Compare ibuprofen vs. Norco
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
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.
Used for
- Moderate to severe pain
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Chewable tablet
- Suspension
- Pill
- Liquid
Price
Lowest price
$18.46
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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 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 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
- 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