Key takeaways
Codeine and Norco (hydrocodone/acetaminophen) are both opioid medications used to treat pain when non-opioid options aren't effective. Both are Schedule II controlled substances, meaning they have a high potential for misuse and addiction. However, they have some important differences. Codeine is a single-ingredient opioid that is converted to morphine by the body, while Norco is a combination of hydrocodone (an opioid) and acetaminophen (a non-opioid pain reliever). Both medications are available as a lower-cost generic. The typical starting dose for codeine is 15 mg every 4 hours as needed, while Norco is usually taken as one 5 mg/325 mg tablet every 4 to 6 hours. Both medications can cause side effects like constipation and sleepiness, but Norco also has a risk of liver damage since it contains acetaminophen. You can reduce your risk for liver damage by avoiding other acetaminophen-containing medications while taking Norco. Both medications have a number of serious drug interactions. Be sure your prescriber and pharmacist have a complete list of your medications.
