Vicodin contains a combination of acetaminophen and hydrocodone. Hydrocodone is an opioid pain medication. An opioid is sometimes called a narcotic. Acetaminophen is a less potent pain reliever that increases the effects of hydrocodone. Vicodin tablets are used for the relief of moderate to moderately severe pain.

Hydrocodone/paracetamol is a fixed-dose combination consisting of the opioid hydrocodone and the non-opioid analgesic paracetamol. It is indicated for relief of moderate to severe pain of acute, chronic, or postoperative types.^[2] Hydrocodone/paracetamol comes in oral solution and tablet formulations; however strength of each component may vary.^[1] In October 2014, the Drug Enforcement Administration rescheduled hydrocodone combination drugs from schedule III to schedule II due to its risk for misuse, abuse, and diversions.^[11]

Recreational[edit]

Hydrocodone diversion and recreational use has escalated due to its opioid effects.^[12] In 2009 and 2010, hydrocodone was the second most frequently encountered opioid in the pharmaceutical industry. In-drug evidence was submitted to U.S. federal state and local forensic laboratories as reported by the Drug Enforcement Administration‘s National Forensic Laboratory Information System (NFLIS) and System to Retrieve Information from Drug Evidence (STRIDE).^[13]

Pregnancy and breastfeeding[edit]

Prolonged use of hydrocodone/paracetamol during pregnancy can result in neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome.^[1] Hydrocodone/paracetamol passes into breast milk and may harm the baby.^[1]