Norco Dosage & Strength | 2.5 mg/500 mg to 10 mg/750 mg

Norco (the brand name for the combination of hydrocodone and acetaminophen) is a prescription pain medication. 

It is a Schedule II controlled substance according to the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA,) and is offered in a number of dosages and strengths depending on the level of pain a person experiences.

Norco Strength Options

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Norco is available in the following strengths:

• 2.5 mg of hydrocodone and 500 mg of acetaminophen
• 5 mg of hydrocodone and 500 mg of acetaminophen
• 7.5 mg of hydrocodone and 325 mg of acetaminophen
• 7.5 mg of hydrocodone and 500 mg of acetaminophen
• 7.5 mg of hydrocodone and 650 mg of acetaminophen
• 7.5 mg of hydrocodone and 750 mg of acetaminophen
• 10 mg of hydrocodone and 325 of mg of acetaminophen
• 10 mg of hydrocodone and 500 of mg of acetaminophen
• 10 mg of hydrocodone and 600 of mg of acetaminophen
• 10 mg of hydrocodone and 660 of mg of acetaminophen
• 10 mg of hydrocodone and 750 of mg of acetaminophen

Norco Dosage Options

For the 2.5 mg/500 mg tablets and the 5 mg/500 tablets, a dosage is one to two tablets every four to six hours as needed for pain, with no more than eight tablets per day. 

For all of the 7.5 mg tablets, the dosage is one tablet every four hours as needed and should not exceed 6 tablets within a day.

All 10 mg tablets, except for the 10 mg/750 mg tablet, require a dosage of one tablet every four to six hours, but no more than 5 tablets should be exceeded within a day. 

Only one tablet of the 10 mg/750 mg tablet is to be taken every four to six hours, with no more than 5 tablets exceeded within 24 hours.

Side Effects Of Norco

As a pain medication, this combination of hydrocodone/acetaminophen targets the central nervous system (CNS) by binding to opioid receptors in the brain. This provides pain relief and also creates a number of side effects.

This opioid medication may be prescribed for short-term use, and  the painkiller may or may not be recommended for an extended period of time.

Common Side Effects

Some of the more common side effects a person may experience when taking this prescription medication may include:

• sedation
• feelings of euphoria
• lightheadedness
• dry mouth
• constipation
• loss of appetite
• anxiety
• drowsiness

Severe Side Effects

A person who develops a physical dependence to this prescription drug may experience withdrawal symptoms if they stop the medication abruptly. 

According to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), this can create serious side effects such as an increase in blood pressure, sleeping problems, and weakness.

A person who takes high doses of Norco also increases their risk of opioid overdose. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) states an overdose can lead to life-threatening symptoms such as respiratory depression, coma, or death.

If you suspect a Norco overdose has taken place, seek urgent medical help and contact 911 immediately.

Drug Interactions

Taking higher doses of a medication that’s used for severe pain can result in serious side effects. In addition to this, combining other substances and medications with Norco can create serious drug interactions:

• over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen (brand name Tylenol)
• benzodiazepines
• muscle relaxants
• other medications which contain hydrocodone and acetaminophen such as Vicodin, Lorcet, and Lortab
• antihistamines
• alcohol and Norco
• other opioid drugs including hydromorphone, oxycodone, and codeine
• supplements and certain vitamins
• other prescription drugs

Medical Conditions

Before taking Norco, speak with your healthcare provider to receive medical advice and inform them of any medical conditions you have or any drugs you currently take. For instance, those with kidney or liver disease may experience liver failure or liver damage.

In addition to this, those who have had a head injury in the past or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, notify your doctor.

Norco Addiction Treatment

If you or a loved one struggle with prescription drug abuse, professional treatment can help.

At Ohio Recovery Center, our inpatient treatment options for opioid addiction include medical detox, medication-assisted treatment, behavioral therapy, and other individualized treatment services. To learn more, please contact us today.