Vicodin was Dr. House’s recurring pain medication in House, M.D.
Vicodin is a brand name for a combination of hydrocodone and paracetamol, also called acetaminophen. In the series, House takes it to manage chronic leg pain caused by an infarction in his quadriceps muscle.
His dependence on the drug is a major character and plot element. It affects his judgment, professional relationships, and employment, while also making his pain and disability visible parts of the story.
The fictional portrayal is not a general recommendation for treating chronic pain. Vicodin is a prescription opioid, and hydrocodone carries risks including dependence, misuse, and overdose. The show uses House’s medication history to explore those consequences.