the aftermath of a injury, a major surgical procedure or for the alleviation of other forms of intense pain such as those associated with cancer or arthritis.
Drug use: When taken orally in its immediate release form, a single dose of hydrocodone peaks after an hour and lasts for an average of 4 to 6 hours. Your body processes approximately 50% of the administered dose every 3 to 4 hours.
Therefore, a higher dosage will require a longer time to achieve undetectable levels. A considerably shorter window of action with a longer detection period is more likely to be experienced by the individual who utilizes hydrocodone or other illegal narcotics on a regular basis. The dosage of medication given plays a significant role in determining the duration that hydrocodone stays in the system.
Pain treatment: The extended-release formulation is designed to withstand crushing, breaking or dissolving. Hence, this reduces the potential for mistake or misuse.
If a patient has received a prescription for hydrocodone, he/she must know about the duration of its effects and the period during which it can be identified in a drug test. It is vital to ensure that this medication, along with other pharmaceutical drugs, should be stored out of children’s reach. Moreover, do not share the medication with anyone else, and utilize it for the purpose for which it has been prescribed.