Vicodin (Hydrocodone + acetaminophen): uses, side effects and safety
Hydrocodone (Vicodin, Vicodin ES, Vicodin HP) is a opioid analgesic combination product. It is a US Schedule II controlled substance. It is prescription only (rx) and remains on the US market.
What is Hydrocodone?
Hydrocodone is the generic name for Vicodin, Vicodin ES, Vicodin HP, and belongs to the Opioid analgesic combination product class.
| Generic name | Hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen (tablet) |
|---|---|
| Brand name(s) | Vicodin, Vicodin ES, Vicodin HP |
| Drug class | Opioid analgesic combination product |
| US legal status | US Schedule II ยท Prescription only (Rx) |
| Route | Oral |
| Prescription required | Yes |
| Elimination half-life | 3.8 |
How does Hydrocodone work?
Hydrocodone is an opioid agonist with relative selectivity for the mu-opioid receptor; acetaminophen is a non-opioid analgesic and antipyretic..
The elimination half-life is roughly 3.8. Longer half-lives mean the drug and its active metabolites persist in the body for longer after the last dose.
Common side effects of Hydrocodone
These are the side effects people report most often. Many diminish after the body adjusts, usually within one to two weeks.
- constipation
- nausea
- sleepiness
- vomiting
- tiredness
- headache
- dizziness
- abdominal pain
Serious side effects and warning signs
Seek emergency care for any of these
- life-threatening breathing problems (especially during the first 24-72 hours or after dose increases)
- addiction/overdose
- severe liver injury from acetaminophen
- neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome
Suspected overdose or a bad reaction should be reported to Poison Control on 1-800-222-1222. That is staffed around the clock and is free.
Legal status of Hydrocodone
Hydrocodone is a Schedule II controlled substance in the United States. That placement is set out in Title 21 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 1308, and enforced by the Drug Enforcement Administration. It carries restrictions on prescribing, storage, record-keeping and transfer.
Statutory reference: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=d36f86e2-fe0f-4b74-a5bf-b23082d72da2.
Can you get Hydrocodone without a prescription?
Short answer: no. Hydrocodone is a prescription medication. Sites advertising it without one are either operating illegally or selling something other than what they claim. We explain the legal routes, the counterfeit problem and how to check a source in detail.
Read the full answer: Hydrocodone without a prescription →
Related medications
Propoxyphene
Narcotic (opioid) analgesic combination productMedication information page.
Read more →Frequently asked questions
What is Hydrocodone used for?
See the approved uses section below.
What schedule is Hydrocodone in the United States?
Hydrocodone is a Schedule II controlled substance in the US, listed at 21 CFR Part 1308. Schedule II means the drug has a defined potential for abuse and is subject to federal record-keeping, storage and prescribing restrictions.
What are the common side effects of Hydrocodone?
The most frequently reported side effects are constipation, nausea, sleepiness, vomiting, tiredness, headache. Many lessen over the first week or two of treatment.
Sources & references
Important
This site provides educational information only and does not sell, prescribe or dispense medications. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider. This page is not medical advice.