Hydrocodone
Why has my veterinarian prescribed this medicine?
Your pet has been prescribed hydrocodone as a cough suppressant.
Adverse effects:
Adverse effects in dogs include sedation, constipation (with chronic therapy), vomiting or other gastrointestinal disturbances.
Hydrocodone may mask the clinical signs (cough) of respiratory disease and should not take the place of appropriate specific treatments for the underlying cause of coughs.
Storage and handling:
Product must be stored away from light.
Please see the prescription label for dosing information and means of administration.
Always follow the label instructions. Never administer any medication unless prescribed by a veterinarian. Keep out of reach of children.
Plumb, D. C. (2015). Plumb’s Veterinary Drug Handbook, 8th edition. accessed via Veterinary Information Network; vin.com
Extra-label drug use
Extra-label drug use, also referred to as “off-label use” refers to the use of a drug approved by Health Canada in an animal in a manner not in accordance with the label or package insert with respect to species, indication, dose, duration, and route of administration.
A drug used in an extra-label manner does not have proven safety or efficacy characteristic based on its intended use.
The availability of approved veterinary drugs for the species being treated is always considered before prescribing medication in an extra-label manner.
With the limited approved veterinary drugs, extra-label drug use often involves the use medications made for other species (including humans) in our pets.
© Copyright 2025 LifeLearn Inc. Used and/or modified with permission under license. This content written by LifeLearn Animal Health (LifeLearn Inc.) is licensed to this practice for the personal use of our clients. Any copying, printing or further distribution is prohibited without the express written consent of LifeLearn. This content does not contain all available information for any referenced medications and has not been reviewed by the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine, or Health Canada Veterinary Drugs Directorate. This content may help answer commonly asked questions, but is not a substitute for medical advice, or a proper consultation and/or clinical examination of your pet by a veterinarian. Please contact your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about your pet’s health. Last updated on Mar 23, 2019.
