The drug hydrocodone is used to treat severe pain. People who are expected to require medication to relieve severe pains continuously over an extended period of time and who are unable to cope with various drugs or therapies are best served by hydrocodone. It is no longer necessary to utilize hydrocodone extended-release (long-acting) pills or extended-release medications to treat aches that can be treated with medication that is taken as needed. Opiate (narcotic) analgesics are a class of drugs that includes hydrocodone. It functions by altering how the mind and fearful apparatus react to pain.