Vicodin 5/500mg is a popular prescription medication that combines two powerful pain-relieving ingredients: hydrocodone and acetaminophen. Hydrocodone is an opioid pain medication that works in the brain to change how your body feels and responds to pain, while acetaminophen is a less potent pain reliever that increases the effects of hydrocodone. This combination makes Vicodin an effective option for managing moderate to severe pain, such as that caused by injuries, surgeries, or chronic conditions.