Norco Vs. Percocet

Introduction

Norco and Percocet are two very commonly prescribed medications. The main difference between the both is the Codone type. Norco is a brand name of medicine combining hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen.

On the other hand, Percocet is an opioid made with acetaminophen combined with oxycodone hydrochloride. Percocet has a higher concentration of opioids, which is why it is considered to be more powerful than Norco.

Because both medications contain opioids, patients should only take them as instructed by their doctor and never mix them with other substances like alcohol or other drugs.

About Norco and Percocet

What Is Percocet?

Percocet is a combination of the opioid pain medication oxycodone and acetaminophen. Percocet is usually recommended for patients experiencing moderate to severe pain due to an injury or medical condition.

It is an effective way to manage pain and discomfort. However, keep in mind that Percocet has a high concentration of oxycodone.

Oxycodone is addictive in nature, and it can be easily abused. Like any medication, there can be a few short-term side effects of Percocet, so it is important to talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.

What Conditions Is Percocet Approved to Treat?

Percocet was approved by the FDA in 1976 [¹]. Since then, it has been approved to manage pain caused by different medical conditions, including cancer and dental pain. Percocet is available in tablet form and comes in different doses.

Percocet is approved to manage the pain caused by the following conditions;

Different types of cancers.
Dental pain.
Arthritis.
Post-operative pain.

How Does Percocet Work for Pain Management?

The exact action of the mechanism is not fully understood by researchers. When the body is experiencing inflammation or intense pain, certain receptors in various organs become more active and are transported to the nerve terminals [²].

After the breakdown of oxycodone and its active metabolites, it attaches to these receptors and activates a pathway that involves certain proteins in the body [³].

Once the metabolites of oxycodone enter the body, it reaches the central nervous system. Upon reaching, they can bind to the mu opioid receptor and the kappa and delta opioid receptors.

These receptors are found in the CNS and peripheral organs. Activation of the mu opioid receptor inhibits N-type voltage-operated calcium channels, which reduces the body's response to pain. This means that oxycodone can help alleviate pain by reducing the amount of calcium that flows into certain cells[⁴].

As mentioned previously, the exact mechanism by which oxycodone relieves pain and enters the blood-brain barrier is not completely understood. More research is needed to fully understand its cation of mechanism [1].

What Is Norco?

Norco is a prescription medication and is used to treat moderate to severe pain. It is a combination of hydrocodone and acetaminophen. Hydrocodone acts as the active ingredient in Norco and provides it with its opioid capabilities that work by changing our pain sensations.

Acetaminophen helps improve the efficacy of hydrocodone by providing additional pain relief. It also helps to lower fever as well.

Norco helps relieve pain but also has some potential side effects, including drowsiness, lightheadedness, and nausea; if any of these occur, users should talk with their doctor about potentially reducing dosage or discontinuing use.

What Conditions Is Norco Approved to Treat?

Norco was approved by the FDA in 1997 [⁵]. Since then, it has been approved to work as a pain reliever. It comes in oral tablets in different doses. It is important to note that the medicine should only be used per the physician’s advice. This is because it contains hydrocodone which is an opioid, and patients can get dependent. It also has the potential to be misused and abused.

It is approved to manage the pain caused by the following conditions;

Dental issues.
Post-surgical pain.
Different types of cancers.
Arthritis.

How Does Norco Work for Pain Management?

The opioid-active ingredient in Norco is hydrocodone bitartrate. The main function of hydrocodone when it enters the body is to bind itself with certain receptors. These receptors include the mu-opioid receptor and the delta-opioid receptor [⁶]. Both receptors are present in the body, such as the spinal cord and the brain.

Hydrocodone relieves pain when it attaches itself to the mu opioid receptor. This effect involves the activation of channels in the body that can help to inhibit the transmission of pain signals.

Hydrocodone has the capacity to prevent the opening of calcium channels. This prevention stops the flow of calcium and increases the activity of potassium channels. By stopping the calcium channels, it prevents the release of neurotransmitters that plays a major role in signaling pain [⁷].

Effectiveness

How Effective Are Norco and Percocet for Managing Pain?

A plethora of research suggests that both Norco and Percocet are equally effective when it comes to relieving pain [⁸].

Another research to test the efficacy of Norco and Percocet included 240 patients who were discharged from the emergency room. The researchers randomly assigned Norco and Percocet to these patients to see how both medications could help with pain relief. After 24 hours, it was noticed that there was no significant difference between the effectiveness of Norco and Percocet [⁹].

It is important to note that Percocet is more strong as compared to Norco in terms of potency. So there is a higher risk of patients abusing Percocet because of its addiction potential [¹⁰].

Dosage Information

How Is Percocet Administered?

Percocet is administered orally and taken once or twice a day, as per the doctor's recommendation. It is available in tablet form in different doses, including;

2.5mg.
5mg.
7.5mg.
10mg.

Percocet Dosage Information

The dosage of Percocet can vary depending on the individual's age, the severity of their problem, and other factors.

