Hydrocodone conversion reference
Check OpioidCalc's OME factors by route, then open the formulation-specific pharmacology, cautions and supporting sources.
Educational reference for qualified healthcare professionals. Conversion factors estimate oral morphine equivalent daily dose. They are not a recommended switching dose. Confirm the result with a current source and local guidance.
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Current OpioidCalc factors
Multiply the dose or delivery rate in the stated units by the factor to estimate mg oral morphine equivalent per day. These are the factors currently used by OpioidCalc. Methadone uses 4.7 when converting methadone to OME.
| Route | Input units | OME factor |
|---|---|---|
| Oral | mg/day | 1 |
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Formulations and cautions
Choose a formulation to read its pharmacology, population, limitations and source references.
OralDefault in appImmediate-release tablet
App source review: 27 August 2026
View details and sources
Immediate-release tablet
App source review: 27 August 2026
View details and sources- Peak concentration or effect
- Mean peak concentration at 1.3 hours
Population: Five adult men after a 10 mg oral dose
Applicability: United States
- Limitation: Small study reported in an acetaminophen combination-product label.
- Hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen tablet prescribing informationClinical Pharmacology / Pharmacokinetics. United States. Source revised 29 May 2026. App review 27 August 2026. Regulatory product information.
- Elimination half-life
- Mean 3.8 hours
Population: Five adult men after a 10 mg oral dose
Applicability: United States
- Limitation: Small study reported in an acetaminophen combination-product label.
- Hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen tablet prescribing informationClinical Pharmacology / Pharmacokinetics. United States. Source revised 29 May 2026. App review 27 August 2026. Regulatory product information.
- Receptor activity
- Full mu-opioid receptor agonist.
Population: Adults described in the cited product information
Applicability: United States
- Limitation: Product-specific evidence; do not transfer to other formulations.
- Hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen tablet prescribing information12.1 Mechanism of Action. United States. Source revised 29 May 2026. App review 27 August 2026. Regulatory product information.
- Metabolism
- CYP3A4 forms inactive norhydrocodone; CYP2D6 forms hydromorphone.
Population: Adults described in the cited product information
Applicability: United States
- Limitation: Product-specific evidence; do not transfer to other formulations.
- Hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen tablet prescribing information12.3 Pharmacokinetics. United States. Source revised 29 May 2026. App review 27 August 2026. Regulatory product information.
- Active metabolites
- Hydromorphone may contribute to analgesia.
Population: Adults described in the cited product information
Applicability: United States
- Limitation: Product-specific evidence; do not transfer to other formulations.
- Hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen tablet prescribing information12.3 Pharmacokinetics. United States. Source revised 29 May 2026. App review 27 August 2026. Regulatory product information.
- Elimination
- Hydrocodone and metabolites are eliminated primarily in urine.
Population: Adults described in the cited product information
Applicability: United States
- Limitation: Product-specific evidence; do not transfer to other formulations.
- Hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen tablet prescribing information12.3 Pharmacokinetics. United States. Source revised 29 May 2026. App review 27 August 2026. Regulatory product information.
- Renal impairment
- Renal impairment can increase hydrocodone exposure.
Population: Adults described in the cited product information
Applicability: United States
- Limitation: Product-specific evidence; do not transfer to other formulations.
- Hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen tablet prescribing information8.7 Renal Impairment. United States. Source revised 29 May 2026. App review 27 August 2026. Regulatory product information.
- Hepatic impairment
- Hepatic impairment can increase hydrocodone exposure.
Population: Adults described in the cited product information
Applicability: United States
- Limitation: Product-specific evidence; do not transfer to other formulations.
- Hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen tablet prescribing information8.6 Hepatic Impairment. United States. Source revised 29 May 2026. App review 27 August 2026. Regulatory product information.
OralImmediate-release oral solution
App source review: 27 August 2026
View details and sources
Immediate-release oral solution
App source review: 27 August 2026
View details and sources- Peak concentration or effect
- Mean peak concentration at 1.3 hours
Population: Five adult men after a 10 mg oral dose
Applicability: United States
- Limitation: Small study reported in an acetaminophen combination-product label.
- Hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen solution prescribing informationClinical Pharmacology / Pharmacokinetics. United States. Source revised 18 July 2026. App review 27 August 2026. Regulatory product information.
- Elimination half-life
- Mean 3.8 hours
Population: Five adult men after a 10 mg oral dose
Applicability: United States
- Limitation: Small study reported in an acetaminophen combination-product label.
- Hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen solution prescribing informationClinical Pharmacology / Pharmacokinetics. United States. Source revised 18 July 2026. App review 27 August 2026. Regulatory product information.
- Receptor activity
- Full mu-opioid receptor agonist.
Population: Adults described in the cited product information
Applicability: United States
- Limitation: Product-specific evidence; do not transfer to other formulations.
- Hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen solution prescribing information12.1 Mechanism of Action. United States. Source revised 18 July 2026. App review 27 August 2026. Regulatory product information.
