Hydrocodone/Acetaminophen Medication Information

Hydrocodone/acetaminophen is a prescription combination pain medication containing hydrocodone, an opioid analgesic, and acetaminophen, a non-opioid pain reliever and fever reducer.

It is used to manage pain severe enough to require an opioid medication when other pain treatments are not adequate or cannot be tolerated. Current U.S. labeling identifies hydrocodone/acetaminophen tablets as Schedule II controlled substances. citeturn0search0turn0search1

Because hydrocodone is an opioid, this medication carries important risks including misuse, abuse, addiction, respiratory depression, overdose, and death. Acetaminophen also creates an additional risk of serious liver injury when too much is taken or when it is combined with other acetaminophen-containing products. citeturn0search6

What Is Hydrocodone/Acetaminophen?

Hydrocodone/acetaminophen combines two pain-relieving ingredients:

  • Hydrocodone — an opioid analgesic that acts on opioid receptors.
  • Acetaminophen — a non-opioid analgesic and antipyretic.

The combination can provide stronger pain relief than either component alone in certain situations.

Brand names historically associated with hydrocodone/acetaminophen include Vicodin, although many hydrocodone/acetaminophen products are now available under generic names and different brand names.

What Is Hydrocodone/Acetaminophen Used For?

Hydrocodone/acetaminophen is prescribed for pain that is severe enough to require an opioid pain medicine when alternative treatments are inadequate.

A healthcare professional considers several factors before prescribing it, including:

  • Type of pain
  • Severity of pain
  • Previous pain treatments
  • Other medications
  • Medical history
  • Kidney and liver function
  • Risk of opioid misuse
  • Previous opioid exposure

The medication should only be used for the person for whom it was prescribed. citeturn0search0

How Does Hydrocodone Work?

Hydrocodone works primarily by activating opioid receptors in the central nervous system.

This changes how the brain and nervous system perceive and respond to pain.

Hydrocodone can also produce effects such as:

  • Drowsiness
  • Sedation
  • Relaxation
  • Reduced coughing
  • Slower breathing

These effects explain both its therapeutic effects and some of its important safety risks.

How Does Acetaminophen Work?

Acetaminophen works through different pain-relieving pathways than hydrocodone.

It can reduce pain and fever without being an opioid.

However, taking excessive amounts of acetaminophen can cause serious liver injury.

Because hydrocodone/acetaminophen already contains acetaminophen, patients should check other prescription and over-the-counter medicines before taking additional acetaminophen-containing products.

Hydrocodone/Acetaminophen Dosage Information

The appropriate dose depends on the specific product, strength, medical condition, severity of pain, previous opioid exposure, and individual response.

Patients should:

  • Take the medication exactly as prescribed.
  • Never take more than prescribed.
  • Never take it more frequently than directed.
  • Never use another person’s prescription.
  • Check the medication label carefully.
  • Ask a pharmacist before combining it with another acetaminophen-containing medicine.

Current labeling provides product-specific dosing instructions and emphasizes using the lowest effective dose appropriate for the individual patient. citeturn0search0

Hydrocodone/Acetaminophen Side Effects

Common side effects may include:

  • Constipation
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Drowsiness
  • Dizziness
  • Tiredness
  • Headache
  • Abdominal discomfort
  • Lightheadedness

These effects can vary from person to person.

Contact your healthcare professional if side effects are severe, persistent, or interfere with normal activities. citeturn0search5

Serious Hydrocodone/Acetaminophen Side Effects

Serious reactions can include:

  • Severe respiratory depression
  • Extreme sleepiness
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Severe allergic reaction
  • Low blood pressure
  • Seizures
  • Confusion
  • Liver injury
  • Overdose

Get emergency medical assistance if someone taking hydrocodone/acetaminophen develops severe breathing problems, cannot be awakened, loses consciousness, or may have taken too much medication. citeturn0search0

Hydrocodone/Acetaminophen and Respiratory Depression

Hydrocodone can slow breathing.

