{"id":57588,"date":"2023-03-21T09:37:52","date_gmt":"2023-03-21T13:37:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=57588"},"modified":"2025-12-01T17:48:11","modified_gmt":"2025-12-01T22:48:11","slug":"hydrocodone-acetaminophen-alternatives","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/hydrocodone-acetaminophen-alternatives\/","title":{"rendered":"Hydrocodone acetaminophen alternatives: What can I take instead of hydrocodone acetaminophen?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Hydrocodone-acetaminophen is a prescription pain reliever containing an <\/span>opioid<\/span><\/a> (hydrocodone) with an otherwise nonprescription pain reliever, acetaminophen. Doctors use it to treat moderate to severe pain that is due to a temporary problem (acute pain) or an ongoing problem (chronic pain). Unfortunately, hydrocodone-acetaminophen may not work in relieving pain for some. Or, even if it does, the use of opioids can produce serious side effects like sedation, impairment, constipation, and slowed breathing. Opioids come with some risk of dependency, withdrawal, abuse, overdose, or even death. Switching from an opioid to another drug is a complex process, so it should always be monitored by a healthcare professional.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t

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Save up to 80% on Hydrocodone-Acetaminophen with SingleCare<\/p>\n\t\t\t

Different pharmacies offer different prices for the same medication. SingleCare helps find the best price for you.<\/p>\n\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\tHydrocodone-Acetaminophen 5 mg\/325 mg (12 Tablets)\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t23666 - Hampton, VA\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\"Kroger\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t$12.14\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\ti<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\tPrice with signup<\/a>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tGet free coupon<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\"Harris\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t$12.14\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\ti<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\tPrice with signup<\/a>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tGet free coupon<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\tSee Hydrocodone-Acetaminophen prices at all pharmacies<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n

What can I take instead of <\/span>hydrocodone-acetaminophen<\/span>?<\/span><\/h2>\n

There are other options available to treat pain that does not improve with <\/span>hydrocodone-acetaminophen<\/span> or in patients who experience adverse events.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

To start with, the prescriber could switch to another <\/span>opioid<\/span><\/a>. Some opioids work longer than hydrocodone, like <\/span>extended-release hydrocodone<\/span><\/a>. Some opioids are more potent than hydrocodone, like <\/span>oxycodone<\/span><\/a> or <\/span>buprenorphine<\/span><\/a>. Some are weaker and less likely to cause certain side effects, like <\/span>tramadol<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Non-opioid medications include prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (<\/span>NSAIDs<\/span><\/a>), like prescription <\/span>Naprosyn<\/span><\/a> (naproxen) or over-the-counter <\/span>Advil<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Motrin<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>ibuprofen<\/span>), or <\/span>Aleve<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>naproxen<\/span>). For certain types of pain, healthcare providers can also use antidepressants, such as <\/span>amitriptyline<\/span><\/a> or <\/span>Cymbalta<\/span><\/a> (duloxetine), and nerve pain agents like <\/span>gabapentin<\/span><\/a>.<\/span>
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Compare <\/span>hydrocodone-acetaminophen<\/span> alternatives<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

Drug name<\/b><\/td>\nPrice without insurance<\/b><\/td>\nSingleCare price<\/b><\/td>\nSavings options<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Hydrocodone-acetaminophen<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n$25 for 12, 5-325 mg tablets<\/span><\/td>\n$12 for 12, 5-325 mg tablets of generic hydrocodone-acetaminophen at Kroger<\/span><\/td>\nSee latest prices<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Extended-release <\/span><\/a>hydrocodone<\/span><\/a> bitartrate<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n$360 for 30, 20 mg tablets<\/span><\/td>\n$174 for 30, 20 mg tablets at Publix<\/span><\/td>\nSee latest prices<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Oxycodone<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n$39 per 30, 5 mg tablets<\/span><\/td>\n$15 per 30, 5 mg tablets of generic oxycodone HCl at CVS<\/span><\/td>\nSee latest prices<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
OxyContin<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

