Generic Name: hydrocodone (also dihydrocodeinone).Proprietary Names: combined with acetaminophen: (multiple different preparations in tablet, capsule, and elixir form) Vicodinâ¢, Lortabâ¢, Norcoâ¢, and numerous generic formulations; (2) combined with aspirin or ibuprofen: Damason-Pâ¢, Vicoprofenâ¢.Drug Class: opioid analgesic compound (Class III).Manufacturers: Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, IL; Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 311 Bonnie Circle, Corona, CA; Mason Pharmaceuticals, 4425 Jamboree St, Suite 450, Newport Beach, CA; Natureâs Bounty, 2100 Smithtown Avenue, Ronknokoma, NY; UCB Pharmaceuticals, Brussels, Belgium.Chemical Name: 4,5α-epoxy-3-methoxy-17-methylmorphinan-6-one.Chemical Structure: see Figure 22.1.Chemical Formula: C18H21NO3; molecular wt 299.3.Introduction: First produced in 1920, hydrocodone is a semisynthetic hydrogenated ketone related to the phenanthrene derivative codeine. It is only available as an enteral agent in oral preparations. Hydrocodone bitartrate is currently approved in the USA only for use in fixed combinations with non-opioid medications as an analgesic or antitussive agent. Another preparation, hydrocodone polistirex, is used as an antitussive agent, again only in combination with non-opioid medications. Hydrocodone bitartrate forms a water-soluble crystalline powder; it is sensitive to light and typically stored at room temperature in a light-resistant fashion. Hydrocodone bitartrate in combination with acetaminophen is a less restricted opioid preparation (Schedule III) and is more easily prescribed in many States in the USA. Because of their relative ease in prescription and perceived safety and efficacy, compounds containing hydrocodone plus acetaminophen have become the most widely prescribed opioid analgesics in the USA. © Cambridge University Press 2011.