Norco

Norco is a fixed-dose combination of hydrocodone bitartrate, an opioid analgesic, and acetaminophen (paracetamol), a non-opioid analgesic and antipyretic. It is indicated for the management of moderate to moderately severe pain. Hydrocodone acts as an agonist primarily at the mu-opioid receptor in the central nervous system to alter the perception of and response to pain. Acetaminophen provides synergistic analgesia, potentially through the inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis in the central nervous system, although its precise mechanism of action remains not fully elucidated. Originally developed by Watson Pharmaceuticals, Norco was subsequently acquired by Actavis, Allergan, and ultimately AbbVie. Although the brand-name Norco has been discontinued in the United States, generic formulations of hydrocodone/acetaminophen remain widely prescribed.

Brand names

HycetLorcetLortabNorcoVerdrocetVicodinXodolZamicet

Other names

Norco Pillhydrocodone + acetaminophenhydrocodone and acetaminophenhydrocodone bitartrate + acetaminophenhydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophenhydrocodone/APAPhydrocodone/acetaminophenhydrocodone/paracetamol