(<\/span>oxycodone HCl extended-release<\/span><\/a>)<\/span><\/td>\n

$440 per 60, 10 mg tablets<\/span><\/td>\n$325 per 60, 10 mg tablets of brand-name OxyContin at Kroger<\/span><\/td>\nSee latest prices<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Percocet<\/span><\/a> (oxycodone-acetaminophen)<\/span><\/td>\n$989 per 30, 5-325 mg tablets<\/span><\/td>\n$10 per 12, 5-325 mg tablets of generic oxycodone-acetaminophen at Publix<\/span><\/td>\nSee latest prices<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
MS Contin<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>morphine sulfate ER<\/span><\/a>)<\/span><\/td>\n$354 for 60, 15 mg tablets<\/span><\/td>\n$25 for 60, 15 mg tablets for generic morphine sulfate ER at Kroger<\/span><\/td>\nSee latest prices<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Methadose<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>methadone HCl<\/span><\/a>)<\/span><\/td>\n$44 for 120, 40 mg soluble tablets<\/span><\/td>\n$25 for 30 mL of 10 mg\/mL oral solution of generic methadone HCl at Kroger<\/span><\/td>\nSee latest prices<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Dilaudid<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>hydromorphone<\/span><\/a>)<\/span><\/td>\n$100 for 30, 2 mg tablets<\/span><\/td>\n$15 for 20, 2 mg tablets of generic hydromorphone at Kroger<\/span><\/td>\nSee latest prices<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Belbuca<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>buprenorphine<\/span><\/a>)<\/span><\/td>\n$877 for 1 box of 60, 300 mcg buccal films<\/span><\/td>\n$114 for 1 box of 60, 300 mcg buccal films of generic buprenorphine at CVS<\/span><\/td>\nSee latest prices<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Tramadol<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n$33 for 30, 50 mg tablets<\/span><\/td>\n$11 for 30, 50 mg tablets of generic tramadol HCl at Food Lion<\/span><\/td>\nSee latest prices<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Acetaminophen-codeine #3<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n$27 per 20, 300-30 mg tablets<\/span><\/td>\n$15 per 20, 300-30 mg tablets of generic acetaminophen-codeine #3 at CVS<\/span><\/td>\nSee latest prices<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Naprosyn<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>naproxen<\/span><\/a>)<\/span><\/td>\n$75 for 60, 500 mg tablets<\/span><\/td>\n$7 for 60, 500 mg tablets of generic naproxen at Kroger<\/span><\/td>\nSee latest prices<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Celebrex<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>celecoxib<\/span><\/a>)<\/span><\/td>\n$631 for 30, 200 mg capsules<\/span><\/td>\n$7 for 30, 200 mg capsules of generic celecoxib at Kroger<\/span><\/td>\nSee latest prices<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Neurontin<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>gabapentin<\/span><\/a>)<\/span><\/td>\n$800 per 90, 300 mg capsules<\/span><\/td>\n$9 per<\/span><\/p>\n

90, 300 mg capsules of generic gabapentin at Kroger<\/span><\/td>\n

See latest prices<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Cymbalta<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>duloxetine HCl<\/span><\/a>)<\/span><\/td>\n$230 for 30, 60 mg delayed-release capsules<\/span><\/td>\n$8 for 30, 60 mg delayed-release capsules of generic duloxetine at Kroger<\/span><\/td>\nSee latest prices<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Prescription drug prices often change. These are the most accurate medication prices available at the time of publication in ZIP code 23666 as of November 6, 2025. The listed price, without insurance, refers to the price of brand-name drugs (unless otherwise specified). The listed SingleCare price references the price of generic drugs if available.<\/span><\/i><\/small><\/p>\n

Top 5 <\/span>hydrocodone-acetaminophen<\/span> alternatives<\/span><\/h2>\n

The following are some of the most common alternatives to <\/span>hydrocodone-acetaminophen<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Tramadol<\/h3>\n

Tramadol is a less potent opioid, so it is an alternative if opioid side effects or risks are an issue. It is similar to codeine, another weak opioid. Though less potent, it is still a <\/span>controlled substance<\/span><\/a> because of the risk of abuse. The maximum total daily dose of tramadol is <\/span>400 mg<\/span><\/a>. Unfortunately, this may not provide the pain control needed by some people. In addition to the typical common <\/span>side effects<\/span> seen with opioids, tramadol can additionally cause seizures and low blood sugar. <\/span><\/p>\n

