Differences between Norco and Vicodin
Contents
Comparison Article
Norco vs. Vicodin
Norco and Vicodin are brand names for a combination medication that includes hydrocodone and acetaminophen.[1] Both are prescribed to manage moderate to severe pain when other treatments are not sufficient.[2] While the brand-name versions of Norco and Vicodin have been discontinued, generic formulations are still available.[3] The primary distinction between the two lies in the amount of acetaminophen each contains.[4]
These medications are classified as Schedule II controlled substances in the United States due to their potential for misuse and addiction.[4][5]
Comparison Table
| Category | Norco | Vicodin |
|---|---|---|
| Active Ingredients | Hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen[1] | Hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen[1] |
| Acetaminophen Content | 325 mg per tablet[3] | 300 mg per tablet[3] |
| Hydrocodone Strengths | 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg[1] | 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg[4] |
| Primary Use | Management of moderate to severe pain[2] | Management of moderate to severe pain |
| Legal Status | Schedule II Controlled Substance[4] | Schedule II Controlled Substance[4] |
| Brand Status | Discontinued, generic available[1] | Discontinued, generic available[3] |
Formulations and Dosage
Both Norco and Vicodin were produced in tablet form with varying strengths of hydrocodone, but they differed in their fixed dose of acetaminophen. Norco tablets contained 325 mg of acetaminophen combined with either 5 mg, 7.5 mg, or 10 mg of hydrocodone.[5] Vicodin formulations contained 300 mg of acetaminophen with the same hydrocodone dosages of 5 mg, 7.5 mg, or 10 mg.[5]
The typical adult dosage for the management of pain is one or two tablets taken every four to six hours as needed.
Medical Use and Efficacy
Both medications are indicated for the relief of moderate to severe pain for which other non-opioid pain relievers have proven inadequate.[2] The hydrocodone component acts as an opioid analgesic, altering the perception of pain in the central nervous system, while acetaminophen provides additional pain relief and can reduce fever.[2] Due to the identical active ingredients, the effectiveness of Norco and Vicodin in pain management is comparable when the hydrocodone dosage is the same.
Side Effects and Risks
The side effects of Norco and Vicodin are similar due to their shared active ingredients. Common side effects can include lightheadedness, dizziness, sedation, nausea, and vomiting. More serious risks are associated with the hydrocodone component, such as respiratory depression and the potential for psychological and physical dependence.[2]
The acetaminophen in both medications carries a risk of liver damage, particularly at high doses or with long-term use. The slightly lower acetaminophen content in Vicodin was a distinguishing feature, especially after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommended limiting the amount of acetaminophen in prescription combination products.
Both medications are classified as Schedule II controlled substances by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), indicating a high potential for abuse and dependence.[4][5]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 "goodrx.com". Retrieved February 06, 2026.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 "mayoclinic.org". Retrieved February 06, 2026.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 "metroatlantadetox.com". Retrieved February 06, 2026.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 "singlecare.com". Retrieved February 06, 2026.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 "floridarehab.com". Retrieved February 06, 2026.
