Compare Acetaminophen with codeine vs. Norco
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Treats mild to moderate pain.
Acetaminophen with codeine (acetaminophen / codeine) is a good option to treat pain when over-the-counter medicines aren't enough, but don't take too much acetaminophen (Tylenol) since it can hurt your liver.
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3.7/ 5 average rating with 581 reviewsforAcetaminophen with codeine
Treats moderate to moderately severe pain.
Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) is a good option to treat pain when over-the-counter medicines haven't worked, but it can lead to dependence and tolerance if taken for a long time.
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3.7/ 5 average rating with 1194 reviewsforNorco
Upsides
- Combination pain medicine with an opioid component (codeine) and non-opioid component (acetaminophen or Tylenol) that takes advantage of different modes of pain relief in a single pill.
- Provides quick relief for mild to moderate pain.
- Good for as-needed pain and control.
- Generally well tolerated, especially if taken with food to lower risk of stomach upset.
- Lower rates of misuse compared to pure opioid medicines.
- Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) has two medicines to treat moderate to moderately severe pain. The combination is more effective than either drug alone.
- Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) is more potent than many over-the-counter options.
- You can take this with or without food.
- This medicine also comes as a liquid if you have trouble swallowing.
- Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) is available as a generic.
Downsides
- Dizziness and drowsiness is common, but your body may adjust.
- Many people get constipated taking Acetaminophen with codeine (acetaminophen / codeine).
- All opioid containing medicines have the risk of addiction and withdrawal when used long-term.
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol) has a high risk of liver failure and death if you take more than the maximum daily dose. Be very careful since many over-the-counter medicines also have acetaminophen.
- Constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, and nausea can commonly occur.
- Since Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) is a controlled medication, it cannot be refilled or transferred to another pharmacy.
- Long-term use can cause dependence and tolerance.
- Too much Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) can damage the liver.
- Not effective in treating all kinds of pain.
Used for
- Moderate to severe pain
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Liquid
- Pill
- Liquid
Price
Lowest price
$8.14
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$197.07
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Reviews
581 reviews so far
69%
saidit'sworth it
41%
saiditworked well
9%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Acetaminophen with codeine (acetaminophen / codeine)?
Leave a review1194 reviews so far
67%
saidit'sworth it
44%
saiditworked well
13%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen)?
Leave a reviewSide effects
The Acetaminophen with codeine (acetaminophen / codeine) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
The Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
Risks and risk factors
- Liver failure and death
- Alcohol use
- Taking over-the-counter medicines with acetaminophen
- History of liver disease
- High risk to children
- Use with other CNS depressants
- Use with alcohol
- Use with benzodiazepines
- Use with other opiates
- Severe allergic reaction
- Liver failure
- Current liver disease
- Taking Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) with alcohol
- Taking other medicines containing acetaminophen
- Slowed breathing
- Age 65 or greater
- High dosages
- History of lung problems
- Taking other painkillers or sedatives
- Severe allergic reactions
- Taking more than the prescribed dose
- Long-term use
- History of substance abuse
- Younger age
- Tolerance, dependence, and addiction
- Taking more than the prescribed dose
- Long-term use
- History of drug abuse
- Younger age
- Constipation
- Age 65 or greater
- Long-term use of opioids
- Taking drugs that cause constipation
- Confusion and drowsiness
- Drinking alcohol
- Age 65 years or older