Hydrocodone is a synthetic opioid derivative of codeine. It is regularly used in combination with acetaminophen to command moderate to severe pain.Historically, hydrocodone has been used as a cough suppressant although this has largely been replaced by dextromethorphan in current cough and cold formulations. Hydrocodone's extra potent metabolite, hydromorphone has also found large use as an analgesic and is frequently used in cases of severe pain. The FDA first approved Hydrocodone in 1943.