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