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 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. The standard prescribed dose of hydrocodone-acetaminophen 5-325 is one to two tablets every four to six hours as needed for pain, with most prescribers capping the total at six to eight tablets in a 24-hour period. 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. What is the maximum recommended daily dose of hydrocodone for an adult, including both immediate‑release and extended‑release formulations? Have a follow-up question? Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. For an opioid-naïve adult, the maximum safe single dose of hydrocodone is 10 mg, with a total daily dose not exceeding 40 mg (8 tablets of 5 mg hydrocodone taken every 4-6 hours). 1 As a single-ingredient medicine, hydrocodone comes in two long-acting, extended-release (ER) forms: ER tablets (Hysingla ER and generics), which are taken once a day. ER capsules (the discontinued brand Zohydro ER and generics), which are taken twice a day, every 12 hours.