What the FDA labels say about taking them together
Hydrocodone and morphine
Morphine's FDA label (Morphine Sulfate) of August 31, 2026 names hydrocodone in its drug interactions section; hydrocodone's label does not name morphine itself but warns about its class (Opioids (opioid agonists)). The morphine label: “MAOI interactions with opioids may manifest as serotonin syndrome or opioid toxicity.”
Check it at the source: the hydrocodone FDA label on DailyMed (effective May 29, 2026); the morphine FDA label on DailyMed (effective July 13, 2026, Bryant Ranch Prepack).
What does the hydrocodone label say about morphine?
Hydrocodone's label does not name morphine itself; it warns about its class (Opioids (opioid agonists)):
Hydrocodone label, boxed warningInstruct patients to swallow HYSINGLA ER whole to avoid exposure to a potentially fatal dose of hydrocodone. ( 5.2 ) Accidental ingestion of HYSINGLA ER, especially by children, can result in fatal overdose of hydrocodone. ( 5.2 ) Concomitant use of opioids with benzodiazepines or other central nervous system (CNS) depressants, including alcohol, may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death.
Hydrocodone label, warnings and precautionsLife-Threatening Respiratory Depression Serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression has been reported with the use of opioids, even when used as recommended.
Source: FDA drug label (Hysingla ER), Knoa Pharma LLC, effective May 29, 2026 (SPL set b7d23ac2-e776-9f62-3290-c64c2d6eb353), via openFDA; the full label on DailyMed
What does the morphine label say about hydrocodone?
Morphine Sulfate label (Fresenius Kabi, USA LLC, August 31, 2026), drug interactionsMonoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) Clinical Impact: MAOI interactions with opioids may manifest as serotonin syndrome or opioid toxicity (…). … use test doses and frequent titration of small doses of other opioids (such as oxycodone, oxymorphone, hydrocodone, or buprenorphine) to treat pain while closely monitoring blood pressure and signs and symptoms of CNS and respiratory depression. Examples: phenelzine, tranylcypromine, linezolid
Source: FDA drug label (Morphine Sulfate, NDA204223), Fresenius Kabi, USA LLC, effective August 31, 2026 (SPL set 1f53de80-efc8-4930-b3e3-fba0d026af05), via openFDA
Source: FDA drug label (Morphine sulfate), ANDA078761 (Sun Pharm Inds Ltd), as published by Bryant Ranch Prepack, effective July 13, 2026 (SPL set 595243fe-a4b1-479a-99d6-a084a4181891), via openFDA; the full label on DailyMed
These are the labels' own sentences. PlainMeds does not grade interactions; a pharmacist or prescriber can say what they mean for one person's medicines.
Both medicines on the record
| Hydrocodone | Morphine | |
|---|---|---|
| Labeled for | Pain | Pain |
| Boxed warning | Yes | Yes |
| Pharmacy cost (NADAC) | $7.95 per capsule 15 mg capsule | $0.226 per tablet 15 mg tablet |
| Shortage now | No current entry | In shortage |
Source: FDA NDC Directory, CMS NADAC of October 7, 2026 and the FDA Drug Shortage Database (FDA files October 8, 2026)
What next?
- Check more medicines together
- up to five at once