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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)

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Norco

(hydrocodone / acetaminophen)

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Summary for Toradol

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.

Indications for Toradol

  • Short-term, moderate to severe pain in adults

Pros and Cons for Toradol

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

Common Side Effects for Toradol

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

  • Stomach pain
  • Nausea
  • Indigestion
  • Headache

Warnings for Toradol

  • 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

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

Prices with our coupons for Toradol vs. Norco

Price Card Drug Icon
Ketorolac20 tablets / 10mg
$17.00-
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Price Card Drug Icon
Hydrocodone/Acetaminophen12 tablets / 5mg/325mg
$9.75$17.91
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