Easy-to-read patient tips for Vicodin covering how it works, benefits, risks, and best practices. 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. Learn about the side effects of Vicodin (acetaminophen/hydrocodone), from common to rare, for consumers and healthcare professionals. 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 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. Vicodin tablets were used for the relief of moderate to moderately severe pain. Hydrocodone can slow or stop your breathing. Never use this medicine in larger amounts, or for longer than prescribed. Narcotic pain medicine may be habit-forming, even at regular doses. 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.