The risk of serious respiratory depression is particularly important when treatment is started, the dose is changed, too much medication is taken, or the medication is combined with other substances that depress the central nervous system.

Risk may increase when hydrocodone is combined with:

  • Alcohol
  • Benzodiazepines
  • Other opioids
  • Sleeping medicines
  • Sedatives
  • Other CNS depressants

Current labeling warns that these combinations can result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death. citeturn0search6

Hydrocodone/Acetaminophen and Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines include medications such as:

  • Alprazolam
  • Clonazepam
  • Diazepam
  • Lorazepam

Combining an opioid with a benzodiazepine can increase sedation and respiratory-depression risks.

Tell your healthcare professional if you take a benzodiazepine or another sedating medication.

Do not stop a prescribed benzodiazepine suddenly without medical guidance.

Hydrocodone/Acetaminophen and Alcohol

Alcohol can significantly increase the risks associated with hydrocodone.

Combining alcohol with hydrocodone/acetaminophen can increase the risk of:

  • Severe drowsiness
  • Respiratory depression
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Overdose
  • Death

Current medication guidance specifically warns against alcohol use during treatment because of the potential for serious or fatal outcomes. citeturn0search5

Acetaminophen and Liver Safety

One of the important differences between hydrocodone/acetaminophen and other opioid medications is the presence of acetaminophen.

Too much acetaminophen can cause severe liver injury.

This can happen if a person:

  • Takes more medication than prescribed.
  • Uses multiple acetaminophen-containing products.
  • Takes another medicine containing acetaminophen without realizing it.
  • Consumes excessive amounts of acetaminophen over time.

Always check the active ingredients of other medications before taking them with hydrocodone/acetaminophen.

Signs of Possible Liver Injury

Seek medical attention if you develop symptoms that could indicate serious liver problems, including:

  • Yellowing of the skin or eyes
  • Dark urine
  • Unusual or severe fatigue
  • Persistent nausea
  • Persistent vomiting
  • Loss of appetite
  • Upper abdominal discomfort
  • Unusual itching

Serious acetaminophen-related liver injury requires prompt medical evaluation.

Hydrocodone/Acetaminophen Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all medications, supplements, and substances you use.

Important interactions may involve:

  • Benzodiazepines
  • Other opioids
  • Alcohol
  • Sedatives
  • Sleeping medicines
  • Certain antidepressants
  • Muscle relaxants
  • Other medicines that affect the central nervous system
  • Other products containing acetaminophen

Some combinations can increase respiratory-depression risk, while others can increase the risk of liver injury.

Hydrocodone/Acetaminophen and Other Acetaminophen Products

Patients should pay particular attention to acetaminophen because it is found in many prescription and over-the-counter products.

Acetaminophen may appear on labels as:

  • Acetaminophen
  • APAP

Do not assume that a different brand or product does not contain acetaminophen.

Ask a pharmacist if you are uncertain whether two medicines contain the same ingredient.

Hydrocodone Dependence

Regular opioid use can result in physical dependence.

Physical dependence means the body adapts to repeated exposure to the medication.

This is different from addiction, although hydrocodone also has the potential for misuse, abuse, and addiction.

Only use hydrocodone/acetaminophen exactly as prescribed.

Hydrocodone Withdrawal

Stopping regular opioid treatment suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms.

Possible symptoms include:

  • Anxiety
  • Restlessness
  • Sweating
  • Muscle aches
  • Runny nose
  • Insomnia
  • Abdominal cramps
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Chills
  • Irritability

Patients who have been taking hydrocodone regularly should discuss discontinuation with their healthcare professional rather than stopping suddenly without guidance.

Hydrocodone/Acetaminophen Overdose

Taking too much hydrocodone/acetaminophen can cause a potentially fatal overdose.

Possible symptoms include:

  • Very slow or difficult breathing
  • Extreme sleepiness
  • Difficulty waking
  • Small pupils
  • Weakness
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Coma

An overdose also creates a risk of serious acetaminophen-related liver injury.

If an overdose is suspected, call 911 immediately.

