Hydrocodone, also known as dihydrocodeinone, is a semi-synthetic opioid synthesized from codeine, one of the opioid alkaloids found in the opium poppy. It is a narcotic analgesic used orally for the relief of moderate to severe pain. In one study comparing the potency of hydrocodone to that of Oxycodone, it was found that it took 50% more hydrocodone to achieve the same degree of miosis. The investigators interpreted this to mean that Oxycodone is about 50% more potent than hydrocodone. Equal amount of either drug provided about the same degree of pain relief, indicating that there is little practical difference between them when used for that purpose. the analgesic action of hydrocodone begins in 20–30 minutes and lasts about 4–8 hours. Recommended dosing interval is 4–6 hours.