Hydrocodone is used to relieve pain in opioid-tolerant patients severe enough to require around-the-clock pain relief for a long period of time. It should not be used if you need pain medicine for just a short time, such as when recovering from surgery. This article describes the dosages of hydrocodone, its strengths, and how to take it. For a detailed overview of this drug, check out this in-depth hydrocodone article. This article describes the dosages of hydrocodone, as well as its strengths and how to take it. To learn more about hydrocodone, including its uses and side effects, see this hydrocodone. Take hydrocodone/acetaminophen exactly as prescribed. Tell your health care provider if you feel that hydrocodone/acetaminophen is not working. Hydrocodone/acetaminophen is used to treat moderate to severe pain that cannot be relieved by non-opioid pain medications. The lowest effective dose of hydrocodone/acetaminophen should be used. People with kidney disease and liver disease should start at a lower dose. Hydrocodone is a potent opioid used to manage severe and persistent pain that requires an extended treatment period with a daily opioid pain medicine, when other non-opioid pain medicines do not treat your pain well enough, or you cannot tolerate them. Do not change your dose or suddenly stop using this medicine without first checking with your doctor. Your doctor may want you or your child to gradually reduce the amount you are using before stopping it completely. Blood and plasma hydrocodone concentrations typically fall into the 5–30 μg/L range among people taking the drug therapeutically, 100–200 μg/L among recreational users, and 100–1,600 μg/L in cases of acute, fatal overdosage. Your healthcare provider may start you on a lower dose of hydrocodone and will gradually increase the dose once every three to seven days if needed. Do not stop taking hydrocodone without talking to your healthcare provider. Detailed Hydrocodone dosage information for adults. Includes dosages for Chronic Pain; plus renal, liver and dialysis adjustments.