What is the morphine milligram equivalent (MME) of 5 mg hydroxycodone?

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Last updated: October 2, 2026 • View editorial policy

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5 mg of hydrocodone equals 5 morphine milligram equivalents (MME)

Hydrocodone has a conversion factor of 1.0, meaning 5 mg of hydrocodone is equivalent to 5 MME. 1

Calculation Method

To calculate MME from hydrocodone:

  • Multiply the hydrocodone dose by 1.0 (the conversion factor)
  • 5 mg hydrocodone × 1.0 = 5 MME

This conversion factor is consistent across both the 2016 and 2022 CDC guidelines for prescribing opioids 2, 1. The CDC provides the most authoritative and widely-used conversion table for clinical practice.

Important Clinical Context

These conversion factors are estimates only and cannot account for individual variability in genetics, pharmacokinetics, or incomplete cross-tolerance between opioids 1.

Critical Caveats:

  • Do not use MME calculations to determine doses when converting between opioids - the new opioid should typically be dosed substantially lower than the calculated MME to avoid overdose 1

  • MME calculations are primarily used for:

    • Monitoring total daily opioid exposure
    • Assessing overdose risk (which increases continuously with dosage)
    • Guiding prescribing decisions about dose escalation

  • The CDC recommends caution at any dosage, with particular attention when approaching 50 MME/day, as many patients do not experience additional benefit beyond this threshold but face progressively increasing risks 1

Note: The question asks about "hydroxycodone" but the correct medication name is hydrocodone - there is no medication called hydroxycodone in clinical use. The FDA drug label references confirm this is oxycodone (a different opioid), not hydrocodone 3.

References

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Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.