3. Methadose (methadone)<\/h3>\n

Methadose<\/span><\/a> is an option for patients with <\/span>chronic pain<\/span> when <\/span>side effects<\/span> have limited further dosage escalations, as well as <\/span>when opioid treatment has made a patient hypersensitive to<\/span><\/a> pain. Methadose may also be a good option for a person who has an allergic reaction to hydrocodone. Methadone, however, exhibits high interpatient variability in absorption, metabolism, and relative <\/span>pain-relieving <\/span>potency, so methadone must be dosed carefully even in people currently on an opioid analgesic. It also has many possible drug interactions, so make sure the prescriber is aware of all the prescription and <\/span>over-the-counter<\/span> medications being taken. <\/span><\/p>\n

4. Naprosyn (naproxen)<\/h3>\n

Naprosyn<\/span><\/a> is a prescription <\/span>NSAID<\/span> and may serve as a good alternative to <\/span>opioid pain medications<\/span>. Its active ingredient, naproxen, can be purchased over the counter, but prescription naproxen comes in higher doses. Prescription naproxen is effective at relieving certain types of pain without the side effects of opioids, such as drowsiness or constipation. <\/span>NSAIDs<\/span> like Naprosyn do come with their own set of potential <\/span>side effects<\/span> and risks, including <\/span>high <\/span>blood pressure<\/span> and an increased risk of cardiovascular events<\/span><\/a>. <\/span>NSAIDs<\/span> can also increase the risk of bleeding and stomach ulcers. For these reasons, healthcare professionals typically prescribe NSAIDs for as short a time as possible. <\/span><\/p>\n

5. Cymbalta (duloxetine)<\/h3>\n

Cymbalta<\/span><\/a> is an <\/span>effective non-opioid <\/span>pain reliever<\/span> <\/a>for certain types of <\/span>chronic pain<\/span>. Its active ingredient, duloxetine, is a type of <\/span>antidepressant<\/span> called a <\/span>serotonin<\/span>\/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). However, the FDA has approved its use for chronic musculoskeletal pain, such as low <\/span>back pain<\/span>, as well as <\/span>diabetic neuropathy<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>fibromyalgia<\/span><\/a>. Doctors sometimes use it <\/span>off-label<\/span><\/a> for chemotherapy-induced peripheral <\/span>neuropathy<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Duloxetine is considered safe and tolerable, but it comes with a <\/span>black box warning<\/span><\/a> for increased suicidal thoughts and behavior. During the initial months of treatment, patients or their caregivers should watch closely for such thoughts and unusual behaviors.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Over-the-counter pain relievers<\/span><\/h2>\n

Store shelves are abundantly stocked with nonprescription painkillers, but they may not work well enough to treat pain that requires opioid therapy. These familiar drugs include <\/span>Tylenol<\/span><\/a> (acetaminophen) and NSAIDs (aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen). Though safer than prescription pain relievers, they can also cause problems. Taking too much acetaminophen can cause severe and even life-threatening liver damage. OTC NSAIDs can cause bleeding problems or serious gastrointestinal problems when they are used for too long or taken in excess.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Natural alternatives to <\/span>hydrocodone-acetaminophen<\/span><\/h2>\n

The management of pain should be approached from all angles, and approaches other than medication use may provide effective relief.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Depending on the source of the pain, <\/span>physical therapy<\/span> may be an effective way to manage both acute and chronic pain, especially lower back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, and some types of injuries or surgeries. By employing therapeutic exercise, <\/span>manual therapy<\/span><\/a>, heat, cold, and electrical stimulation, <\/span>physical therapy<\/span> aims to achieve optimal neuromuscular and skeletal function.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The most effective non-drug treatment for chronic pain is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT-CP). It is a form of psychotherapy, but the CDC, NIH, and healthcare professionals consider it a first-line treatment for chronic pain along with pain medicine. CBT doesn\u2019t provide immediate relief, but typically requires several months of therapy to produce noticeable effects. The goal is long-term pain management without the need for strong or potentially harmful medications.<\/span><\/p>\n

