Norco Drug Card Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is the generic name of Norco?

Acetaminophen-hydrocodone

What class does Norco belong to?

Opioid agonist/nonopioid analgesic combination; antitussive

What is the expected pharmacological action of Norco?

Alters perception and reaction to pain by binding to opiate receptors in the CNS; suppresses cough reflex

What are the therapeutic uses of Norco?

Management of moderate to severe pain; antitussive Signup and view all the answers

What are the contraindications for using Norco?

Hypersensitivity to hydrocodone (or other opioids) or acetaminophen, significant respiratory depression, paralytic ileus, asthma Signup and view all the answers

What precautions should be taken when using Norco?

Head trauma; increased ICP; renal, hepatic or pulmonary disease; alcoholism; undiagnosed abdominal pain; prostatic hyperplasia; geriatrics (more prone to CNS depression and constipation) Signup and view all the answers

What are some common side effects of Norco?

Constipation, mild rash or itching, anxiety or mood changes, stomach upset Signup and view all the answers

What are the potential adverse effects of Norco?

Unusual bleeding or bruising, urination problems, extreme fatigue, shallow breathing, slow heart rate, sweating, cold/clammy skin, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, pain in upper stomach, lightheadedness, fainting, confusion, yellowing of eyes or skin, hypersensitivity Signup and view all the answers

What drug interactions should be noted with Norco?

MAO inhibitors, CYP3A4 inhibitors, CYP3A4 inducers, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives, opioid antagonists Signup and view all the answers

What nursing interventions are recommended for patients taking Norco?

Assess blood pressure, heart rate, respiration rate, level of consciousness, bowel function, pain, cough, lung sounds Signup and view all the answers

What key points should be included in patient education for Norco?

Take medication as directed, don't take more than recommended/prescribed amount; advise that the medication is known to have abuse potential, do not share with anyone; the medication may cause dizziness or drowsiness, take caution while moving positions or driving Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Norco Drug Card Study Notes

Generic Name: Acetaminophen-hydrocodone
- Combination of an opioid (hydrocodone) and nonopioid analgesic (acetaminophen).
Drug Class:
- classified as an opioid agonist/nonopioid analgesic combination, effective as an antitussive (cough suppressant).
Pharmacological Action:
- Alters the perception and reaction to pain by binding to opiate receptors in the central nervous system (CNS).
- Suppresses the cough reflex.
Therapeutic Uses:
- Designed for the management of moderate to severe pain.
- Utilized as an antitussive.
Contraindications:
- Not safe for individuals with hypersensitivity to hydrocodone, acetaminophen, significant respiratory depression, paralytic ileus, or asthma.
Precautions:
- Caution advised in cases of head trauma, elevated intracranial pressure (ICP), renal, hepatic, or pulmonary diseases, alcoholism, undiagnosed abdominal pain, prostatic hyperplasia, and among geriatric populations (higher risk of CNS depression and constipation).
Side Effects:
- Commonly reported side effects include constipation, mild rash or itching, anxiety or mood changes, and stomach upset.
Adverse Effects:
- Serious reactions may involve unusual bleeding or bruising, urination problems, extreme fatigue, shallow breathing, slow heart rate, excessive sweating, cold/clammy skin, nausea, loss of appetite, upper stomach pain, lightheadedness, fainting, confusion, and jaundice.
Drug Interactions:
- Potential interactions with MAO inhibitors, CYP3A4 inhibitors and inducers, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives, and opioid antagonists.
Nursing Interventions:
- Regularly assess vital signs: blood pressure, heart rate, and respiration rate.
- Monitor level of consciousness, bowel function, pain levels, cough, and lung sounds.
Patient Education:
- Emphasize the importance of taking medication as prescribed and not exceeding the recommended dose.
- Warn about the drug's abuse potential and the need not to share medication.
- Advise patients about possible dizziness or drowsiness; caution is advised when changing positions or driving.

Description

Test your knowledge with these Norco drug card flashcards. Each card covers essential information including the generic name, drug class, pharmacological action, and therapeutic uses of Norco. Perfect for students and healthcare professionals alike.