What are Norco Tablets?
Norco tablets are a prescription medication that combines two pain-relieving drugs: hydrocodone and acetaminophen. Hydrocodone is an opioid pain medication, while acetaminophen is a non-opioid pain reliever and fever reducer. Norco is commonly prescribed to treat moderate to severe pain, such as pain from an injury, surgery, or dental work.
How does it work?
Norco works by binding to specific receptors in the brain and spinal cord called opioid receptors. Hydrocodone, the opioid component of Norco, binds to these receptors and blocks pain signals from reaching the brain, which can reduce the perception of pain. Acetaminophen, the other component of Norco, works by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins, which are chemicals in the body that contribute to pain and inflammation. By blocking the production of prostaglandins, acetaminophen can also help to reduce pain and fever. When taken together, the hydrocodone and acetaminophen in Norco can provide more effective pain relief than either drug taken alone. However, it's important to note that Norco can have side effects and risks, so it should only be taken as directed by a healthcare professional.
How to Take it?
Norco should be taken exactly as prescribed by a healthcare professional. The usual starting dose for adults is one tablet every four to six hours as needed for pain relief. The maximum daily dose of acetaminophen for adults should not exceed 4,000 milligrams per day. It's important to follow the prescribed dosing schedule and not to exceed the recommended dose or take it more frequently than prescribed, as this can increase the risk of side effects or overdose.
Norco should be taken with a full glass of water, and it can be taken with or without food, depending on the individual's preference. If Norco upsets the stomach, it may be helpful to take it with food.
Do not crush or break the tablet, as this can cause too much of the medication to be released at once and increase the risk of overdose.
It's important to let a healthcare professional know if Norco does not provide adequate pain relief or if there are any side effects, as they may need to adjust the dose or switch to a different medication. Also, it's important to never share Norco with others, as it is a controlled substance that can be habit-forming and can lead to addiction or overdose.
Side Effect
Norco can cause a range of side effects, some of which may require medical attention. Common side effects of Norco may include:
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Itching
- Sweating
Less common but more serious side effects of Norco may include:
- Difficulty breathing or slowed breathing
- Irregular heartbeat
- Seizures
- Confusion
- Severe drowsiness
- Severe dizziness or lightheadedness
- Severe nausea or vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
If any of these more serious side effects occur, seek medical attention immediately. In addition, Norco can be habit-forming, and long-term use or misuse can lead to addiction, overdose, and other serious health problems. It's important to take Norco only as directed by a healthcare professional and to never share it with others.
Precaution
Before taking Norco, it's important to inform a healthcare professional if you have any medical conditions or if you are taking any other medications, including over-the-counter medications, vitamins, or supplements. Some medical conditions and medications can interact with Norco and increase the risk of side effects or other complications.
In addition, Norco should be used with caution in the following situations:
- History of drug or alcohol abuse
- Liver or kidney disease
- Lung disease or breathing problems
- Head injury or brain tumor
- Seizures or epilepsy
- Adrenal gland disorder
- Enlarged prostate or urination problems
- Hypothyroidism
- Pancreatitis
- Gallbladder disease
- Asthma
Norco should also be used with caution during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, as it can pass into breast milk and may harm a developing fetus. It's important to discuss the risks and benefits of Norco with a healthcare professional before taking it during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Finally, it's important to follow the prescribed dosing schedule and not to exceed the recommended dose or take it more frequently than prescribed, as this can increase the risk of side effects or overdose.
