Is there a difference between hydrocodone an codeine?

Yes!!!: Both hydrocodone & Codeine are considered narcotics or opioids, and as such are controlled substances. They are typically used for pain control and cough suppression. But they are definitely different drugs. The dea lists hydrocodone as a a schedule iii drug while Codeine is a schedule iv. For comparison, morphine & oxycodone are schedule ii (we can't prescribe schedule i). All are addicting drugs.

Yes : They are different meds. Both meds are considered opioids and work on the mu receptor in different ways. Codeine gets broken down to morphine in your body to work and hydrocodone does not need to be broken down to work but it has metabolites (broken down products) that cause pain relief as well.

One semi-synthetic: Codeine is a naturally occurring chemical found in opium, along with morphine and papaverine. The problem is that Codeine is poorly absorbed (like morphine) and higher doses are needed for it to work, in addition it has histamine effects like sneezing, itching and GI distress. Hydrocodone adds a molecule to codeine, where it is better absorbed and more potent, with fewer histamine side effects.