Compare ibuprofen vs. Norco

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

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Relieves pain, fever, and swelling.

Advil (ibuprofen) works well for treating fever, inflammation, and a variety of mild to moderate pain conditions, but it doesn't last as long as other NSAIDs.

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4.0/ 5 average rating with 892 reviewsforibuprofen
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
  • Advil (ibuprofen) is effective for treating fever, pain, and inflammation.
  • Good for relieving pain due to common conditions like menstrual cramps, toothaches, backaches, and sports-related injuries.
  • Advil (ibuprofen) is generally safe to use, cheap, and available over-the-counter.
  • Advil (ibuprofen) causes less stomach problems than its alternatives.
  • It comes in different flavored liquid forms that makes it easy for children to take.
  • 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
  • Advil (ibuprofen) doesn't last as long as other NSAIDs, so you need to take it a few times a day to get relief of your symptoms.
  • It needs to be taken with food or millk to avoid getting an upset stomach.
  • Advil (ibuprofen) is not as safe as other alternatives for pregnant women and people who are age 60 or older.
  • It can cause serious complications like stomach bleeding and kidney problems if taken for a long period of time.
  • Like all NSAIDs, Advil (ibuprofen) can raise your risk of getting blood clots, a heart attack, or stroke.
  • 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.
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Used for
  • Moderate to severe pain
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Chewable tablet
  • Suspension
  • Pill
  • Liquid
Price
Lowest price
$7.10
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Lowest price
$193.21
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Reviews
892 reviews so far
88%
saidit'sworth it
52%
saiditworked well
4%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Advil (ibuprofen)?

Leave a review
1194 reviews so far
67%
saidit'sworth it
44%
saiditworked well
13%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen)?

Leave a review
Side effects
The Advil (ibuprofen) 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
  • Heart attack and stroke
    • History of heart problems
    • Taking Advil (ibuprofen) for a long period of time
  • Stomach bleeding
    • History of stomach bleeding
    • Age 60 or older
    • Taking aspirin, other NSAIDs, or blood thinners
    • Drinking more than 3 alcoholic beverages a day
    • Smoking
    • Taking the medicine for a long period of time
  • Severe allergic reaction
    • Asthma
    • Nasal polyps
    • Aspirin allergy
    • NSAID allergy
  • Kidney damage
    • Kidney disease
    • Heart failure
    • Liver disease
    • Taking certain high blood pressure medications
    • Age 60 or older
    • Taking the medicine for a long period of time
  • Harm to fetus (unborn baby)
    • Women who want to or can become pregnant
    • Pregnant women
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • 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
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Advil (ibuprofen)
Learn more about Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen)