Dr. House commonly takes Vicodin in House M.D.
Vicodin is the brand name historically used in the United States for a prescription combination of hydrocodone and acetaminophen. In the series, House uses it to manage chronic pain caused by a severe leg injury. His reliance on the drug becomes one of the show's major continuing conflicts.
House's pain and medication use affect his relationships, medical judgment, and employment. Hospital administrator Lisa Cuddy and his friend James Wilson repeatedly confront him about dependency and the risks of continuing treatment. The writers use the issue to show both House's vulnerability and his resistance to authority.
The series treats Vicodin as part of House's characterization, but real-world opioid use carries serious risks, including dependence and overdose. The medication's formulation and availability have also changed over time as prescribing rules and safety concerns evolved.