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Norco vs. Percocet

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

Key takeaways

Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) and Percocet (oxycodone / acetaminophen) are prescription opioids that treat severe pain that isn't relieved by non-opioid pain medications. They’re both short-acting medications and share possible side effects, such as sleepiness, dizziness, and constipation. Norco and Percocet are considered to be controlled substances, meaning they could lead to potential misuse and overdose.

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Norco Vs. Percocet: 3 Differences You Should Know About

Norco

(hydrocodone / acetaminophen)

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Percocet

(oxycodone / acetaminophen)

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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 Percocet

Prescription only

Percocet (oxycodone / acetaminophen) is a combination opioid medication. It's used to treat pain when non-opioid medications aren't working well enough to control pain. It's a controlled substance because it has a high risk of misuse, dependency, and addiction.

Indications for Percocet

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

Pros and Cons for Percocet

Pros

  • Can provide pain relief within 10 to 30 minutes
  • Available in a liquid form for people who have trouble swallowing pills
  • Available as a lower-cost, generic medication

Cons

  • High risk of misuse and dependency
  • Must slowly lower the dose to stop the medication after long-term use to avoid withdrawal symptoms
  • Not recommended to take with other medications containing acetaminophen since it can raise the risk of liver damage
  • A controlled medication, so there are special requirements to get a prescription filled

Common Side Effects for Percocet

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

Warnings for Percocet

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

Prices with our coupons for Norco vs. Percocet

Price Card Drug Icon
Hydrocodone/Acetaminophen12 tablets / 5mg/325mg
$9.75-
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Price Card Drug Icon
Oxycodone/Acetaminophen90 tablets / 5mg/325mg
$24.65$59.01
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