Introduction: What is Norco?
Norco is a prescription painkiller that combines Hydrocodone and Acetaminophen medication. Hydrocodone is a potent opioid drug that effectively relieves moderate to severe pain, while Acetaminophen enhances the effectiveness of Hydrocodone. Doctors often recommend Norco for chronic and acute pain treatment.
Why Do People Use Norco?
Norco is classified as an Opioid-Analgesic, containing both an opioid pain reliever (Hydrocodone) and a non-opioid pain reliever (Acetaminophen). Hydrocodone works on certain brain chemicals to change how the body feels and responds to pain, while Acetaminophen reduces fever and promotes the effects of Hydrocodone.
Norco Metabolism in the System
Acetaminophen primarily undergoes glucuronidation and sulfate conjugation in the liver, while a small percentage is metabolized via CYP2E1 and CYP1A2 to a hepatotoxic metabolite. Hydrocodone is metabolized in the liver to the active opioid hydromorphone via CYP2D6, O-demethylation, N-demethylation, and 6 ketosteroid reductions. Norco takes about 1-2 hours to dissolve in the bloodstream, with effects lasting 4-8 hours. After being fully absorbed, residual Norco is excreted via urine.
Who Should Avoid Using Norco?
Individuals with severe breathing irregularities, sleep apnea, liver or kidney diseases, seizure or head injury, urination problems, addiction or mental health issues, thyroid/pancreas/gallbladder problems, respiratory depression, acute/severe bronchial asthma, gastrointestinal obstruction, or hypersensitivity to Hydrocodone or Acetaminophen drugs should avoid Norco. Pregnant or nursing mothers should also avoid Norco.
Norco Dosage
Dosage is based on an individual’s medical conditions and response to treatment, with children’s dosage based on weight. Adults should take 1-2 capsules every 4-6 hours, not exceeding 8 capsules or 60 mg per day. Avoid increased doses, taking medication more frequently, or taking it longer than prescribed.
Overdose
Overdosing on Norco can cause symptoms such as constricted pupils, nausea, vomiting, abdominal spasms, constipation, drowsiness, coma, seizures, weak pulse, low blood pressure, shallow breathing, and trouble breathing.
Adverse Effects on Long-Run Use
Long-term use of Norco can lead to adverse effects such as biliary tract spasm, hallucinations, circulatory collapse, physical and psychological dependence, bradycardia, cardiac arrest, confusion, dizziness, severe drowsiness, dyspnea, fatigue, hypotension, coma, dysphoria, euphoria, lethargy, lightheadedness, frequent mood swings, stupor, nausea, vomiting, weakness, peptic ulcer, agranulocytosis, hemolytic anemia, hepatic necrosis, major respiratory depression, etc.
Interaction With Other Substances
Norco should not be used with other Acetaminophen-containing drugs, benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants drugs, alcohol and other opioids products, MAOIs or within 14 days of using them. Serotonergic drugs (e.g., SSRIs, SNRIs, TCAs, triptans, 5-HT3 antagonists, Mirtazapine, Trazodone, Tramadol, MAOIs, Linezolid, IV Methylene blue) can cause serotonin syndrome. Concomitant mixed agonist or antagonist opioids such as butorphanol, nalbuphine, pentazocine, or partial agonist like buprenorphine should be avoided. Norco is potentiated by CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., macrolides, azole antifungals, protease inhibitors). Opioid pain medicines like Oxycodone, Hydrocodone, etc., sedatives like Valium, Alprazolam, Lorazepam, Xanax, Klonopin, Diazepam, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine to treat mood disorders or mental illness are prohibited with Norco.
Abuse and Misuse of Norco Medicine
Using Norco tablets without a prescription or buying them online or from a medical store other than prescribed is considered abuse. Continuous abuse of Norco can lead to physical dependence or opioid addiction, characterized by tolerance to the drug and withdrawal