Oxycodone and Norco are opioid medications used for moderate to severe pain, but they differ in formulation and duration. Oxycodone contains a single opioid ingredient and is available in both immediate-release and extended-release forms, offering flexible options for short- or long-lasting pain control. Norco combines hydrocodone with acetaminophen, providing dual pain relief but limiting dosage due to acetaminophen’s liver-toxicity risks. Both medications reduce pain by acting on opioid receptors and can cause side effects such as drowsiness, constipation, dependence, and respiratory depression. The choice between them depends on pain severity, treatment goals, and medical guidance.