Norco

Brand Names

Norco

What is Norco

Norco (hydrocodone/APAP) is a prescription pain reliever. It is considered to be a narcotic and determined as a controlled substance, which means that special laws and regulations control its sale and use. Norco is used for treating moderate to severe pain.

Norco is effective for people who need to take more hydrocodone without more acetaminophen, because this medication contains less acetaminophen. But all the tablets contain less acetaminophen are "stronger" than most other hydrocodone/APAP products. The maximum daily dose of such products is limited by the acetaminophen content, and having less acetaminophen per tablet allows for a higher daily dosage of hydrocodone without exceeding the maximum acetaminophen dosage.

Side effects of Norco

The most common side effects of Norco include:

• Constipation
• Lightheadedness
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Nausea, with or without vomiting

Indication

Norco is used to treat moderate to moderately severe pain. It is frequently used to treat short-term pain due to an injury, dental procedure or surgery. In most cases, Norco is used to treat chronic pain, cancer pain, migraines or other types of recurring or long-term conditions that cause pain. Some people use Norco inappropriately, because it contains a narcotic medication.

Precautions

It is not recommended to take Norco if you have:

• Lung disease of any sort
• A history of drug or alcohol dependence
• Liver disease, such as hepatitis, cirrhosis or liver failure
• Severe abdominal (stomach) pain
• Kidney disease, such as kidney failure (renal failure)
• A head injury or high intracranial pressure
• Hypothyroidism
• Addison's disease
• An enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hypertrophy or BPH)
• Any allergies, including allergies to foods, dyes or preservatives
• Are pregnant, want to be pregnant or breastfeeding

Dosage forms

For Norco 5/325, the recommended dose is 1 to 2 tablets every 4-6 hours as needed. For Norco 7.5/325 or 10/325, the recommended dose is 1 tablet every 4-6 hours as needed, but you should not take 6 tablets in 24 hours. Sometimes people may need lower or higher doses, although there is a limit to how high the dose may be increased due to the acetaminophen content.

It is necessary to limit the total dose of acetaminophen to 4 grams (4000 mg) a day or less while taking Norco. You have a great risk of getting serious liver damage if you take higher doses of acetaminophen. You should watch for any other sources of acetaminophen, including other prescription pain relievers and many non-prescription agents such as Tylenol. It is recommended to avoid all acetaminophen products while you are taking Norco, unless you should limit your total acetaminophen use (from all sources added together) to 4 grams per day. The acetaminophen content of all strengths of Norco is 325 mg per tablet.