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Dilaudid vs. Norco

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Hydromorphone (Dilaudid) and hydrocodone / acetaminophen (Norco) are both opioid medications used to treat pain when non-opioid medications aren't enough. However, they differ in several ways. Hydromorphone is a single opioid medication available in various forms, including oral tablets, oral liquid, rectal suppositories, and an injection (only administered by a healthcare professional, and it can be immediate-release or extended-release. In contrast, hydrocodone / acetaminophen is a combination medication that includes both an opioid (hydrocodone) and an analgesic (acetaminophen), and is available only as an oral tablet. Both medications can cause side effects like constipation, drowsiness, and slowed breathing. Hydrocodone / acetaminophen can lead to liver damage if taken with other acetaminophen-containing products. Both medications are controlled substances have a risk of dependence and misuse, but hydrocodone / acetaminophen also carries a risk of liver damage due to its acetaminophen component. Both medications are available as a lower-cost generic.

Dilaudid

(hydromorphone)

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Norco

(hydrocodone / acetaminophen)

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Summary for Dilaudid

Prescription only

Dilaudid (hydromorphone) is an opioid medication that's used to help with pain when non-opioid medications don't provide enough pain relief. Dilaudid (hydromorphone) is available as pills, liquids, and rectal suppositories. The dosage depends on what form of Dilaudid (hydromorphone) you're using. In addition, some forms are immediate-release that help control sudden pain quickly, but others are extended-release for more long-lasting (chronic) pain. The most common side effects include dizziness, sleepiness, and nausea, among others. Dilaudid (hydromorphone) is available as a brand and generic medication.

Indications for Dilaudid

  • Pain that isn't relieved by non-opioid medications

Pros and Cons for Dilaudid

Pros

  • Relieves pain that isn't controlled with non-opioid pain medications
  • Can help with quick, sudden pain or chronic pain (depending on the form of the medication)
  • Available in liquid form and rectal suppositories for people who have trouble swallowing pills
  • Available as a lower-cost generic version

Cons

  • Can commonly cause constipation
  • Risk of dependence and tolerance with long-term use
  • Must slowly lower the dose before stopping if you've been taking for a long time to prevent bothersome side effects and uncontrolled pain
  • A controlled substance, so there are special requirements to get a prescription filled (highly regulated by the federal government because of risk of misuse)

Common Side Effects for Dilaudid

  • Lightheadedness
  • Dizziness
  • Sleepiness
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Constipation
  • Sweating
  • Flushing
  • Intense happiness (euphoria)
  • Distress
  • Dry mouth
  • Itchy skin

Warnings for Dilaudid

  • Risk of accidental overdose
  • Potential for addiction and misuse
  • Potentially life-threatening slowed breathing (respiratory depression)
  • Harm to newborn babies when taken during pregnancy
  • Low hormone levels
  • Low blood pressure
  • Higher risk of seizures in people with seizure conditions
  • Physical dependence and withdrawal
  • Difficulty concentrating and extreme sleepiness
  • Contains sulfites

Summary for Norco

Prescription only

Norco is a combination medication that contains hydrocodone (an opioid) and acetaminophen (an analgesic). It's used to manage pain for people who've tried non-opioid medications but haven't gotten enough relief. Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) is a tablet that's taken by mouth. It takes about 30 minutes to start working. Side effects include constipation, nausea, and sleepiness. It's also a controlled substance because it has a high risk of misuse and dependency.

Please note: The brand name Norco is no longer available in the United States, but there are generic hydrocodone/acetaminophen tablets on the market.

Indications for Norco

  • Pain that isn't relieved by non-opioid pain medications alone

Pros and Cons for Norco

Pros

  • Can provide pain relief within 30 minutes
  • Available as a lower-cost, generic medication

Cons

  • Can be habit-forming
  • Not recommended to take with other medications containing acetaminophen since it can raise the risk of liver damage
  • Is a controlled medication, so there are special requirements to get a prescription filled

Common Side Effects for Norco

  • Dizziness
  • Sleepiness
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Constipation
  • Itching

Warnings for Norco

  • Potential for misuse and addiction
  • Dangerously slow breathing (respiratory depression)
  • Risk for opioid overdose
  • Difficulty concentrating and extreme sleepiness
  • Liver damage
  • Drug interactions
  • Harm to newborn babies
  • Severe allergic reactions and skin reactions
  • Physical dependence and withdrawal
  • Low blood pressure
  • Low adrenal hormone levels
  • Seizures

Prices with our coupons for Dilaudid vs. Norco

Price Card Drug Icon
Hydromorphone120 tablets / 4mg
$28.49$107.11
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Price Card Drug Icon
Hydrocodone/Acetaminophen12 tablets / 5mg/325mg
$12.78$19.75
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