Does Codeine Interact With Hydrocodone Acetaminophen?

If urgent use of an opioid is necessary, use test doses and frequent titration of small doses of other opioids (such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, oxymorphone, hydrocodone, or buprenorphine) to treat pain while closely monitoring blood pressure and signs and symptoms of CNS and respiratory depression.

Severity: Moderate

Severity basis: drug interactions section (keywords: monitor, closely). Combining Codeine (Opioid analgesic) and Hydrocodone Acetaminophen (Opioid analgesic combination) is classified as a moderate interaction.

What to Do

Use this combination with caution. Your prescriber may monitor you more closely or adjust doses.

From the FDA Label

If urgent use of an opioid is necessary, use test doses and frequent titration of small doses of other opioids (such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, oxymorphone, hydrocodone, or buprenorphine) to treat pain while closely monitoring blood pressure and signs and symptoms of CNS and respiratory depression.

Source: FDA structured product labeling (set_id 010905f9-3bcb-4b50-9fe8-a3ad0010f14c).

Codeine

Opioid analgesic

Brands: Tylenol with Codeine

View Codeine safety profile

Hydrocodone Acetaminophen

Opioid analgesic combination

Brands: Norco, Vicodin, Lortab

View Hydrocodone Acetaminophen safety profile

Check these against your full medication list in our free Interaction Checker

This information is educational — not medical advice.

This page is provided for general educational purposes and summarizes publicly available data from sources such as the U.S. Food & Drug Administration. It is not a substitute for the judgment of a licensed clinician and should not be used to start, stop, or change any medication. It may be incomplete or out of date, and individual circumstances vary. Always talk with your prescriber or pharmacist about your specific medications and health conditions. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911.

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