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Hydrocodone-Acetaminophen
Hydrocodone is an opioid agonist that binds to mu opioid receptors in the central nervous system to reduce pain perception, while acetaminophen inhibits prostaglandin synthesis to provide additional analgesic and antipyretic effects.
Hydrocodone is an opioid agonist that binds to mu opioid receptors in the central nervous system to reduce pain perception, while acetaminophen inhibits prostaglandin synthesis to provide additional analgesic and antipyretic effects. Used for Moderate to moderately severe pain.
At a glance
| Generic name | Hydrocodone-Acetaminophen |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Norco, Opioid, Vicodin, Lortab |
| Sponsor | Henry Ford Health System |
| Drug class | Opioid analgesic combination |
| Target | Mu opioid receptor (hydrocodone); COX inhibitor (acetaminophen) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Pain Management |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Hydrocodone acts as a mu opioid receptor agonist, modulating pain signals in the brain and spinal cord. Acetaminophen works through a separate mechanism, inhibiting cyclooxygenase enzymes and reducing prostaglandin production, which contributes to pain relief and fever reduction. The combination provides synergistic analgesia for moderate to moderately severe pain.
Approved indications
- Moderate to moderately severe pain
Common side effects
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Drowsiness
- Sedation
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Respiratory depression
Key clinical trials
- Nonopioid Analgesia After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction (PHASE2, PHASE3)
- The Efficacy and Safety of Liposomal Bupivacaine for Transversus Abdominis Plane Block in Relieving Postoperative Pain After Laparoscopic Surgery (NA)
- The Efficacy and Safety of Liposomal Bupivacaine for Transversus Abdominis Plane Block in Relieving Postoperative Pain After Laparoscopic Surgery in Gynecologic Oncology (NA)
- A Study on Reducing Opioid Use After Minimally Invasive Ankle Surgery (NA)
- The Efficacy and Safety of Liposomal Bupivacaine for Rhomboid Intercostal Nerve Block in Relieving Postoperative Pain After Video-assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (NA)
- Post-operative Pain Management in Children With Supracondylar Humerus Fractures (PHASE4)
- Opioids Versus Non-Opioids Postoperative After Knee Arthroscopic Surgery (PHASE4)
- SCHF Post-Op Study Between Opioid and Non-Opioid Pain Management (PHASE4)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Hydrocodone-Acetaminophen CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Hydrocodone-Acetaminophen updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Henry Ford Health System portfolio CI