Norco
Background of Norco
Norco is a brand name for the combination of Hydrocodone (an antitussive and narcotic analgesic drug) and Acetaminophen (an antipyretic and analgesic drug). Norco is prescribed to relieve moderate to severe pain.
Norco works in the body by blocking the transmission of pain in the brain and spinal cord. The Hydrocodone, which is the narcotic content of Norco, binds to the pain receptors in the brain in order to reduce the sensation of pain. Acetaminophen, however, is a non-narcotic that decreases the formation of prostaglandins which would otherwise cause pain.
Acetaminophen is used for the relief of headaches, fever, and other minor aches and pains. It was introduced in the early 1900s and acts by interfering with the synthesis of prostaglandins as well as other substances necessary for the transmission of pain impulses. Hydrocodone is a narcotic pain reliever and a cough suppressant similar to codeine.
Aside from Norco, Acetaminophen and Hydrocodone is also available with a prescription under many brand names such as Anexsia, Bancap HC, Ceta-Plus, Dolacet, Vanacet, Vicodin, Vicodin ES, Lortab, Lorcet, Lorcet Plus, Maxidone, Panacet, Stagesic, Zydone, Hydrocet, and Co-Gesic.
Applications of Norco
Norco appears as a tablet, capsule, or liquid, which can be taken through the mouth. The drug is usually taken every four to six hours as needed. In using the liquid Norco, a dose-measuring spoon or cup should be used in order to obtain the proper dose.
Among the many brands of Hydrocodone-Acetaminophen medications, the dosage of Hydrocodone varies between 2.5 and 10 mg, and the dosage of Acetaminophen varies between 500 and 750 mg. The Norco tablet comes in light orange, white, or yellow in color. The amount in milligrams is characterized by two numbers in the label; the first number is the amount of Hydrocodone and the second number is the amount of Acetaminophen.
In taking Norco, the prescriptions of the doctor should be followed because Norco can be habit-forming. Pain medications, such as Norco, are effective in relieving pain before it becomes severe. If the pain becomes severe, Norco is no longer as effective in relieving it. Using Norco for an extended period of time may also require different dosages.
Drug Interactions
The following drugs may interact with Norco:
- medicines for seizures
- medicines for high blood pressure
- alcohol
- warfarin
- cimetidine
- antacids
- antihistamines
- antipsychotics
Patients receiving other Central Nervous System depressants alongside with Norco may exhibit an additive Central Nervous System depression. The dose of one or both agents should be reduced when a combined therapy is considered.
Contents of Norco
The active ingredients of Norco are Acetaminophen and Hydrocodone. The inactive ingredients, however, are colloidal silicon dioxide, croscarmellose sodium, crospovidone, microcrystalline cellulose, povidone, pregelatinized starch, stearic acid and sugar spheres which are composed of starch derived from corn, sucrose, and FD&C Yellow #6.
Side Effects of Norco
The side effects of the drug Norco are nausea, loss of appetite, sedation, vomiting, constipation, lightheadedness or fainting, dizziness, anxiety, fear, dysphoria, mental or mood change, drowsiness, itching, flushing, respiratory depression, as well as changes of vision.
In addition to this, using Norco can also lead to serious side effects such as shallow breathing, slow heartbeat, convulsions, severe weakness, urinating less than usual, ureteral spasm, spasm of vesical sphincters, chronic overdose, cold and clammy skin, and even confusion.
However, signs of allergic reactions may include swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat; hives; itching as well as difficulty in breathing.
Abuse and Dependence
Norco is narcotic and is considered as an addictive drug, which has the same properties as other opioids. Norco has a high risk for abuse and addiction. Norco is classified as a Schedule III controlled substance in the United States, which means that abuse of Norco has a potential for abuse less than the drugs and substances in Schedule I and Schedule II of the Controlled Substances Act of the United States.
Through a repeated administration of Norco, physical dependence as well as tolerance may develop. Norco should be prescribed and administered with caution.
Norco Rehabilitation Patients Say About Malibu Horizon
The identities of the people writing these statements in support of truths about their rehabilitation have been refrained from giving to protect their inalienable right to privacy. The foregoing names are fictional names of the author’s own choosing.
"I’ve been using the drug for a couple of years; I got addicted and can’t even help myself. My friend introduced my case to Malibu Horizon; I trusted them and I cooperated with them. Their treatment programs helped me a lot. We worked together and I was never regretful upon entrusting my situation to them. Thank you so much Malibu Horizon, I felt so renewed." —Kim
"As soon as my friend was informed about my addiction, he introduced Malibu Horizon to me. My friend wanted to help me and gave me the best rehabilitation through Malibu Horizon. He was awesome because Malibu Horizon was a big help. I’m so grateful to my friend and to Malibu Horizon who saved my life." —Vaughn
"I’ve been using pain-relievers until I got overdosed with Norco. I thought it was the end of my life; Malibu Horizon was there for me. They gave me new hope and new stages in my life to look forward to. The staffs of Malibu Horizon were so helpful." —Ashley
"Our son is the most precious person in our lives. All we wanted was for him to seek a special help and attention. It was hard for us to help him out. We thank Malibu Horizon for giving the professional help that our son needed. And now we have our son back and he is happy, indeed." —Marcie and John
"I’m so thankful to Malibu Horizon for saving my life. It was hard for me to admit that I have become addicted upon using the drug. Malibu Horizon was there to help me out. They have provided me with the best treatment program that I need. It was never a waste of time and I had good times with them." —Jinky