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Norco vs. Oxycodone

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

Key takeaways

Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) and oxycodone (Roxicodone, Oxycontin) are prescription opioids that treat severe pain that isn't relieved by non-opioid pain medications. Norco is a short-acting medication. Oxycodone, however, is available as a short-acting and a long-acting product. All opioids are controlled substances and have side effects that include sleepiness, dizziness, and constipation. More seriously, they can lead to potential misuse and overdose.

Norco

(hydrocodone / acetaminophen)

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Oxycodone

 

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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

Summary for Oxycodone

Prescription only

Immediate-release oxycodone, also known by its brand names Roxicodone and Oxaydo, is an opioid. It's used to treat pain that isn't relieved by non-opioid pain medications. Immediate-release oxycodone is available as tablets, capsules, and a liquid that are taken by mouth. Your prescriber will work with you to find the dosage for your individual needs, but it's typically taken every 4 to 6 hours as needed for your pain. Common side effects include making you constipated, sleepy, and dizzy. Oxycodone is a controlled substance because it has a high risk of misuse and dependence.

Indications for Oxycodone

Pros and Cons for Oxycodone

Pros

  • Immediate-release oxycodone can start to relieve pain within 30 minutes
  • Available as a lower-cost generic (except Oxaydo)

Cons

  • High risk of misuse, dependence, and addiction
  • Must slowly lower the dose to stop the medication after long-term use to avoid withdrawal symptoms
  • Have special requirements to fill a prescription for it because it's a controlled substance

Common Side Effects for Oxycodone

Warnings for Oxycodone

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

Prices with our coupons for Norco vs. Oxycodone

Price Card Drug Icon
Hydrocodone/Acetaminophen12 tablets / 5mg/325mg
$9.75-
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Price Card Drug Icon
Oxycodone90 tablets / 5mg
$22.44$50.28
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