Norco
(hydrocodone / acetaminophen)
Treats moderate to moderately severe pain.
Our bottom line
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.
- Drug class: Pain
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (hydrocodone / acetaminophen)
Upsides
- 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.
What to expect from Norco, on one page
Downsides
- 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.
What to expect from Norco, on one page
Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) is a combination pain medicine. Hydrocodone is an opioid that works by blocking pain signals through the brain and spinal cord. Acetaminophen, also known as Tylenol, is a non-opioid that relieves pain by blocking production of certain chemicals in the brain.
- Drug class: Pain
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (hydrocodone / acetaminophen)
Used for
- Moderate to severe pain
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Liquid
Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.- Pay as low as$188.97Retail priceRetail priceLearn more
- Get free coupon$197.07
- AlbertsonsGet free coupon$197.07
- Kroger PharmacyGet free coupon$198.93
What to expect when you take Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) for Pain
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Full effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Possible side effects
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness
- Sleepiness
- Constipation
- Drug dependence
- Rash
It can take time for a drug to start working, or for some side effects to go away.
Source: FDA product label and Iodine pharmacistsSide effect rates for Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen)
Manufacturers don’t say how common these side effects are when taking Norco for null
- Lightheadedness
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Sleepiness
- Anxiety
- Mood changes
- Constipation
- Difficulty urinating
- Drug dependence
- Slowed breathing
- Rash
- Itchiness
Risks and Warnings for Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.- Higher risk if:
- › Current liver disease
- › Taking Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) with alcohol
- › Taking other medicines containing acetaminophen
Acetaminophen in Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) can cause serious damage to your liver, and in some cases have resulted in death. More than 4000 mg of acetaminophen daily can cause liver damage - do not take more than 12 tablets of Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) in a single day. Acetaminophen is also found in many over-the-counter and prescription products. Talk to your doctor or local pharmacist to make sure you're not taking too much.
This is a black box warning. The FDA requires this warning when there is a significant risk of serious or life-threatening effects that anyone taking the drug should consider.
Common concerns from people taking Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?- Acetaminophen, one of the components of Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen), is found in many over-the-counter and prescription products. Do not combine Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) with other medicines containing acetaminophen, to prevent liver damage. If you are unsure, talk to your doctor or local pharmacist to make sure you're not taking too much.
- Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) is more potent than many over-the-counter options.
- Worth itLow hassleReviewed Norcoon 8/10/2017Yes thank you for asking...I have to say I have worked all my life &can't get help with medicine I need.BUT the homeless do all the time's along with other 3rd world country's who invade usa..but they refuse to service me norco's. And they are the only cure for me..as far as pain meds..street people get them and I can't. can you explain this to me.. Why I can't get them and the homeless street gangs can..??? Thx55ManTwo years or morePain (moderate to moderately-severe)
- Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen).
- Worth itLow hassleReviewed NorcoJust avoid alcohol and becareful not to take anymore then needed.27Man
- You can take this with or without food.
- Acetaminophen in Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) can cause serious damage to your liver, and in some cases have resulted in death. More than 4000 mg of acetaminophen daily can cause liver damage - do not take more than 12 tablets of Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) in a single day. Acetaminophen is also found in many over-the-counter and prescription products. Talk to your doctor or local pharmacist to make sure you're not taking too much.
- Too much Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) can damage the liver.
- Not effective in treating all kinds of pain.
- Worth itLow hassleReviewed Norcoon 2/10/2018take as directed on regular schedule, not "as needed" - dr. says to stay ahead of the pain. Chronic low back pain due to injury 2001.75WomanTwo years or moreWould rather not say
- Worth itLow hassleReviewed NorcoWorked well for me, l have tried many pain medicines and not had any adverse reactions to Norco46WomanTwo years or more
- Worth itLow hassleReviewed Norcoon 8/4/2017Not for long-term pain because of side effects of irritability and depression (with some). Can see why becomes addictive with some personalities. Short-term is great for acute pain relief. Would recommend another pain reliever (Tramadol, e.g.) for chronic pain and use of Norco for severe flair-ups. Even half capsule is effective.61WomanJust as neededPain (moderate to moderately-severe)
- Constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, and nausea can commonly occur.
- Worth itLow hassleReviewed hydrocodone / acetaminophenon 10/11/2020Take with food, if you can sleep afterwards19WomanJust as neededModerate to severe pain