Toradol vs. Norco

• Are Norco and Toradol the Same Thing?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Toradol?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Norco?
• What Is Toradol?
• What Is Norco?
• What Drugs Interact with Toradol?
• What Drugs Interact with Norco?
• How Should Toradol Be Taken?
• How Should Norco Be Taken?

Toradol (ketorolac tromethamine) and Norco (hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen) are used to treat moderately severe pain.

Toradol is also used to treat inflammation, and is often used after surgery.

Toradol and Norco belong to different drug classes. Toradol is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and Norco is an opioid analgesic and antitussive (cough suppressant) combined with a pain reliever.

The brand name Toradol is no longer available in the U.S. Generic versions may be available.

Common side effects of Toradol include:

• headache,
• heartburn,
• upset stomach,
• nausea,
• vomiting,
• diarrhea,
• stomach pain,
• bloating,
• gas,
• constipation,
• dizziness,
• drowsiness,
• sweating,
• and ringing in the ears.

Common side effects of Norco include:

• anxiety,
• dizziness,
• drowsiness,
• lightheadedness,
• nausea,
• vomiting,
• upset stomach,
• constipation,
• headache,
• mood changes,
• blurred vision,
• ringing in your ears, or
• dry mouth.

Toradol (ketorolac tromethamine) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is used to treat moderately severe pain and inflammation, usually after surgery. Toradol works by blocking the production of prostaglandins, compounds that cause pain, fever, and inflammation. The brand name Toradol is no longer available in the U.S. Generic versions may be available.

Norco is a strong prescription medicine is indicated for the relief of moderate to moderately severe pain.

Drug interactions may occur with lithium, ACE inhibitors, warfarin, and medications used to treat high uric acid levels. Warnings may apply to individuals who have ulcers, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, and bleeding disorders. People who are taking aspirin or NSAIDs should not take Toradol because of the cumulative risk of inducing serious NSAID-related side effects.

Norco, like all narcotics, may impair the mental and/or physical abilities required for the performance of potentially hazardous tasks such as driving a car or operating machinery; patients should be cautioned accordingly.

Alcohol and other CNS depressants may produce an additive CNS depression, when taken with this combination product, and should be avoided.

Hydrocodone may be habit-forming. Patients should take the drug only for as long as it is prescribed, in the amounts prescribed, and no more frequently than prescribed.

Toradol is available as a 10 mg tablet and a solution (30 mg per ml) for intravenous (IV) or intramuscular (IM) administration. Toradol solution is administered as a single 15- to 60-mg dose once every 6 hours not to exceed 60 or 120 mg a day. The recommended oral dose is one to two Toradol tablets initially followed by one tablet every 4-6 hours, not to exceed 40 mg daily. Toradol should not be used for more than 5 days.

Dosage should be adjusted according to the severity of the pain and the response of the patient. However, it should be kept in mind that tolerance to hydrocodone can develop with continued use and that the incidence of untoward effects is dose related.

The usual adult dosage is one or two tablets every four to six hours as needed for pain. The total daily dosage should not exceed 8 tablets.