ExoticRx · exoticrx.com/drugs/hydrocodone
US brand names:Hycodan, Tussigon
Hydrocodone is dosed at 0.22–0.44 mg/kg PO q6-12h in dogs, per Johnson L. Diseases of the bronchus. In: Ettinger S, Feldman E, eds. Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine: Diseases of the Dog and Cat. Vol 2. WB Saunders; 2000:1055-1061. PMID: 42491792 — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.641 (2026-08-01).. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Mu-opioid receptor agonist that suppresses the cough reflex at the medullary level. Also provides mild analgesia.
Dogs only. Sedation, constipation, respiratory depression at high doses. Controlled substance. Effective antitussive for non-productive cough (tracheal collapse, chronic bronchitis).
Species references:All Dog (Domestic) drugs
Controlled substance in the US
Controlled-drug status and schedules differ by country — check your local scheduling rules.
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A dog/cat sample is shown here. Cited dosing for all 1 species — reptiles, birds, pocket pets, livestock, and equine — is free on the per-species pages above. Pro adds the weight-based calculator for every species.
| Species | Route | Dose | Frequency | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dog (Domestic) | PO | 0.22–0.44 mg/kg | q6-12h | Moderate | Johnson L. Diseases of the bronchus. In: Ettinger S, Feldman E, eds. Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine: Diseases of the Dog and Cat. Vol 2. WB Saunders; 2000:1055-1061. PMID: 42491792 — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.641 (2026-08-01). |
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