Vicodin and Narco are common painkillers made with two ingredients namely, acetaminophen and hydrocodone. The levels of these two ingredients are different in each drug. The main difference between Narco vs Vicodin is the proportion of these two ingredients. If you are searching for the similarities and differences between these two medications then stay with us till the last.
Vicodin contains higher levels of acetaminophen, whereas Narco contains higher levels of hydrocodone. The different levels of these ingredients may be used as per their dosage recommendation, however, these drugs may cause side effects in patients. So always take these medications after the prescription of the doctor.
Brief Overview of Norco & Vicodin Drugs
Here’s a brief overview of both Norco and Vicodin with their combination ingredients.
Norco
Narco is made up of a combination of acetaminophen and hydrocodone. Both of them are the components of Norco. It is administered by healthcare professionals for treating moderate to severe pain. This medicine has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
For people who are experiencing physical pain caused by accidents, surgery, or any adverse event, optimal dosages of this drug are prescribed. If you have any history of intestine blockage or asthma it is important to tell your healthcare professional about these health complications.
Vicodin
The Vicodin brand name is currently discontinued for medical use in the USA. Vicodin was one of the best medicines administered for the treatment of moderate to severe pain. It contains higher acetaminophen in comparison to Norco. and is available in only one combination which is 5mg of hydrocodone and 500 mg of acetaminophen and only taken after the prescription of the health professionals.
It was however not advised to take this medication drug without the consultation of a healthcare professional. Before purchasing this medicine from an online drug store, you should be aware of all its aspects.
The dosage recommendation for Narco and Vicodin:
For Norco one tablet every 4 to 6 hours but the maximum dosage is 6 tablets per day or 24 hours.
The recommended dose of Vicodin medication is one or two tablets every four to six hours with a maximum dose of 8 tablets in 24 hours.
Similarities Between Norco & Vicodin
Norco and Vicodin have similar compositions. Both of them contain hydrocodone and acetaminophen. Acetaminophen is a non-narcotic pain reliever, while Hydrocodone is a narcotic. The use of these drugs is for the treatment of moderate to severe pain in patients.
The type of pain includes surgery or other severe pain caused by any injury. Narco and Vicodin are also useful in cancer and other forms of chronic pain.
Differences between Vicodin & Norco
Both Norco and Vicodin have the same composition. However the difference in the proportion of using hydrocodone and acetaminophen in Vicodin and Norco. So, the dosages these drugs are available in have major differences.
Vicodin:
1. Vicodin: 5 mg hydrocodone, 300 mg acetaminophen
2. Vicodin ES: 7.5 mg hydrocodone, 300 mg acetaminophen
3. Vicodin HP: 10 mg hydrocodone, 300 mg acetaminophen
Norco:
1. Norco 5/325: It means 5 mg hydrocodone and 325 mg acetaminophen
2. Norco 7.5/325: It means 7.5 mg of hydrocodone and 325 mg of acetaminophen
3. Norco 10/325: It means 10 mg of hydrocodone and 325 mg of acetaminophen
The difference in acetaminophen dosage between the two drugs can cause some side effects, which include:
- Loss of appetite
- Skin Rash
- Symptoms of liver damage/failure
Drug Interaction:
Hydrocodone and acetaminophen can interact with other medications, which may cause adverse effects.
Central Nervous System depressants include:
- Opioids, such as oxycodone
- Sedatives, such as benzodiazepines
- Alcohol
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors include:
- Nardil (phenelzine)
- Marplan (tranylcypromine)
- Parnate (isocarboxazid)
- Emsam (selegiline)
Side Effects of Vicodin & Norco
As both of these drugs have common ingredients, they share the same side effects too. They are:
- Anxiety
- Nausea
- Drowsiness
- Constipation
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Stomach pain
Hydrocodone being a primary ingredient in these medication drugs, can result in developing addiction as it is an opioid-based drug. This means that withdrawal symptoms might also occur.
Mixing Norco with alcohol is very dangerous as it can lead to many severe side effects. It can be life-threatening as respiratory depression caused by two CNS depressants can be fatal.
Safety Advisory:
Hydrocodone and acetaminophen carry warnings for several safety risks. These warnings are boxed and are the strongest warnings issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Hydrocodone present in these medication drugs is an opioid that may lead to addiction. So, these drugs should be taken after the prescription of the doctors as this drug worsens the condition of the patients if taken excessively.
Also, because this medication contains an opioid, combining this medicine with alcohol may lead to overdosing. Do not take it with any other medication drugs containing opioids.
Acetaminophen, the other ingredient, can harm the liver if taken in high amounts in the body. Generally, it’s advised not to take more than 4,000 mg of acetaminophen daily. Be aware of this while taking any other products with acetaminophen.
Conclusion:
Norco and Vicodin are two brand-name medications that are made by combining hydrocodone and acetaminophen, both of the medication drugs are used for pain relief (surgery pain or pain caused after any injury). Vicodin and Norco both have the same ingredients but different dosage forms and strengths.
Often recognized by their brand names, Norco and Vicodin are now only available in their generic versions. Both these medications have almost the same side effects so, it is advised to talk to your healthcare professional about the dosage your body can tolerate