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.
Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) is a combination of two medications that work together to treat pain.
Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) is a controlled substance that has a risk for misuse and addiction. Take the medication exactly as prescribed. Don't change the dose or how often you take it without talking to your prescriber first.
Misusing Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) might cause the medication to work less well. It can also raise the risk for serious and possibly life-threatening side effects, such as dangerously slow breathing, not able to stay awake, addiction, and opioid overdose. You'll be prescribed the lowest amount of Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) that's necessary to manage your pain for the shortest period of time possible.
Because of the risk for misuse, addiction, and overdose, Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) is only available through a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) program called the Opioid Analgesic REMS program. Your prescriber and pharmacy must register with the program, receive training on proper medication use, and discuss with you about how to safely use Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen).
Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) can cause dangerously slow breathing, which can be life-threatening. This can happen to anyone and at recommended doses. But the risk is greatest when you first start treatment or when your dose goes up.
Don't drink alcohol while you're taking Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen). And don't take the opioid medication with other medications that slow your body down (e.g., benzodiazepines, other opioids, muscle relaxants). Doing so raises your risk of extremely slowed breathing.
Your prescriber might write a prescription for naloxone (Narcan), a medication that can reverse slowed breathing from opioids. Your prescriber will instruct you to carry it with you at all times. Use naloxone, call 911, and get medical help right away if you or your loved one notices that you have trouble breathing or have bluish-colored lips, fingers, or toes.
Take Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) exactly as prescribed. Taking too much medication or taking it more often than prescribed can lead to an overdose. It can be very dangerous if someone accidentally swallows the medication. Be sure to keep the opioid medication out of reach from children, pets, or visitors to prevent accidental exposure or overdose.
Symptoms of an opioid overdose include not responding to sound or touch, extremely slowed breathing, extreme sleepiness, slow heartbeat, and cold or clammy skin. Be sure you and your loved ones know how to recognize an overdose. Your prescriber will probably write a prescription for naloxone (Narcan), a medication that can treat an opioid overdose. Carry naloxone with you at all times; use it and call 911 right away if an overdose happens.
Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) can cause extreme sleepiness and lower your ability to think, react, and focus. Don't drink alcohol or take other medications that can cause sleepiness or "brain fog" (e.g., benzodiazepines, muscle relaxants, sleep medications) with Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen). Doing so can worsen these side effects.
Make sure you know how Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) affects you before driving a car or doing activities that require your concentration. Talk to a healthcare professional (HCP) if you feel too sleepy from the medication.
Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) contains acetaminophen. Taking too much acetaminophen can cause liver damage that can be life-threatening. The risk for liver damage is higher if you're taking more than one medication that contains acetaminophen, if you already have liver problems, or if you regularly drink alcohol.
Let your prescriber know about your medical history, especially if you have liver problems, before you take Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen). Also avoid drinking alcohol while you're taking this medication. Your prescriber can discuss how much acetaminophen you can take per day depending on your age and your risk for liver damage.
Call an HCP right away if you notice any symptoms of liver damage. These symptoms can include tiredness, dark urine, upset stomach, stomach pain, or yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes.
Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) interacts with a lot of common medications. So it's important to tell your prescriber and pharmacist about the medications you're taking and planning to take with Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen). Your care team can check that your medications are safe to take together. Also talk to your care team first before making any changes to your medications because sudden dose adjustments can also lead to harm.
Some interactions can raise the level of Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) in your body. This can raise your risk for serious side effects, including potentially life-threatening slowed breathing. Examples of medications that can lead to this type of interaction with Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) include erythromycin, ketoconazole, and ritonavir (Norvir).
Other drug interactions can lower the levels of Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) in your body. This can cause the opioid medication to work less well for pain and possibly lead to withdrawal symptoms. These interactions include taking Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) with rifampin (Rifadin) or carbamazepine (Tegretol).
Long-term use of Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) during pregnancy can cause your unborn baby to become dependent on the medication. This is because the opioid in the medication (hydrocodone) can pass through the placenta to your unborn baby.
Once your baby is born, they can experience withdrawal symptoms, such as high-pitched crying, poor feeding behavior, trembling, abnormal sleep patterns, and seizures. This condition is called neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome and can be life-threatening if not recognized and treated in time. Let your HCP know if you've used Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) during pregnancy or if you notice these symptoms in your baby.
