Norco ®

Norco ® is compound pain-relief formula with acetaminophen and hydrocodone:

• Norco ® is a synthetic narcotic.
• Norco ® can produces severe withdrawal symptoms with abrupt cessation after prolonged use.
• A narcotic pain reliever used to treat from moderate to severe pain of acute and chronic types.
• The acetaminophen component is a less potent pain reliever that increases the effects of the accompanying hydrocodone component.
• Not advised if you are allergic to acetaminophen (Tylenol) or hydrocodone.
• Norco ® may come in tablet, capsule, liquid, (syrup) form.
• Maximum adult dose of acetaminophen at 1 gram (1000 mg) per dose, and 4 doses (4000 mg) per day.
• Norco ® is a schedule III list of drugs, classified by the U.S. government as a controlled narcotic substance.
• Harmful to unborn fetus; may pass into milk when breast-feeding infants.
• Co-formulation carries higher risk of liver toxicity with excessive doses.
• Norco ® should not to be given to patients with asthma, bronchial disorders, or other serious breathing and respiratory problems.
• Magnifies the effect of sleeping aids and muscle relaxants.
• Aggravated by alcohol and other painkillers, increasing their effects.
• Elderly patients will react more acutely to side effects.
• Possible contraindications or allergic reactions for patients with:
  • asthma, COPD, sleep apnea, or other respiratory disorders;
  • liver, kidney, stomach or intestinal disorders;
  • low blood pressure and circulatory disorders;
  • a history of head injury, brain tumor, or cranial pressure;
  • an under-active thyroid, Addison's disease, or other adrenal gland disorder;
  • mental illness or suicidal thoughts;
  • or, drug or alcohol addiction history.
• Provokes severe and sometimes fatal heart and breathing problems.
• Norco ® and/or Acetaminophen overdose may cause liver damage.
• Worsening symptoms that require medical attention include:
  • short, slowed or shallow breathing
  • or irregular pulse and heartbeat.
• Norco ® can be habit forming and must be taken only under physician's orders, according to instructions.
• Use with sedatives or alcohol increases risk of serious side effects:
  • dizziness,
  • somnolence,
  • unconsciousness,
  • and respiratory depression.
• Unless used infrequently, potential to cause moderate to high physical or psychological dependence.
• Increased dosage or period of use, more than prescribed, can lead to dependency.
• Of the 6.4 million Americans misusing prescription drugs, more than 73% misused prescription pain relievers (2006, National Household Survey).

Read more about Norco addiction.