Norco (medication) facts for kids

Norco is a medicine that doctors sometimes prescribe to help people feel better when they are in pain. It's actually a mix of two different medicines: hydrocodone and acetaminophen. Think of it like a team of two helpers working together to make pain less noticeable.

What is Norco?

Norco is a type of medicine called a painkiller. It helps to reduce pain signals in the body. One part of Norco, hydrocodone, is a strong pain reliever. The other part, acetaminophen, is also a common pain reliever and can help reduce fever. When these two medicines are combined, they can be more effective at treating pain than either one alone.

How Norco Helps with Pain

When you get hurt, your body sends pain signals to your brain. Norco works by changing how your brain and nervous system react to these signals.

• Hydrocodone affects special areas in your brain and spinal cord. It helps to block the pain messages from getting through as strongly.
• Acetaminophen works in a different way, mostly by stopping your body from making certain chemicals that cause pain and fever.

Together, they make you feel less pain.

When Doctors Prescribe Norco

Doctors usually prescribe Norco for pain that is moderate to severe. This might be pain from:

• A serious injury, like a broken bone.
• After surgery, to help with recovery.
• Certain long-lasting health conditions that cause a lot of pain.

It's important to remember that Norco is a strong medicine. Doctors only prescribe it when other, milder pain relievers might not be enough.

Important Things to Know About Norco

Because Norco is a strong medicine, it's very important to use it exactly as a doctor tells you.

• Only for You: This medicine is prescribed just for one person. You should never share it with anyone else.
• Follow Directions: Always take the exact amount your doctor tells you, and at the right times. Taking too much can be very harmful.
• Keep it Safe: Medicines like Norco should be kept in a safe place where children or pets cannot reach them.
• Talk to Your Doctor: If you have any questions or if the medicine isn't helping your pain, always talk to your doctor or a trusted adult. They can give you the best advice.

See also

• In Spanish: Vicodin para niños