There are a variety of different medications that are available for the treatment of pain. Hydrocodone, a narcotic pain reliever, is available only by prescription and is typically used for the treatment of severe pain.
Formulations
Hydrocodone, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration explains, is a prescription strength pain reliever, which can only be purchased in combination with other pain relievers. It is most commonly packaged with acetaminophen or other non-narcotic pain relievers. This allows for an enhancement of the pain relieving effects of hydrocodone. Hydrocodone is taken orally and comes as a tablet, a capsule, a syrup, a solution, an extended-release capsule, and an extended-release suspension, MedlinePlus explains.
Effectiveness
Hydrocodone is a opioid-based pain reliever, which means that it interacts with the part of the brain that perceives pain signals. As such, it can be used to treat moderate or severe pain, particularly if it is only used for short periods of time.
Dependence and Tolerance
One of the risks of using hydrocodone for extended periods of time is that the body can develop tolerance to it, which means that more and more of the medication is needed to relieve pain. In addition, patients can become physically dependent on the medication and experience withdrawal if they stop taking it.
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