Norco’s therapeutic power comes from its two active ingredients. Hydrocodone is an opioid pain reliever that works in the central nervous system to change how your brain perceives pain. Acetaminophen is a non-opioid analgesic that enhances these effects and also reduces fever. This combination makes Norco a powerful option for treating acute pain following surgery or injury, as well as chronic pain conditions when other, less potent medications have proven insufficient.