Vicodin contains a combination of acetaminophen and the opioid hydrocodone, whereas Apadaz is a combination of the prodrug, benzhydrocodone, and acetaminophen. When ingested, stomach enzymes cleave the benzhydrocodone prodrug and release the active parent drug hydrocodone.

Vicodin is an immediate-release pain reliever medication. Vicodin tablets are used for the relief of moderate to moderately severe pain. Acetaminophen is a less potent pain reliever that can add to the pain-relieving effects of opioids (sometimes called narcotics, or narcotic analgesics).

Apadaz is also an immediate-release pain reliever medication. It is also used for the short-term (no more than 14 days) management of acute pain severe enough to require an opioid analgesic and for which alternative treatments are inadequate. Apadaz, from KemPharm Inc., was approved by the FDA on February 23rd, 2018.