What is the brand name for Acetaminophen / Hydrocodone?
The most common brand name for Acetaminophen / Hydrocodone is Norco / Vicodin.
PTCE Top 200 · #25
Acetaminophen / Hydrocodone
Norco / Vicodin
Acetaminophen / Hydrocodone is the generic name for the brand-name drug Norco. It is an opioid + acetaminophen combination used to treat moderate-severe pain. On the PTCE Top 200 drug list, Acetaminophen / Hydrocodone ranks #25 and is one of the most frequently tested pain/inflammation medications — commonly quizzed on its brand–generic pair, drug class, and key side effects.
| Generic name | Acetaminophen / Hydrocodone |
|---|---|
| Brand name(s) | Norco / Vicodin |
| Drug class | Opioid + acetaminophen combination |
| Class group | Pain/Inflammation |
| Common use | moderate-severe pain |
| DEA schedule | C-II |
| Availability | Prescription only (Rx) |
What is Acetaminophen / Hydrocodone used for?
Opioid/acetaminophen combination for management of pain severe enough to require an opioid and when alternatives are inadequate.
What drug class is Acetaminophen / Hydrocodone?
Acetaminophen / Hydrocodone is an Opioid + acetaminophen combination in the Pain/Inflammation group. Knowing the class is the fastest way to predict its uses, side effects, and the brand↔generic pairs the PTCE tests.
Common side effects of Acetaminophen / Hydrocodone
- arrow_rightConstipation
- arrow_rightDrowsiness
- arrow_rightNausea
- arrow_rightVomiting
- arrow_rightDizziness
Major interactions
- arrow_rightBenzodiazepines, alcohol, and other CNS depressants → profound sedation/respiratory depression
- arrow_rightCYP3A4 inhibitors/inducers may increase/decrease hydrocodone levels (overdose or withdrawal)
- arrow_rightOther acetaminophen‑containing products ↑ hepatotoxicity risk
- arrow_rightMAO inhibitors and serotonergic drugs can increase adverse reactions (use caution/avoid per label)
Is Acetaminophen / Hydrocodone a controlled substance?
Yes. Acetaminophen / Hydrocodone is a C-II controlled substance under federal law.
warning Boxed warning
BOXED WARNING: Risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse; life‑threatening respiratory depression; neonatal opioid withdrawal; and dangerous interactions with benzodiazepines/other CNS depressants. Also avoid exceeding total daily acetaminophen to prevent liver injury.
How to remember Acetaminophen / Hydrocodone (PTCE mnemonic)
NORCO = 'NO more pain' — hydrocodone (C-II opioid) + APAP. Constipation always, respiratory depression; APAP cap 4g/day → liver.
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PTCE exam tip
A Schedule II opioid combo — handle and count like other C-II controls. The acetaminophen component sets a hard daily ceiling, a common safety question.
Acetaminophen / Hydrocodone FAQ
What is Acetaminophen / Hydrocodone used for?
Acetaminophen / Hydrocodone is used to treat moderate-severe pain. Opioid/acetaminophen combination for management of pain severe enough to require an opioid and when alternatives are inadequate.
What drug class is Acetaminophen / Hydrocodone?
Acetaminophen / Hydrocodone is an Opioid + acetaminophen combination (Pain/Inflammation group).
Is Acetaminophen / Hydrocodone a controlled substance?
Yes. Acetaminophen / Hydrocodone is a C-II controlled substance under federal law.
Related drugs in the Pain/Inflammation group
Drill Acetaminophen / Hydrocodone the way the PTCE asks it
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Last reviewed June 25, 2026. Educational use only — not medical advice. Verify clinical specifics with your pharmacist or a current label source such as DailyMed. RxReflex is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).