Naloxone and Hydrocodone

Naloxone is an opioid overdose reversal medication.

People taking prescription opioids may want to discuss naloxone availability with their healthcare professional or pharmacist, especially when risk factors for opioid overdose are present.

Naloxone does not replace emergency medical care.

If an opioid overdose is suspected, administer naloxone if available according to its instructions and call 911 immediately.

Hydrocodone/Acetaminophen and Driving

Hydrocodone may cause:

  • Drowsiness
  • Dizziness
  • Lightheadedness
  • Slower reaction time
  • Impaired judgment
  • Reduced coordination

Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how the medication affects you.

The current Medication Guide specifically warns patients not to drive or operate heavy machinery until they understand how the medication affects them. citeturn0search5

Hydrocodone/Acetaminophen and Older Adults

Older adults may be more sensitive to opioid-related sedation, dizziness, and respiratory effects.

Healthcare professionals may consider:

  • Age
  • Kidney function
  • Liver function
  • Other medications
  • Fall risk
  • Existing breathing problems

when determining whether hydrocodone/acetaminophen is appropriate.

Hydrocodone/Acetaminophen and Breathing Problems

Tell your healthcare professional if you have:

  • Asthma
  • Sleep apnea
  • Chronic lung disease
  • Breathing difficulties
  • Reduced respiratory function

Opioids can suppress breathing, and people with existing respiratory problems may require additional consideration and monitoring.

Hydrocodone/Acetaminophen and Liver Disease

Because the medication contains acetaminophen, liver health is particularly important.

Tell your healthcare professional if you have:

  • Liver disease
  • Hepatitis
  • Cirrhosis
  • A history of abnormal liver tests
  • Heavy alcohol use

Your healthcare professional can determine whether this medication is appropriate and whether additional monitoring is necessary.

Hydrocodone/Acetaminophen During Pregnancy

Tell your healthcare professional if you are:

  • Pregnant
  • Planning to become pregnant
  • Breastfeeding

Long-term opioid exposure during pregnancy can result in neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome, which may require treatment after birth. Current hydrocodone/acetaminophen labeling includes this warning. citeturn0search6

Do not suddenly stop regular opioid treatment during pregnancy without discussing the situation with your healthcare professional.

Hydrocodone/Acetaminophen and Breastfeeding

Hydrocodone and acetaminophen can be present in breast milk.

If you are breastfeeding, discuss the medication with your healthcare professional.

Seek medical attention if an infant exposed through breast milk becomes unusually sleepy, has difficulty feeding, or develops breathing problems.

Hydrocodone/Acetaminophen in Children

Hydrocodone/acetaminophen should never be given to a child unless specifically prescribed by a qualified healthcare professional.

Accidental ingestion can cause serious or fatal respiratory depression.

Keep the medication securely stored and out of children’s reach.

Safe Storage of Hydrocodone/Acetaminophen

Because hydrocodone/acetaminophen is a controlled opioid medication:

  • Store it securely.
  • Keep it away from children.
  • Do not share it.
  • Keep it away from visitors.
  • Follow appropriate disposal instructions for unused medication.
  • Do not leave tablets where another person can access them.

Accidental ingestion by a child can result in a potentially fatal opioid overdose.

Who Should Tell Their Doctor Before Taking Hydrocodone/Acetaminophen?

Tell your healthcare professional if you have:

  • Breathing problems
  • Asthma
  • Sleep apnea
  • Liver disease
  • Kidney disease
  • Head injury
  • Seizure history
  • Substance use disorder
  • Mental health conditions
  • Previous reactions to opioids
  • Alcohol-use concerns
  • Current benzodiazepine use
  • Other opioid medications

Also provide a complete list of prescription medications, over-the-counter products, supplements, and herbal products you use.

Hydrocodone/Acetaminophen Prescription Information

Hydrocodone/acetaminophen is a prescription opioid medication.

In the United States, hydrocodone/acetaminophen tablets are classified as Schedule II controlled substances. citeturn0search0turn0search1

Prescription requirements and product availability may vary by location.

