What is the daily dosage range for Norco and why is it prescribed?

The daily dosage range for Norco is one tablet every four to six hours with a maximum dose of six tablets a day, explains Drugs.com. The Food and Drug Administration has approved Norco to treat moderate to severe pain; however, doctors sometimes prescribe it off-label for coughs and insomnia, notes Everyday Health.

The severity of the pain and a patient's response to the medication are some factors that influence the exact dosage that a doctor prescribes, says Drugs.com. He also considers a child's body weight, according to WebMD. Norco can cause withdrawal symptoms, such as restlessness, watering eyes, runny nose and muscle aches if the patient stops the dosage abruptly after long-term use. Doctors may gradually reduce a patient's dosage to prevent this.

Norco belongs in a class of drugs called opioid analgesics, which block certain nerve cell receptors in the brain to suppress the body's response to pain, expounds Everyday Health. This medication contains a combination of two active ingredients: a narcotic pain reliever known as hydrocodone and a non-narcotic pain reliever called acetaminophen, according to WebMD. Acetaminophen also works to reduce fever. Acetaminophen can potentially cause severe liver disease, so adults should not take more than 4 grams of acetaminophen a day.