What is Vicodin? Vicodin is a powerful painkiller that is prepared by mixing acetaminophen and hydrocodone. Acetaminophen is a less powerful pain controller, which increases the effects of hydrocodone. Hydrocodone is a synthetic opioid that operates in the same way as an opiate drug like heroin. Vicodin is a prescription painkiller used to treat moderate to moderately severe pain. It combines two active ingredients: hydrocodone (5 mg), an opioid, and acetaminophen (500 mg), the same pain reliever found in Tylenol. Vicodin is a prescription opioid medication used to treat the symptoms of moderate to severe pain. Learn about uses, dosage, side effects, drug interactions, warnings, overdose, and more. The Vicodin brand was discontinued in the U.S. in 2012. Learn what replaced it, why it was phased out, and where the generic is prescribed today. Vicodin is a combination medication that contains hydrocodone (an opioid) and acetaminophen (an analgesic). It's used to manage pain for people who haven't gotten enough relief from non-opioid medications. It is sold under the brand names Vicodin and Norco among others. [1][2] 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]. Detailed dosage guidelines and administration information for Vicodin (hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen). Includes dose adjustments, warnings and precautions. Find patient medical information for Hydrocodone/Acetaminophen (Norco, Vicodin, others) on WebMD including its uses, side effects and safety, interactions, pictures, warnings, and user ratings Vicodin and Percocet are both prescription combination tablets used to relieve moderate to severe pain. Each pairs acetaminophen with an opioid: hydrocodone in Vicodin and oxycodone in Percocet. Vicodin is a combination of two medications: hydrocodone (an opioid pain medication) and acetaminophen (a non-opioid pain medication). Vicodin is used to treat severe pain when other pain medicines do not work. Vicodin is available as tablets that are administered by mouth to treat pain.