- Metabolism
- CYP3A4 forms inactive norhydrocodone; CYP2D6 forms hydromorphone.
Population: Adults described in the cited product information
Applicability: United States
- Limitation: Product-specific evidence; do not transfer to other formulations.
- Hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen solution prescribing information12.3 Pharmacokinetics. United States. Source revised 18 July 2026. App review 27 August 2026. Regulatory product information.
- Active metabolites
- Hydromorphone may contribute to analgesia.
Population: Adults described in the cited product information
Applicability: United States
- Limitation: Product-specific evidence; do not transfer to other formulations.
- Hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen solution prescribing information12.3 Pharmacokinetics. United States. Source revised 18 July 2026. App review 27 August 2026. Regulatory product information.
- Elimination
- Hydrocodone and metabolites are eliminated primarily in urine.
Population: Adults described in the cited product information
Applicability: United States
- Limitation: Product-specific evidence; do not transfer to other formulations.
- Hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen solution prescribing information12.3 Pharmacokinetics. United States. Source revised 18 July 2026. App review 27 August 2026. Regulatory product information.
- Renal impairment
- Renal impairment can increase hydrocodone exposure.
Population: Adults described in the cited product information
Applicability: United States
- Limitation: Product-specific evidence; do not transfer to other formulations.
- Hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen solution prescribing information8.7 Renal Impairment. United States. Source revised 18 July 2026. App review 27 August 2026. Regulatory product information.
- Hepatic impairment
- Hepatic impairment can increase hydrocodone exposure.
Population: Adults described in the cited product information
Applicability: United States
- Limitation: Product-specific evidence; do not transfer to other formulations.
- Hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen solution prescribing information8.6 Hepatic Impairment. United States. Source revised 18 July 2026. App review 27 August 2026. Regulatory product information.
OralModified-release capsule
App source review: 27 August 2026
View details and sources
Modified-release capsule
App source review: 27 August 2026
View details and sources- Peak concentration or effect
- Approximately 5 hours
Population: Adults described in the cited product information
Applicability: United States
- Limitation: Product-specific evidence; do not transfer to other formulations.
- Hydrocodone bitartrate extended-release capsule prescribing information12.3 Pharmacokinetics. United States. Source revised 19 December 2023. App review 27 August 2026. Regulatory product information.
- Elimination half-life
- Approximately 8 hours
Population: Adults described in the cited product information
Applicability: United States
- Limitation: Product-specific evidence; do not transfer to other formulations.
- Hydrocodone bitartrate extended-release capsule prescribing information12.3 Pharmacokinetics. United States. Source revised 19 December 2023. App review 27 August 2026. Regulatory product information.
- Steady state
- Approximately 3 days
Population: Adults described in the cited product information
Applicability: United States
- Limitation: Product-specific evidence; do not transfer to other formulations.
- Hydrocodone bitartrate extended-release capsule prescribing information12.3 Pharmacokinetics. United States. Source revised 19 December 2023. App review 27 August 2026. Regulatory product information.
- Formulation behaviour
- Every-12-hour prolonged absorption; alcohol may accelerate release and markedly increase peak concentration.
Population: Adults described in the cited product information
Applicability: United States
- Limitation: Product-specific evidence; do not transfer to other formulations.
- Hydrocodone bitartrate extended-release capsule prescribing information2 and 12.3. United States. Source revised 19 December 2023. App review 27 August 2026. Regulatory product information.
- Receptor activity
- Full mu-opioid receptor agonist.
Population: Adults described in the cited product information
Applicability: United States
- Limitation: Product-specific evidence; do not transfer to other formulations.
- Hydrocodone bitartrate extended-release capsule prescribing information12.1 Mechanism of Action. United States. Source revised 19 December 2023. App review 27 August 2026. Regulatory product information.
- Metabolism
- CYP3A4 forms inactive norhydrocodone; CYP2D6 forms hydromorphone.
Population: Adults described in the cited product information
Applicability: United States
- Limitation: Product-specific evidence; do not transfer to other formulations.
- Hydrocodone bitartrate extended-release capsule prescribing information12.3 Pharmacokinetics. United States. Source revised 19 December 2023. App review 27 August 2026. Regulatory product information.
- Active metabolites
- Hydromorphone may contribute to analgesia.
Population: Adults described in the cited product information
Applicability: United States
- Limitation: Product-specific evidence; do not transfer to other formulations.
- Hydrocodone bitartrate extended-release capsule prescribing information12.3 Pharmacokinetics. United States. Source revised 19 December 2023. App review 27 August 2026. Regulatory product information.
- Elimination
- Hydrocodone and metabolites are eliminated primarily in urine.
Population: Adults described in the cited product information
Applicability: United States
- Limitation: Product-specific evidence; do not transfer to other formulations.
- Hydrocodone bitartrate extended-release capsule prescribing information12.3 Pharmacokinetics. United States. Source revised 19 December 2023. App review 27 August 2026. Regulatory product information.
