Last update: Jan. 6, 2021

Hydrocodone Hydrochloride

Low Risk for breastfeeding


Moderately safe. Probably compatible.
Mild risk possible. Follow up recommended.
Read the Comment.

Narcotic opioid structurally related to codeine most commonly used for the treatment of cough and pain.
Administered orally every 4 to 6 hours.
The cytochrome P450-2D6 enzyme catalyzes codeine to morphine.

Excreted in clinically insignificant amounts through breast milk (Sauberan 2011, Anderson 2007).

Drowsiness was reported in an infant less than a month old whose mother was taking 120 mg of hydrocodone daily (Bodley 1997) and apnea in a 5-week-old infant whose mother was taking hydrocodone and methadone simultaneously (Meyer 2005).

Discontinue use at the sign of maternal or infant excessive sedation and do not administer if there is prior history of maternal or familiar excessive sedation. From 1% to 29% of people have an accelerated metabolic conversion rate of codeine to morphine due to a genetic excess of the P450-2D6 enzyme.

It is recommended not to exceed doses above 30 mg of hydrocodone a day for the treatment of postpartum pain (Sauberan 2011).


See below the information of this related product:

Alternatives

Suggestions made at e-lactancia are done by APILAM´s pediatricians and pharmacists, and are based on updated scientific publications.
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Other names

Hydrocodone Hydrochloride is also known as


Hydrocodone Hydrochloride in other languages or writings:

Groups

Hydrocodone Hydrochloride belongs to these groups or families:

Tradenames

Main tradenames from several countries containing Hydrocodone Hydrochloride in its composition:

Pharmacokinetics

Variable Value Unit
Oral Bioavail. 100 %
Molecular weight 299 daltons
Tmax 1,3 hours
T1/2 3,8 hours
Theoretical Dose 0,002 - 0,004 mg/Kg/d
Relative Dose 1,6 - 3,7 %

References

  1. Reece-Stremtan Sarah, Campos Matilde, Kokajko Lauren, and The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine. Breastfeeding Medicine. ABM Clinical Protocol #15: Analgesia and Anesthesia for the Breastfeeding Mother, Revised 2017. Breastfeed Med. 2017 Nov;12(9):500-506. Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  2. Rowe H, Baker T, Hale TW. Maternal medication, drug use, and breastfeeding. Pediatr Clin North Am. 2013 Feb;60(1):275-94. Abstract
  3. Sauberan JB, Anderson PO, Lane JR, Rafie S, Nguyen N, Rossi SS, Stellwagen LM. Breast milk hydrocodone and hydromorphone levels in mothers using hydrocodone for postpartum pain. Obstet Gynecol. 2011 Abstract
  4. Anderson PO, Sauberan JB, Lane JR, Rossi SS. Hydrocodone excretion into breast milk: the first two reported cases. Breastfeed Med. 2007 Abstract
  5. Meyer D, Tobias JD. Adverse effects following the inadvertent administration of opioids to infants and children. Clin Pediatr (Phila). 2005 Jul-Aug;44(6):499-503. Abstract
  6. Bodley V, Powers D. Long-term treatment of a breastfeeding mother with fluconazole-resolved nipple pain caused by yeast: a case study. J Hum Lact. 1997 Abstract

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