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Compare Ibuprofen vs. Norco

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

Key takeaways

Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and hydrocodone / acetaminophen (Norco) are pain medications. Ibuprofen is an nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) and Norco is an opioid. Ibuprofen is often a first-choice medication for mild-to-moderate pain, as most forms of it are available over the counter. Ibuprofen is usually tried before Norco, which is available only by prescription. Common Ibuprofen side effects include nausea, heartburn, and stomach pain. More seriously, it can cause kidney damage, bleeding, and heart problems, but these effects are rare. Common Norco side effects include nausea, constipation, and drowsiness. More seriously, Norco can lead to misuse, breathing problems, and overdose. It’s a controlled substance, but ibuprofen isn’t. Taking Norco and ibuprofen as prescribed can minimize these risks. Norco is a brand-name of hydrocodone / acetaminophen that’s no longer available, but we’ll use the name here because it’s well-known.

  • Ibuprofen
    Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen)
  • Ibuprofen
    Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen)

  • Summary of Ibuprofen vs. Norco

    Summary for NSAID

    Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that's used to temporarily relieve fever, pains, and aches in adults and children. In general, ibuprofen is taken by mouth every 4 to 8 hours, though the dosage depends on your age, weight, and other medical problems. Ibuprofen side effects include nausea, heartburn, and stomach pain, but taking it with food might help prevent these side effects. Ibuprofen is available over the counter and by prescription, depending on the strength you need.

    Summary for Opioid / Analgesic
    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 of Ibuprofen vs. Norco

    Indications for

    Over-the-counter ibuprofen:

    •Short-term relief of minor aches and pains due to headache, muscle aches, minor arthritis pain, toothache, backache, the common cold, or menstrual cramps
    •Fever

    Prescription ibuprofen:

    •Mild-to-moderate pain
    •Pain from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or osteoarthritis (OA)
    •Pain from menstrual cramps
    Indications for
    •Pain that isn't relieved by non-opioid pain medications alone

  • Pros and Cons of Ibuprofen vs. Norco

    Pros and Const for NSAID
    Pros
    •Works well for fever, pain, and swelling
    •Available over the counter and by prescription and as lower-cost generics
    •Available as tablets, capsules, chewable tablets, and an oral liquid
    •Chewable tablets and liquid can be used in children
    Cons
    •Lasts for only about 6 hours, so might need to take multiple doses throughout the day
    •Might not be the best option if you're 65 years or older or if you have kidney, heart, liver, or bleeding problems
    •Has risk of stomach bleeding, stomach ulcers, and kidney problems
    •Shouldn't take other NSAIDs at the same time because of higher risk for side effects
    Pros and Const for Opioid / Analgesic
    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 of Ibuprofen vs. Norco

    Common Side Effects for

    The following side effects were reported in up to 9% of people in clinical studies.

    •Nausea
    •Stomach pain
    •Heartburn
    •Dizziness
    •Rash
    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness
    •Sleepiness
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Constipation
    •Itching

  • Warnings of Ibuprofen vs. Norco

    Common Side Effects for
    •Stomach bleeding and ulcers
    •Heart attack and stroke
    •High blood pressure and heart failure
    •Kidney damage
    •Liver problems
    •Severe allergic reactions
    •Harm to unborn babies
    •Caution use in people with phenylketonuria (PKU) - chewable tablets only
    Common Side Effects for
    •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 Ibuprofen vs. Norco

    Learn more about Ibuprofen
    Learn more about Norco

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