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Compare Oxycontin vs. Norco

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

Key takeaways

OxyContin (oxycodone) and Norco (hydrocodone/acetaminophen) are both opioids used to manage pain when non-opioid medications haven't provided enough relief. However, they differ in several ways. OxyContin is an extended-release form of oxycodone taken every 12 hours for long-term pain relief, while Norco combines hydrocodone with acetaminophen and is taken every 4 to 6 hours as needed for pain. OxyContin is available as both a brand and a generic, whereas Norco is only available as a generic. Both medications can cause side effects like constipation, nausea, and sleepiness, but Norco also carries a risk of liver damage because it contains acetaminophen. OxyContin and Norco both have a high risk of misuse and addiction and interact with many other medications, so it's important to take them exactly as prescribed. Norco should be avoided with other acetaminophen-containing medications, including over-the-counter acetaminophen-containing products.

  • Oxycodone (OxyContin)
    Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen)
  • Oxycodone (OxyContin)
    Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen)

  • Summary of Oxycontin vs. Norco

    Summary for Opioid
    Prescription only

    OxyContin is an extended-release (long-acting) form of oxycodone. It's an opioid that's used to treat long-term pain when non-opioid pain medications alone don't provide enough relief. OxyContin is approved for adults and certain children aged 11 years and older, and it's also available as a lower-cost generic. The tablets are taken by mouth every 12 hours. Common side effects include constipation, nausea, and sleepiness. Oxycodone (OxyContin) is a controlled substance because it has a warning for misuse and dependence.

    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 Oxycontin vs. Norco

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

  • Pros and Cons of Oxycontin vs. Norco

    Pros and Const for Opioid
    Pros
    •Might help with long-term pain that's not completely relieved with non-opioid pain relievers
    •Pain-relieving effects last for 12 hours after a dose
    Cons
    •Only available as a tablet that must be swallowed whole
    •Not used to treat sudden pain
    •Must slowly lower the dose to stop the medication after long-term use to avoid withdrawal symptoms
    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 Oxycontin vs. Norco

    Common Side Effects for
    •Constipation (23%)
    •Nausea (23%)
    •Sleepiness (23%)
    •Dizziness (13%)
    •Itching (13%)
    •Vomiting (12%)
    •Headache (7%)
    •Dry mouth (6%)
    •Weakness (6%)
    •Sweating (5%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness
    •Sleepiness
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Constipation
    •Itching

  • Warnings of Oxycontin vs. Norco

    Common Side Effects for
    •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
    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 Oxycontin vs. Norco

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