Dallas, PA
A 34-year-old female asked about a 34-year-old male:
My husband took norco (hydrocodone and acetaminophen) to help his pleurisy discomfort and it helped a great deal. is a narcotic good to manage his pain?
4 doctor answers • 6 doctors weighed in
Dr. Joseph Sirecianswered
Family Medicine 19 years experience
Last resort: Pleurisy can often be managed with anti-inflammatory medication. Narcotic pain meds should be reserved for very short term use in this situation. Dependency can develop and lead to habitual use and ultimately addiction . These medications should be monitored carefully and only used exactly as directed . This is especially true with short term pain.
3.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Alan Steinbachanswered
Specializes in Family Medicine
Opioids OK for some: pleurisy can be very painful (7+/10) and an opioid like hydrocodone (in Narco) can be very helpful for short term use. Work with your prescribing practitioner to ensure your use does not become unwanted dependence.
3.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. John Ewaldanswered
Internal Medicine 44 years experience
Nonsteroidals: Pleurisy is an inflammation in the lining of the lung. An anti inflammatory such as Naproxen or Ibuprofen should be helpful. Although, a narcotic can help pain it does not have any anti-inflammatory properties. Also, narcotics are highly addictive and have sedating effects. Unless your husband has a problem with gastritis or ulcer disease a non-steroidal should be safe and effective.
3.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Alla Tamarkinanswered
Anesthesiology 14 years experience
It depends: Pleurisy discomfort can be quite debilitating. If other drugs such as Tylenol, Advil (ibuprofen) were not helpful then a different class of medication may be indicated. Norco is acetaminophen and hyrocodone which is the narcotic portion of the drug. It is best to start tapering once the pain starts to remit.
3.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated May 17, 2015
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