Other holistic approaches, such as <\/span>acupuncture<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>turmeric<\/span><\/a>, topical capsaicin, <\/span>magnesium supplements<\/span><\/a>, or the use of <\/span>aromatherapy <\/span><\/a>with different essential oils like peppermint oil or lavender oil, may also provide some <\/span>pain relief<\/span> or reduce inflammation over time.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>8 non-narcotic <\/b>pain meds<\/b> and other <\/b>pain management<\/b> tips<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

How to switch to a <\/span>hydrocodone-acetaminophen<\/span> alternative<\/span><\/h2>\n

If discontinuation of <\/span>hydrocodone-acetaminophen<\/span> is necessary for whatever reason, tapering the dose under the direct supervision of a <\/span>healthcare provider<\/span> is critical. Tapering helps to avoid unwanted <\/span>side effects<\/span> and minimize withdrawal symptoms\u2014particularly in patients who have been on opioids long-term.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Even switching to another opioid is a complex process. Opioids are not precisely interchangeable, so there\u2019s a risk that the new opioid won\u2019t be dosed correctly. This is why medication changes should always be executed under direct <\/span>medical advice<\/span> and supervision of a healthcare provider.<\/span><\/p>\n

Choosing the right path for pain management<\/span><\/h2>\n

There is no perfect drug for pain. To start with, pain is subjective, so doctors must balance effective pain control with possible side effects and risks. As a result, pain treatment is always individualized, nuanced, and involves several modalities, including nonpharmaceutical therapies.<\/span><\/p>\n

To ensure you receive the safest and most effective treatment, please provide as accurate and detailed information as possible about the pain you experience and its impact on your daily life. Do not exaggerate the pain and its effects on your life, but don\u2019t minimize them, either. Keeping a pain diary can help the doctor determine whether treatment is working or creating new problems.<\/span><\/p>\n

Always understand the treatment plan and commit to it. That includes non-drug therapies, as well. Start by asking the doctor how much pain relief is possible. In many cases, getting to zero pain is not a reasonable expectation, at least in the short term. Ask the doctor how long opioid medications are needed, what the alternatives are, what side effects to report, and when you can switch to a non-opioid pain medication.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Hydrocodone-acetaminophen is a prescription pain reliever containing an opioid (hydrocodone) with an otherwise nonprescription pain reliever, acetaminophen. Doctors use it to treat moderate to severe pain that is due to a temporary problem (acute pain) or an ongoing problem (chronic pain). Unfortunately, hydrocodone-acetaminophen may not work in relieving pain for some. Or, even if it […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":133,"featured_media":57590,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4589],"tags":[808],"coauthors":[10869],"class_list":["post-57588","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drug-info","tag-pain-management","wpautop"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nTop hydrocodone acetaminophen alternatives and how to switch your Rx<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Belbuca, tramadol, Methadose, Naprosyn, and Cymbalta are some hydrocodone acetaminophen alternatives. 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1. Belbuca (buprenorphine)<\/span><\/h3>\n

Belbuca<\/span><\/a> is a buccal film of a very powerful opioid, <\/span>buprenorphine<\/span><\/a>. In patients with poor pain control on other opioids, some data suggest that switching to buprenorphine may improve pain control.<\/span><\/p>\n

Even though it\u2019s powerful, buprenorphine is actually safer than many other opioids. It\u2019s a \u201cpartial\u201d opioid agonist that only works at some opioid receptors in the brain. Other opioids (called \u201cfull\u201d opioids), like hydrocodone, work at all the opioid receptors. As a partial opioid, many of the central nervous system effects, like euphoria, level off as the dose increases, decreasing the incentive to abuse the drug. The risk of severe side effects also levels off, so doctors can use higher doses to manage pain.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Some additional formulations of buprenorphine exist, including a transdermal patch (<\/span>Butrans<\/span><\/a>) and an injection. The buccal film takes about two hours to achieve maximum pain control but provides a relatively long duration of action. <\/span><\/p>\n