What Is Hydrocodone? Drug Class, Schedule & Drug Test Answers

Evidence-based answer reviewed against SAMHSA cutoffs and FDA assay documentation · Updated September 2026

Quick answer: Hydrocodone is a Semi-synthetic opioid agonist. Schedule II by prescription. Here's how the drug is classified, whether it's a narcotic/controlled substance, and what that means for testing.

What is Hydrocodone?

Drug class: Semi-synthetic opioid agonist

Federal schedule: Schedule II by prescription.

hydrocodone-acetaminophen tablets/hydrocodone-acetaminophen tablets combine hydrocodone with acetaminophen. Hydrocodone partially registers on broad opiate assays (it metabolizes to hydromorphone, which cross-reacts), but dedicated semi-synthetic strips on 10/12-panel cups catch it reliably.

Is Hydrocodone a narcotic?

It is classified as a narcotic under the DEA's federal schedule. What matters more for you: Schedule II by prescription..

Does it show up on drug tests?

No — it is not on the standard 5-panel; it appears only on expanded or panel-specific orders. See the full Hydrocodone drug test guide for detection windows and cutoffs.

False-positive caution

  • Poppy-seed morphine does not create hydrocodone positives; the strips are specific.

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Medical disclaimer: DrugPanels provides educational information about laboratory drug testing and does not offer medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Detection windows are population ranges — individual results vary with metabolism, dose, frequency and health status. Never stop prescribed medication to pass a test without talking to your prescriber. Affiliate disclosure: some links on this page are affiliate links; if you order through them we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

People also ask

Does Hydrocodone Show up Drug Test?

Yes — Hydrocodone appears on standard drug panels. Full guide →

How Long Does Hydrocodone Stay in Your System Drug Test?

How long Hydrocodone stays detectable in your system (all test types) — urine, hair, saliva & blood windows explained with cutoffs. Full guide →

How Long Does Hydrocodone Stay in Urine Drug Test?

How long Hydrocodone stays detectable in urine — urine, hair, saliva & blood windows explained with cutoffs. Full guide →

Can Hydrocodone Cause a False Positive Drug Test?

Can Hydrocodone trigger a false positive? Cross-reactivity evidence, confirmation testing, and how to clear your name with the MRO. Full guide →

Do prescriptions count against me?

No — verified prescriptions report as negative through the Medical Review Officer. Declare medications at collection and answer the follow-up call.

Related guides

5 Panel Drug Test

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10 Panel Drug Test

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12 Panel Drug Test

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Sources & further reading

  • SAMHSA — Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs (cutoffs, MRO process)
  • DOT — 49 CFR Part 40 procedures for transportation workplace testing
  • Brahm NC et al., Mayo Clinic Proceedings 2008;83(1):66–76 — false-positive cross-reactivity reference
  • FDA — drug-of-abuse test device labeling (detection window conventions)