Is hydrocodone acetaminophen an opioid?

Is hydrocodone/acetaminophen considered an opioid?

Yes. Hydrocodone/acetaminophen (often written as hydrocodone + acetaminophen) is an opioid pain medication because hydrocodone is an opioid.

Why it still counts as an opioid even though it includes acetaminophen

Acetaminophen is not an opioid, but it is combined with hydrocodone in many prescription products. The opioid component is the hydrocodone part, so the combination drug is classified and used as an opioid analgesic.

What this means for safety and use

Because it contains an opioid, hydrocodone/acetaminophen carries the typical opioid-related risks such as dependence, misuse potential, sedation, and breathing suppression, along with the acetaminophen-related risk of liver injury if too much acetaminophen is taken.

Common related question: is it the same as “Vicodin”?

Many brands of hydrocodone/acetaminophen (for example, Vicodin and similar formulations) are opioids for the same reason: they contain hydrocodone. Different products may vary by the amount of acetaminophen, which affects acetaminophen safety but not whether the drug is an opioid.

Sources: None provided.