Patients should obtain prescription medications through appropriate healthcare and pharmacy channels and follow the requirements that apply to their location.

Hydrocodone/Acetaminophen at Maxson Pharmacy

Maxson Pharmacy provides medication-information resources to help readers understand prescription medicines, including medication uses, potential side effects, precautions, interactions, and safety considerations.

For questions about hydrocodone/acetaminophen, pain treatment, medication interactions, or whether this medication is appropriate for you, speak with a qualified healthcare professional or pharmacist.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hydrocodone/Acetaminophen

What is hydrocodone/acetaminophen?

Hydrocodone/acetaminophen is a prescription combination pain medication containing the opioid hydrocodone and the non-opioid pain reliever acetaminophen.

Is hydrocodone/acetaminophen an opioid?

Yes. Hydrocodone is an opioid analgesic.

Is hydrocodone/acetaminophen the same as Vicodin?

Vicodin is a brand name historically associated with hydrocodone/acetaminophen. Generic hydrocodone/acetaminophen products are also available.

Is hydrocodone/acetaminophen a controlled substance?

Yes. In the United States, hydrocodone/acetaminophen tablets are classified as Schedule II controlled substances. citeturn0search0

Can hydrocodone/acetaminophen cause addiction?

Yes. Hydrocodone is an opioid and carries risks of misuse, abuse, addiction, overdose, and death. citeturn0search0

What are common hydrocodone/acetaminophen side effects?

Common effects can include constipation, nausea, vomiting, sleepiness, tiredness, headache, dizziness, and abdominal discomfort. citeturn0search5

Can hydrocodone/acetaminophen cause respiratory depression?

Yes. Hydrocodone can slow breathing and may cause life-threatening respiratory depression, particularly with excessive doses or combinations with alcohol, benzodiazepines, or other CNS depressants. citeturn0search6

Can I drink alcohol while taking hydrocodone/acetaminophen?

Alcohol can significantly increase the risk of dangerous sedation, respiratory depression, overdose, and death. Discuss alcohol use with your healthcare professional. citeturn0search5

Can hydrocodone/acetaminophen be taken with benzodiazepines?

Combining opioids with benzodiazepines can increase the risk of profound sedation and respiratory depression. Tell your healthcare professional about all medications you take.

Can hydrocodone/acetaminophen damage the liver?

Yes. The acetaminophen component can cause serious liver injury when too much is taken or when combined with other acetaminophen-containing products.

Can hydrocodone/acetaminophen cause withdrawal?

Yes. Regular opioid use can lead to physical dependence, and stopping suddenly may cause withdrawal symptoms.

Can hydrocodone/acetaminophen cause an overdose?

Yes. Overdose can cause severe respiratory depression, loss of consciousness, coma, and death. The acetaminophen component can also cause serious liver injury if too much is taken.

Should people taking hydrocodone have naloxone?

Ask your healthcare professional or pharmacist whether naloxone is appropriate for you or your household, particularly if opioid overdose risk factors are present.

Can hydrocodone/acetaminophen be used during pregnancy?

Opioid use during pregnancy should be discussed with a healthcare professional. Long-term exposure can result in neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome. citeturn0search6

Can hydrocodone/acetaminophen affect driving?

Yes. Hydrocodone may cause drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, and impaired alertness. Do not drive until you know how the medication affects you. citeturn0search5

Related Medication Information

  • Vicodin (Hydrocodone/Acetaminophen) Medication Information
  • Percocet (Oxycodone/Acetaminophen) Medication Information
  • Oxycodone Medication Information
  • Morphine Medication Information
  • Fentanyl Patch Medication Information
  • Methadone Medication Information
  • Tramadol Medication Information
  • Suboxone (Buprenorphine/Naloxone) Medication Information
  • Vivitrol (Naltrexone) Medication Information
  • Rivotril (Clonazepam) Medication Information
  • Lorazepam (Ativan) Medication Information
  • Diazepam (Valium) Medication Information

Hydrocodone acetaminophen prescription pain medication