- Renal impairment
- Renal impairment can increase hydrocodone exposure.
Population: Adults described in the cited product information
Applicability: United States
- Limitation: Product-specific evidence; do not transfer to other formulations.
- Hydrocodone bitartrate extended-release capsule prescribing information8.7 Renal Impairment. United States. Source revised 19 December 2023. App review 27 August 2026. Regulatory product information.
- Hepatic impairment
- Hepatic impairment can increase hydrocodone exposure.
Population: Adults described in the cited product information
Applicability: United States
- Limitation: Product-specific evidence; do not transfer to other formulations.
- Hydrocodone bitartrate extended-release capsule prescribing information8.6 Hepatic Impairment. United States. Source revised 19 December 2023. App review 27 August 2026. Regulatory product information.
OralModified-release tablet
App source review: 27 August 2026
View details and sources
Modified-release tablet
App source review: 27 August 2026
View details and sources- Peak concentration or effect
- Median 14 to 16 hours; observed range 6 to 30 hours
Population: Adults described in the cited product information
Applicability: United States
- Limitation: Product-specific evidence; do not transfer to other formulations.
- HYSINGLA ER prescribing information12.3 Pharmacokinetics. United States. Source revised 29 May 2026. App review 27 August 2026. Regulatory product information.
- Elimination half-life
- 7 to 9 hours
Population: Adults described in the cited product information
Applicability: United States
- Limitation: Product-specific evidence; do not transfer to other formulations.
- HYSINGLA ER prescribing information12.3 Pharmacokinetics. United States. Source revised 29 May 2026. App review 27 August 2026. Regulatory product information.
- Steady state
- By day 3
Population: Adults described in the cited product information
Applicability: United States
- Limitation: Product-specific evidence; do not transfer to other formulations.
- HYSINGLA ER prescribing information12.3 Pharmacokinetics. United States. Source revised 29 May 2026. App review 27 August 2026. Regulatory product information.
- Formulation behaviour
- Once-daily tablet with gradual concentration rise and lower peaks than immediate-release hydrocodone.
Population: Adults described in the cited product information
Applicability: United States
- Limitation: Product-specific evidence; do not transfer to other formulations.
- HYSINGLA ER prescribing information12.3 Pharmacokinetics. United States. Source revised 29 May 2026. App review 27 August 2026. Regulatory product information.
- Receptor activity
- Full mu-opioid receptor agonist.
Population: Adults described in the cited product information
Applicability: United States
- Limitation: Product-specific evidence; do not transfer to other formulations.
- HYSINGLA ER prescribing information12.1 Mechanism of Action. United States. Source revised 29 May 2026. App review 27 August 2026. Regulatory product information.
- Metabolism
- CYP3A4 forms inactive norhydrocodone; CYP2D6 forms hydromorphone.
Population: Adults described in the cited product information
Applicability: United States
- Limitation: Product-specific evidence; do not transfer to other formulations.
- HYSINGLA ER prescribing information12.3 Pharmacokinetics. United States. Source revised 29 May 2026. App review 27 August 2026. Regulatory product information.
- Active metabolites
- Hydromorphone may contribute to analgesia.
Population: Adults described in the cited product information
Applicability: United States
- Limitation: Product-specific evidence; do not transfer to other formulations.
- HYSINGLA ER prescribing information12.3 Pharmacokinetics. United States. Source revised 29 May 2026. App review 27 August 2026. Regulatory product information.
- Elimination
- Hydrocodone and metabolites are eliminated primarily in urine.
Population: Adults described in the cited product information
Applicability: United States
- Limitation: Product-specific evidence; do not transfer to other formulations.
- HYSINGLA ER prescribing information12.3 Pharmacokinetics. United States. Source revised 29 May 2026. App review 27 August 2026. Regulatory product information.
- Renal impairment
- Renal impairment can increase hydrocodone exposure.
Population: Adults described in the cited product information
Applicability: United States
- Limitation: Product-specific evidence; do not transfer to other formulations.
- HYSINGLA ER prescribing information8.7 Renal Impairment. United States. Source revised 29 May 2026. App review 27 August 2026. Regulatory product information.
- Hepatic impairment
- Hepatic impairment can increase hydrocodone exposure.
Population: Adults described in the cited product information
Applicability: United States
- Limitation: Product-specific evidence; do not transfer to other formulations.
- HYSINGLA ER prescribing information8.6 Hepatic Impairment. United States. Source revised 29 May 2026. App review 27 August 2026. Regulatory product information.
Sources used on this page
- Hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen tablet prescribing informationUnited States. Revision date 29 May 2026.
- Hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen solution prescribing informationUnited States. Revision date 18 July 2026.
- Hydrocodone bitartrate extended-release capsule prescribing informationUnited States. Revision date 19 December 2023.
- HYSINGLA ER prescribing informationUnited States. Revision date 29 May 2026.
Other medicine references
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