Severe allergic reactions to Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) are possible, including life-threatening reactions like facial swelling, shock, and anaphylaxis (e.g., closing of the throat). Additionally, acetaminophen can rarely cause serious skin reactions, such as rash, blisters, skin reddening, or skin peeling. Get medical attention right away if you notice these types of changes in your skin, swelling of the lips or tongue, or difficulty breathing after you take this medication.
Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) can cause physical dependence when it's taken for a long period of time. This means that your body starts to rely on the medication to function. You might experience withdrawal if you suddenly stop taking the medication or lower your dose too fast. Withdrawal symptoms can be bothersome and include anxiety, restlessness, irritability, runny nose, sweating, and chills.
Don't lower your dose or stop taking the medication suddenly without talking to your prescriber first. Your prescriber will slowly lower your dose to prevent withdrawal symptoms. Talk to your prescriber about alternative pain medications if you have concerns about the risk for dependence and withdrawal with Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen).
Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) can cause extremely low blood pressure. Your blood pressure might drop when you stand from a sitting or lying down position. This can lead to dizziness and fainting. To avoid falling, get up slowly if you've been sitting or lying down. Talk to your HCP if any dizziness or lightheadedness doesn't go away.
Some people taking opioid medications like Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) have had low adrenal hormone levels. This might be more likely to happen after taking opioids for longer than 1 month. Symptoms include tiredness, dizziness, weakness, not feeling hungry, nausea, and vomiting. Tell your HCP if you have these symptoms. If your adrenal hormone levels are too low, you might need to stop Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) and be treated with corticosteroids.
Opioids such as hydrocodone can raise the risk of having seizures more often in people who've had one before. Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) can also raise your risk of seizures in certain situations. Get medical help right away if you have a seizure while you're taking this medication.
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
More common
Dizziness
lightheadedness
Incidence not known
Back, leg, or stomach pains
black, tarry stools
bleeding gums
blood in the urine or stools
blood in vomit
bluish lips or skin
chills
choking
dark urine
decrease in the frequency of urination
decrease in urine volume
difficult or trouble breathing
difficulty in passing urine (dribbling)
difficulty with swallowing
fast heartbeat
fever with or without chills
general body swelling
general feeling of tiredness or weakness
headache
hoarseness
irregular, fast or slow, or shallow breathing
light-colored stools
loss of appetite
lower back or side pain
nosebleeds
not breathing
painful or difficult urination
pale or blue lips, fingernails, or skin
pinpoint red spots on the skin
puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
severe or continuing stomach pain
sore tongue
sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
tightness in the chest
unable to speak
unusual bleeding or bruising
unusual tiredness or weakness
upper right abdominal or stomach pain
vomiting
yellow eyes and skin
Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:
Symptoms of overdose
Bloody or cloudy urine
change in consciousness
chest pain or discomfort
cold and clammy skin
decreased awareness or responsiveness
extreme drowsiness
general feeling of discomfort or illness
increased sweating
irregular heartbeat
lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
loss of consciousness
no blood pressure or pulse
no muscle tone or movement
not breathing
severe sleepiness
slow or irregular heartbeat
stopping of heart
sudden decrease in the amount of urine
unpleasant breath odor
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
Drowsiness
relaxed and calm feeling
sleepiness
Incidence not known
Belching
changes in mood
difficulty having a bowel movement
fear or nervousness
feeling of indigestion
hearing loss
impaired hearing
pain in the chest below the breastbone
unusual drowsiness, dullness, tiredness, weakness, or feeling of sluggishness
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Yes. Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) is a combination medication that includes an opioid called hydrocodone. The other ingredient in this combination medication is acetaminophen, which is commonly known as Tylenol. Since one of the ingredients in Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) is an opioid, Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) is considered an opioid medication.
Not quite, but they're very similar to each other. Norco and Vicodin are different brand-name medications that contain the same active ingredients, hydrocodone and acetaminophen. Norco and Vicodin both have varying strengths. They both have strengths that contain 5 mg, 7.5 mg, or 10 mg of hydrocodone. But Vicodin contains 300 mg of acetaminophen, whereas Norco contains 325 mg of acetaminophen. Both of these brand-name medications have been discontinued and aren't available in the US anymore (generic versions are still available though).