How Is Norco Administered?

Norco is administered orally and taken once or twice a day, as per the doctor's recommendation. It is available in tablet form in different doses.

Norco Dosage Information

The dosage of Norco can vary depending on the individual's age, the severity of their problem, and other factors.

Side Effects

Both Norco and Percocet have their own side effects. Remember that if you face any of the below-mentioned side effects, immediately talk to your doctor and discontinue your medicine.

What Are the Most Common Side Effects of Percocet?

The most common side effects of Percocet include the following;

Nausea.
Constipation.
Vomiting.
Headache.
Dizziness.
Dry mouth.
Sweating.
Weakness.

Are There Any Potentially Serious Side Effects of Percocet?

Some of the serious side effects of Percocet include the following;

Loss of appetite.
Weight loss.
Sleep apnea.
Severe stomach ache.
Difficulty urinating.
Fainting.
Seizure.
Difficulty waking up.
Skin allergies.

What Are the Most Common Side Effects of Norco?

The most common side effects of Norco include the following;

Nausea
Vomiting.
Dizziness.
Lightheadedness.
Constipation.
Sweating.
Weakness.

Are There Any Potentially Serious Side Effects of Norco?

Some of the serious side effects of Norco include the following;

Breathing difficulty during sleep.
Mood changes.
Hallucination.
Difficulty urinating.
Loss of appetite.
Unusual breathing.
Fainting.
Seizure.
Rash.
Itching.

Contraindications and Interactions

Percocet and Norco both contain the same active ingredient, oxycodone, and have some of the same contraindications. It is important to let your doctor know of any medications you are currently taking to ensure that both are safe for you to use.

Alcohol should be avoided when taking these medications as it can increase the levels of oxycodone in your body, leading to increased side effects like drowsiness and slowed breathing.

If trying to conceive, breastfeeding, or taking MAOIs within the past 14 days, then these medications may interact with other drugs or be unsafe to take.

Be sure to talk to your doctor before taking either of these medications so they can review any existing conditions or current medications and advise if one would be safe for use.

Contraindications and Important Interactions for Percocet and Norco

Contraindications

Percocet

Avoid taking Percocet if you have a history of respiratory problems, as it can disturb your breathing rate. People with severe asthma may be more likely to experience respiratory depression when taking Percocet.

Avoid taking Percocet if you have paralytic ileus. This is a condition where the intestines don't function properly, and taking Percocet can make it worse.

The liver is responsible for breaking down Percocet, and if it's not working properly, it can lead to increased levels of the drug in the body, which can be dangerous.

Norco

Avoid taking Norco if you have a history of respiratory problems, as it can disturb your breathing rate.

Avoid taking Norco if you have paralytic ileus.

Do not take Norco if you have liver problems.

Drug/Medication Interactions

Percocet

Ambien (zolpidem)
amlodipine
baclofen
clonazepam
gabapentin
Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine)
Cymbalta (duloxetine)

Norco

Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine)
Hydrochlorothiazide
Gabapentin
Lisinopril
Lyrica (pregabalin)
Losartan
Tizanidine

Food/Beverage/Supplement Interactions

Percocet

Using marijuana while taking Percocet can increase the risk of drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired coordination.

Drinking alcohol while taking Percocet can increase the risk of respiratory depression, drowsiness, and other side effects.

St. John's Wort can increase the breakdown of Percocet in the liver, which can decrease its effectiveness.

Norco

Taking Norco with benzodiazepines (such as Valium or Xanax) can increase the risk of respiratory depression and other serious side effects.

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can increase the levels of Norco in your body, which can increase the risk of side effects and toxicity.

St. John's Wort can increase the breakdown of Norco in the liver, which can decrease its effectiveness.

Cost Comparison

How Much Do Percocet and Norco Cost?

The prices of both medicines may vary by factors, including pharmacy and location. The average price of Percocet is around $2500 for 100 325-5mg tablets. On the other hand, the average price for 325-10mg of Norco is around $18 for 30 tablets.

The Popularity of Percocet and Norco

Both Percocet and Norco are quite popular pain relievers. According to the report, over 191 million prescriptions for opioid pain medications, including Percocet and Norco, were dispensed in the United States in 2017 [¹¹].

In 2018, Percocet was the 14th most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with over 14 million prescriptions filled. Norco was the 21st most commonly prescribed medication in the same year, with over 10 million prescriptions filled.

Although both medications are quite popular, it is also important to remember that opioid pain medications like Percocet and Norco have been major contributing factors to the opioid epidemic in the US[¹¹].

Conclusion

Takeaway

To sum up, it’s important to know the differences between Norco and Percocet in order to make an informed decision. Be sure to take both only as prescribed so that you can manage pain effectively and safely. Ultimately, researching the differences between the both will help you figure out which medication best fits your needs.

Just remember to read labels, talk with your doctor regularly, and stay alert for any changes in your health while taking either of these drugs.