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Compare Toradol vs. Norco

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

Key takeaways

Ketorolac (Toradol) and Norco (hydrocodone/acetaminophen) are both prescription medications used to manage pain, but they belong to different drug classes and have distinct uses and risks. Ketorolac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that works by blocking proteins that cause inflammation and pain. It's typically used for short-term, moderate to severe pain and is available in both injection and oral forms. Norco, on the other hand, is a combination of an opioid (hydrocodone) and an analgesic (acetaminophen). It is used for pain that isn't relieved by non-opioid medications alone and is taken orally. Norco has a high risk of misuse and dependency, making it a controlled substance, whereas ketorolac is not. Ketorolac can only be used for up to 5 days due to severe side effects like heart attack and stomach ulcers, while Norco can cause life-threatening breathing problems and liver damage if misused. Both medications require careful monitoring and should be taken exactly as prescribed.

  • Ketorolac (Toradol)
    Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen)
  • Ketorolac (Toradol)
    Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen)

  • Summary of Toradol vs. Norco

    Summary for NSAID
    Prescription only

    Ketorolac (Toradol) is a prescription non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It provides pain relief by blocking certain chemicals in your body that cause pain and inflammation. But ketorolac (Toradol) is meant for short-term use only due to the risk for severe side effects, such as heart attack and stomach ulcers. Typically, ketorolac (Toradol) is first given as an injection in a hospital or clinic setting. After that, you'll likely continue treatment with the oral tablets, which are taken every 4 to 6 hours for a maximum of 5 days. Your care team will help you transition to a safer alternative pain medication as soon as possible.

    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 Toradol vs. Norco

    Indications for
    •Short-term, moderate to severe pain in adults
    Indications for
    •Pain that isn't relieved by non-opioid pain medications alone

  • Pros and Cons of Toradol vs. Norco

    Pros and Const for NSAID
    Pros
    •Works well to treat short-term pain
    •Available as tablets and as an injection
    •Has been shown to work as well as morphine for treating pain due to certain conditions, so might be a good option for people who can't take opioid pain medications
    Cons
    •Not recommended during pregnancy
    •Might not be the best option if you're 65 years or older, or have kidney, heart, liver, or bleeding problems
    •Can only use for up to 5 days
    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 Toradol vs. Norco

    Common Side Effects for

    The following side effects occurred in at least 10% of people during clinical studies:

    •Stomach pain
    •Nausea
    •Indigestion
    •Headache
    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness
    •Sleepiness
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Constipation
    •Itching

  • Warnings of Toradol vs. Norco

    Common Side Effects for
    •Serious bleeds
    •Heart attack and stroke
    •Kidney damage
    •Don't take with other NSAIDs
    •Higher risk of serious side effects
    •High blood pressure and heart failure
    •Liver damage
    •Severe allergic reactions
    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 Toradol vs. Norco

    Learn more about Ketorolac
    Learn more about Norco

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