Hydrocodone
Also known as: Tussigon, Hycodan, Vicodin, Lortab, Norco, Hydromet, Hydromide, Hydropane, Biocodone, Dicodid, Hydrokon, Robidone
Administer exactly as prescribed by your veterinarian. * **Do not give human pain medications** (like Vicodin or Lortab) to your pets without explicit veterinary instructions. **These products contain acetaminophen, which is highly toxic and often fatal to cats.** * This medication may cause your pet to become sleepy or sedated. * Constipation can occur with long-term use; monitor your pet's bowel movements. * Because this is a controlled substance with potential for human abuse, store it securely out of reach of children and other pets.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- For adjunctive treatment of opioid-related stereotypies
- For cough
- As an analgesic using fixed dose combination products with acetaminophen
- For cough using Hycodan (or equivalent)
- For lick granulomas
- For adjunctive treatment of opioid-related stereotypies, lick granuloma
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Sedation
- Constipation (especially with chronic therapy)
- Vomiting
- Gastrointestinal disturbances
- Masking of clinical signs of underlying respiratory disease
Cautions & contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to narcotic analgesics
- Patients receiving monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs, e.g., selegiline)
- Diarrhea caused by toxic ingestion (until toxin is eliminated)
- Acetaminophen-containing products MUST NOT be used in cats
- Use with caution in patients with **hypothyroidism, severe renal insufficiency, adrenocortical insufficiency (Addison's disease), head injuries, increased intracranial pressure, acute abdominal conditions**, and in **geriatric or severely debilitated patients**. Use with **extreme caution** in patients suffering from respiratory diseases when respiratory secretions are increased or when liquids are nebulized into the respiratory tract. > **Note:** Hydrocodone products have a relatively high abuse potential in humans. Veterinarians should be vigilant for drug-seeking behavior from clients.
Drug interactions
- Acepromazine: May cause additive hypotension in dogs with collapsing trachea
- Anticholinergic Drugs: May cause additive anticholinergic effects
- Antidepressants (Tricyclic & MAOIs): May potentiate the adverse effects associated with the antidepressant
- CNS Depressants (anesthetics, antihistamines, phenothiazines, barbiturates, tranquilizers): May cause increased CNS or respiratory depression
Frequently asked questions
What is Hydrocodone used for in pets?
Administer exactly as prescribed by your veterinarian. * **Do not give human pain medications** (like Vicodin or Lortab) to your pets without explicit veterinary instructions. **These products contain acetaminophen, which is highly toxic and often fatal to cats.** * This medication may cause your pet to become sleepy or sedated. * Constipation can occur with long-term use; monitor your pet's bowel movements. * Because this is a controlled substance with potential for human abuse, store it securely out of reach of children and other pets.
Is Hydrocodone safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
Worried about your pet?
Peqaboo’s AI helps you track symptoms, understand lab reports, and know when to see a vet.
Get the Peqaboo app