Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Are They?How Are They Different?Side EffectsSafety RisksDrug InteractionsFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What Are They?
How Are They Different?
Side Effects
Safety Risks
Drug Interactions
Frequently Asked Questions
Hydrocodone-acetaminophen is effective in managing moderate to severe pain. This medication comes in different dosage forms and strengths.
This article will explain the similarities and differences between the available dosage formulations of hydrocodone and acetaminophen, previously marketed under Vicodin or Norco.
Getty Images / Julia Mascardo
What Are Vicodin and Norco?
Norco and Vicodin are prescription medications containing hydrocodone, an opioid analgesic, and acetaminophen, a nonopioid pain reliever. Vicodin and Norco were initially marketed as brand-name drugs but are now primarily prescribed as their generic versions (hydrocodone-acetaminophen) in varying dosage forms and strengths.
Vicodin vs. Norco: How Are They Different?
Hydrocodone-acetaminophen is a commonly prescribed pain medication. Dosage forms for this medication vary.
The generic version of Vicodin is typically available in tablet form, while Norco’s generic is in both tablet and liquid forms.
Also, the hydrocodone-to-acetaminophen ratio differs between these formulations. Vicodin’s formulation contains 5 milligrams (mg), 7.5 mg, or 10 mg of hydrocodone combined with 300 mg of acetaminophen.
Norco’s formulation contains 5 mg, 7.5 mg, or 10 mg of hydrocodone combined with 325 mg of acetaminophen.
These formulations are prescribed based on certain factors and individual needs.
Hydrocodone-acetaminophen may cause the following side effects:
This medication contains hydrocodone, an opioid analgesic considered habit-forming, and itmay lead to addiction. It is important to let your healthcare provider know if you feel you are becoming dependent on the medication.
This risk is significant when this medication is misused or used without the supervision of a healthcare provider.
Additionally, because it contains an opioid, combining it withalcoholor sedatives may lead to overdosing. You should also not take it with any other opioid-containing medications.
Acetaminophen, the other active ingredient, canharm the liverif taken in high amounts. It is generally advised not to take more than 4,000 mg of acetaminophen daily. Be mindful of this when taking other acetaminophen products.
Hydrocodone-acetaminophen can interact with other medications, such as the following, which may lead to adverse effects or reduced effectiveness.
Central nervous system (CNS) depressants include:
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) include:
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) inhibitors include:
Serotonergic drugs (drugs that increase the amount of serotonin in the body) include:
WarningExcessive doses of hydrocodone-acetaminophen can increase the risk of heart attack or death. If you’ve taken too much hydrocodone-acetaminophen, immediately contact 911 and seek emergency medical help.
Warning
Excessive doses of hydrocodone-acetaminophen can increase the risk of heart attack or death. If you’ve taken too much hydrocodone-acetaminophen, immediately contact 911 and seek emergency medical help.
Summary
Vicodin and Norco carry potential side effects, interaction with other drugs, and risk of misuse. Talk to your healthcare provider about the specific dosage and administration guidelines for the formulation you’ve been prescribed.
Frequently Asked QuestionsNo. It is not recommended to take Norco or Vicodin during pregnancy. Opioid use can harm the fetus and lead to neonatal withdrawal symptoms.No. Taking Norco or Vicodin while drinking alcohol is not recommended, as it can cause severe side effects. Liver damage and respiratory depression are possible.Yes. Both medications have a high risk of addiction because they contain hydrocodone, an opioid that can be misused over a long period.The recommended dosage for Vicodin and Norco depends on factors such as the patient’s pain score and response. It is recommended to seek advice from your healthcare provider.Maybe. Consult your healthcare provider to evaluate your situation before taking Vicodin or Norco with other pain medications. Certain combinations of pain medications can increase the risk of side effects such as respiratory depression and lead to severe interactions.
No. It is not recommended to take Norco or Vicodin during pregnancy. Opioid use can harm the fetus and lead to neonatal withdrawal symptoms.
No. Taking Norco or Vicodin while drinking alcohol is not recommended, as it can cause severe side effects. Liver damage and respiratory depression are possible.
Yes. Both medications have a high risk of addiction because they contain hydrocodone, an opioid that can be misused over a long period.
The recommended dosage for Vicodin and Norco depends on factors such as the patient’s pain score and response. It is recommended to seek advice from your healthcare provider.
Maybe. Consult your healthcare provider to evaluate your situation before taking Vicodin or Norco with other pain medications. Certain combinations of pain medications can increase the risk of side effects such as respiratory depression and lead to severe interactions.
The author would like to recognize and thank Leen Alyaseen for contributing to this article.
6 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.DailyMed.Label: Hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen tablet.DailyMed.Label: Hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen solution.Drug Enforcement Administration.Hydrocodone.Food and Drug Administration.Drug development and drug interactions. Table of substrates, inhibitors and inducers.Prescribers’ Digital Reference.Acetaminophen/hydrocodone bitartrate - Drug Summary.Habibi M, Kim PY.Hydrocodone and acetaminophen.
6 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.DailyMed.Label: Hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen tablet.DailyMed.Label: Hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen solution.Drug Enforcement Administration.Hydrocodone.Food and Drug Administration.Drug development and drug interactions. Table of substrates, inhibitors and inducers.Prescribers’ Digital Reference.Acetaminophen/hydrocodone bitartrate - Drug Summary.Habibi M, Kim PY.Hydrocodone and acetaminophen.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
DailyMed.Label: Hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen tablet.DailyMed.Label: Hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen solution.Drug Enforcement Administration.Hydrocodone.Food and Drug Administration.Drug development and drug interactions. Table of substrates, inhibitors and inducers.Prescribers’ Digital Reference.Acetaminophen/hydrocodone bitartrate - Drug Summary.Habibi M, Kim PY.Hydrocodone and acetaminophen.
DailyMed.Label: Hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen tablet.
DailyMed.Label: Hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen solution.
Drug Enforcement Administration.Hydrocodone.
Food and Drug Administration.Drug development and drug interactions. Table of substrates, inhibitors and inducers.
Prescribers’ Digital Reference.Acetaminophen/hydrocodone bitartrate - Drug Summary.
Habibi M, Kim PY.Hydrocodone and acetaminophen.
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