Norco vs Vicodin - How do they compare?

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Both Norco and Vicodin contain acetaminophen and hydrocodone. The difference between them comes down to the proportion of these two ingredients contained in each formulation.1,2

Vicodin is available as 5 mg hydrocodone and 300 mg acetaminophen. Vicodin ES contains 7.5 mg hydrocodone and 300 mg acetaminophen, and Vicodin HP contains 10 mg hydrocodone and 300 mg acetaminophen.
Norco also has three different strengths, but contains slightly more acetaminophen (5 mg hydrocodone/325 mg acetaminophen, 7.5 mg hydrocodone/325 mg acetaminophen, and 10 mg hydrocodone/325 mg acetaminophen).1,2

Note: Both the Norco and Vicodin brands have been discontinued in the U.S., but generics are available. This information is retained here for educational purposes only.

Both Norco and Vicodin should only be used short-term, unless given for cancer-related pain.4 Norco, Vicodin, and other narcotics should NOT be used long-term for chronic pain relief – the hydrocodone component can cause physical and psychological dependence, and tolerance can develop on repeated administration (tolerance is when the same dosage no longer provides the same level of pain relief).1,2,4 Prescription pain killer abuse is epidemic in the U.S. and non-narcotic pain relievers and nonpharmacological therapy are the preferred options for relief of chronic pain.4,5

The dosage recommended by the manufacturer for Norco is one tablet every four to six hours as needed for pain, with a maximum dosage of 6 tablets in 24 hours.1 While this dosage would give you an adequate amount of hydrocodone, an effective dose of acetaminophen in adults is usually considered to 650mg of acetaminophen every four to six hours (or 1000mg every four hours up to a maximum of 4000mg in 24 hours). Therefore, with the recommended dosing of Norco, it is unlikely that the acetaminophen is actively contributing to your pain relief.

With Vicodin, the dosage recommended by the manufacturer is one or two tablets every four to six hours as needed for pain, with a maximum dosage of 8 tablets.2 One tablet gives you 300 mg acetaminophen, which is not considered an effective dose for adults, whereas two tablets give you 600 mg, which is still not an effective dose.

The comparisons between Norco and Vicodin:

Hydrocodone-related side effects – such as dizziness, drowsiness, and light-headedness – are more likely the higher the dosage of hydrocodone.
The amount of acetaminophen Norco contains per tablet, is well below that considered an effective dose. Therefore, it is unlikely acetaminophen is contributing to the pain-relieving effects of Norco.1
Vicodin also contains an ineffective dose of acetaminophen per tablet (300 mg). Previously, it contained 500 mg of acetaminophen per tablet, but in 2011 the FDA asked drug manufacturers to limit the strength of acetaminophen in combination acetaminophen and opioid products to no more than 325 mg per dosage unit, to reduce the risk of severe liver injury from potential acetaminophen overdosing. 2,3

See also: Drugs.com Compare Tool - Norco vs Vicodin

Norco vs Vicodin - How do they compare?

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