Difference Between Oxycodone and Hydrocodone
Oxycodone and hydrocodone are potent opioid pain-relief medications. While most characteristics of these drugs are similar, oxycodone is stronger than an equal milligram dose of hydrocodone and has a shorter half-life than hydrocodone. Also, hydrocodone has a different set of side effects associated with it and is more at risk of abuse.
What is oxycodone?
Definition:
Oxycodone is an opioid painkiller that is synthesized from an opium alkaloid called thebaine. It is an essential drug that comes in single as well as combination therapy for moderate to severe pain relief.
Formulation:
Oxycodone is available in combination with acetaminophen, aspirin, and ibuprofen in a controlled-release formulation.
Mechanism of action:
Oxycodone attaches to the pain receptors in the central nervous system and helps decrease the pain stimulation.
Route:
Oxycodone comes in oral tablets and capsules. Rarely it can be used in injection form that is either intramuscular or intravenous.
Side effects:
Side effects of oxycodone include flushing, mood changes, and lethargy.
Half-life:
Oxycodone has a half-life of 2.5 hours. It is short-acting and provides quick relief to the pain.
What is hydrocodone?
Definition:
Hydrocodone is an opioid drug that comes in single therapy as well as in combination with acetaminophen and decongestants.
Formulation:
Hydrocodone is available in single as well as combination therapy.
Mechanism of action:
Hydrocodone has a similar mechanism of action to oxycodone.
Route:
Hydrocodone is available in oral as well as injectable forms.
Side effects:
Hydrocodone affects urination and causes sleep disturbances, stomach pains, dry mouth and throat, headache, dizziness, constipation, tiredness and muscle stiffness.
Halflife:
Hydrocodone has a half-life of 4.2 hours and stays in the body for a long time which is why it has a risk of addiction and abuse associated with its use.
Difference Between Oxycodone and Hydrocodone
Definition:
Oxycodone is an opioid painkiller that is synthesized from an opium alkaloid called thebaine. It is an essential drug that comes in single as well as combination therapy for moderate to severe pain relief.
Hydrocodone is an opioid drug that comes in single therapy as well as in combination with acetaminophen and decongestants.
Formulation:
Oxycodone is available in combination with acetaminophen, aspirin, and ibuprofen in a controlled release formulation.
Hydrocodone is available in single as well as combination therapy.
Mechanism of action:
Oxycodone attaches to the pain receptors in the central nervous system and helps decrease the pain stimulation.
Hydrocodone has a similar mechanism of action to oxycodone.
Route:
Oxycodone comes in oral tablets and capsules. Rarely it can be used in injection form that is either intramuscular or intravenous.
Hydrocodone is available in oral as well as injectable forms.
Side effects
Side effects of oxycodone include flushing, mood changes, and lethargy.
Hydrocodone affects urination and causes sleep disturbances, stomach pains, dry mouth and throat, headache, dizziness, constipation, tiredness, and muscle stiffness.
Half-life:
Oxycodone has a half-life of 2.5 hours. It is short-acting and provides quick relief to the pain.
Hydrocodone has a half-life of 4.2 hours and stays in the body for a long time which is why it has a risk of addiction and abuse associated with its use.
Table of differences between oxycodone and hydrocodone
FAQs
Is OxyContin the same as oxycodone?
These two are not the same. OxyContin is the brand name for the extended-release form of oxycodone.
How strong is hydrocodone?
It comes in different doses and is often combined with ibuprofen and acetaminophen.
Can you take Tylenol and oxycodone together?
It can be done only after a recommendation from a health professional. Combining the two increases the risk of liver damage.
What is hydrocodone used for?
It is used to relieve moderate to severe pain.
Which is stronger hydrocodone or oxycodone?
Oxycodone is stronger than hydrocodone.
What painkiller is the strongest?
Fentanyl and hydrocodone are considered the strongest painkillers.
Is Percocet the same as oxycodone?
It is a combination of oxycodone and acetaminophen.
What is the strongest drug for nerve pain?
Pregablin and gabapentin.
Is Tramadol stronger than oxycodone?
Oxycodone is stronger than tramadol.
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References :
[0]Ohi, Yuko, and Yutaka Hayashi. "Assessment of switching ratio in 8 cases treated by Oxycodon switched from oral to injection." Palliative Care Research (2014): 514-518.
[1]Kalso, Eija. "Oxycodone." Journal of pain and symptom management 29.5 (2005): 47-56.
[2]Usmani, Silken A., et al. "Effects of hydrocodone rescheduling on opioid use outcomes: a systematic review." Journal of the American Pharmacists Association 61.2 (2021): e20-e44.
[3]Image credit: https://www.canva.com/photos/MADyMqLLjlU-bottle-of-oxycodone-tablets/
[4]Image credit: https://www.canva.com/photos/MAFfDi3oRvk-vial-of-hydrocodone/