Yes, Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) has a risk for addiction, which is one of the reasons why it's a schedule II controlled substance. Addiction can happen as a result of misuse, or when a medication is used for non-medical reasons for its desirable physical or emotional effects. Signs of addiction can include cravings to use the medication, continued use of the medication even though you have negative consequences from it, and withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking it. Take Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) exactly as prescribed to you. Don't change the dose or how often you take it without talking to your prescriber first. Speak with your prescriber if you're concerned about the risk for addiction.
Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) is typically prescribed for use up to every 4 to 6 hours as needed for pain relief. But your prescriber might adjust how often you should take it (for example, less often) depending on your medical condition(s), the other medications you're taking, and your pain. It's important to take Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) only as prescribed. Taking more than what's prescribed raises the risk for misuse, serious side effects, and life-threatening overdose. Taking too much also puts you at risk for liver problems that can lead to liver failure. It's best to take the lowest dose of Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) for the shortest amount of time possible. Talk to your prescriber if you're concerned about how well this medication is working for you.
Yes, Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) can make you sleepy. Let your prescriber and care team know if you're taking other medications that make you sleepy, such as benzodiazepines or muscle relaxants. Also, avoid alcohol. Mixing Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) with these types of medications or alcohol can worsen sleepiness. Make sure to avoid driving or doing anything that requires concentration until you know how Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) affects you.
Yes, it's generally safe to take ibuprofen (Advil) or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) with Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen). In fact, it's usually recommended to take non-opioid pain medications like ibuprofen (Advil) for additional pain relief. This is a way to help lower the amount of opioids you take and to lessen the risks that come with using opioids. But it's best to ask your prescriber or pharmacist if it's safe for you to take ibuprofen (Advil) if you have a history of kidney problems, heart problems, or heart attack.
It's recommended to avoid taking Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) with Tylenol. Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) already contains acetaminophen, which is commonly known as Tylenol. Taking Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) with over-the-counter Tylenol or other medications that contain acetaminophen can raise your risk of accidentally taking too much acetaminophen. This can lead to serious liver damage. Ask your pharmacist for help in choosing an over-the-counter product that doesn't have acetaminophen in it for additional pain relief or fever.
Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) and Percocet (oxycodone / acetaminophen) are combination medications that contain an opioid and acetaminophen. But the opioid is different: Norco contains the opioid hydrocodone, whereas Percocet contains the opioid oxycodone. Some studies comparing the two opioid medications showed that they generally work just as well as each other to relieve pain. Nausea and dizziness side effects occurred less commonly in people who took acetaminophen with hydrocodone than with oxycodone. But another study found that the side effect of constipation was more common in people taking hydrocodone than in those taking oxycodone. Speak with your prescriber to learn more about the differences between these two opioid pain medications.
| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10mg/325mg | 120 tablets | $20.98 | $0.17 |
| 5mg/325mg | 90 tablets | $21.24 | $0.24 |
| 7.5mg/325mg | 90 tablets | $22.10 | $0.25 |
| 5mg/300mg | 30 tablets | $14.13 | $0.47 |
| 7.5mg/300mg | 60 tablets | $19.91 | $0.33 |
| 10mg/300mg | 120 tablets | $38.29 | $0.32 |
| 2.5mg/325mg | 15 tablets | $10.27 | $0.68 |
Your prescriber will work with you to find the right dose of Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) for your individual needs. It's recommended to use the lowest dose possible for the shortest duration of time to manage your pain.
The typical starting dose is 5 mg/325 mg (hydrocodone/acetaminophen) by mouth every 4 to 6 hours as needed for pain.
Keep in mind that this medication is available in different strengths — the tablets can contain different amounts of hydrocodone and acetaminophen in them. Make sure you know which strength you're using and how to take it properly. Ask your prescriber or pharmacist if you have any questions about your dose.
GoodRx has partnered with to provide reviews on the different aspects of Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen).
Learn more about the effectiveness of Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) based on real life experiences.
Based on 392 people taking this medication
3.6
3.5
3.4
3.5
4.0
3.8
Severity of side effects
Based on 1272 people taking this medication
0%
50%
100%
Constipation
14%
Drowsiness
5%
Nausea
5%
Sleepiness
4%
Itching
3%
Reasons people stopped taking Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen)
Based on 1180 people who have taken this medication
Other
25%
Did not seem to work
22%
Doctor's advice
21%
Course of treatment ended
16%
Side effects too severe
11%
Personal research
4%
Change in health plan coverage
3%
Expense
2%
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) will not be safe for you to take.