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Compare Morphine vs. Norco

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

Key takeaways

Morphine (MS Contin, Kadian) and Norco (hydrocodone/acetaminophen) are both opioid medications used to relieve pain when non-opioid medications aren't enough. However, they have some important differences. Morphine is a pure opioid, while Norco is a combination of an opioid (hydrocodone) and an analgesic (acetaminophen). Morphine is available in various forms, including tablets, oral liquid, rectal suppositories, and injections, whereas Norco is only available as an oral tablet. Morphine is used for both acute and chronic pain, with immediate-release and extended-release options, while Norco is typically used for short-term pain relief. Both medications can cause side effects like constipation, nausea, and sleepiness, but Norco also carries a risk of liver damage because it contains acetaminophen. Both medications have a high risk of addiction and misuse and can cause dangerously slow breathing if mixed with alcohol or other opioids. It's important to follow your prescriber's instructions caraefully while taking morphine or Norco.

  • Morphine
    Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen)
  • Morphine
    Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen)

  • Summary of Morphine vs. Norco

    Summary for Opioid
    Prescription only

    Morphine is an opioid medication used to relieve pain when non-opioid medications don't provide enough relief. This medication comes as a pill, an oral liquid, as well as a rectal suppository. Depending on the form, it can be used to control sudden (acute) pain quickly or more long-lasting (chronic) pain. Common side effects of morphine include feeling sleepy, feeling dizzy, and having constipation.

    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 Morphine vs. Norco

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

  • Pros and Cons of Morphine vs. Norco

    Pros and Const for Opioid
    Pros
    •Relieves pain that isn't controlled with non-opioid pain medications
    •Can relieve both quick, sudden pain and long-term (chronic) pain
    •Available in liquid form and suppositories for people who have trouble swallowing pills
    Cons
    •Risk of misuse and dependency
    •Can cause constipation
    •Must slowly lower the dose if you want to stop the medication after taking for a long time to prevent withdrawal
    •A controlled substance, so there are special requirements to get a prescription filled
    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 Morphine vs. Norco

    Common Side Effects for
    •Constipation
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Sleepiness
    •Lightheadedness
    •Dizziness
    •Sweating
    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness
    •Sleepiness
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Constipation
    •Itching

  • Warnings of Morphine vs. Norco

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

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    Learn more about Norco

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