Are you dealing with pain from an injury or surgery and unsure which prescription medication to take? Both Hydrocodone and Oxycodone are widely used for pain relief. But many patient ensure or understand their effect, potential side effects, or risks, and the biggest question is “are Hydrocodone and Oxycodone the same thing or different?” In the article, we discuss Hydrocodone vs Oxycodone strength, which medication is more effective and potent, can you alternate Hydrocodone and Oxycodone, and how much stronger one medicine is compared to another. This information helps to make informed decisions about your pain management plan.
Difference Between Oxycodone And Hydrocodone
Hydrocodone and Oxycodone are both Schedule II semi-synthetic opioids used to relieve moderate to severe pain. They are the most commonly abused prescription drugs that can lead to misuse and physical dependence. But still, the health professional prescribed these medicines for cancer patients, and the person who deals with chronic pain, or is recovering from major surgery. If the doctors prescribed Hydrocodone or Oxycodone, then never ignore their high potential risk. Initially, understand the difference in Hydrocodone and Oxycodone.
Oxycodone
Oxycodone is commonly sold under various brand names such as OxyContin, Percocet, and Roxicodone, that used to relieve severe pain. It creates a brand combined with paracetamol, aspirin, ibuprofen, and naloxone. This drug is available in immediate-release and controlled-release formulations. The immediate-release formulation begins to take effect within 15 minutes and lasts up to six hours. controlled-release formulation duration 10 to 12 hours.
Hydrocodone
Hydrocodone is a semi-synthetic opioid used to treat both pain and cough suppressant. It is combined with paracetamol, ibuprofen, and aspirin, which makes some brands such as Vicodin, Norco, Vicoprofen, and Percodan. It is available in an immediate-release and an extended-release formula. Hydrocodone can start its work within 20 to 30 minutes and stay 4 to 8 hours in the system, but according to the manufacturer’s information, that effect begins within 10-20 minutes and stays 4 to 6 hours in the system.
Hydrocodone vs Oxycodone Difference (Dosage & Side Effects)
The doses are commonly prescribed by doctors based on a person’s age, weight, condition, and response to the treatment. Hence, never share the dose with someone else, even if both have the same issues. Always take the dose as the doctor orders or the directed on the label.
Oxycodone Dosage
- Capsules: 1 capsule for Adults every 6 hours, and the children’s dose is determined by the doctors.
- Extended-release Tablets: 2 tablets for adults every 12 hours, and these tablets are never recommended for children.
- Oxycodone & Acetaminophen Tablets: 1 tablet for an adult every 6 hours, and a maximum of 8 tablets per day. And the children’s dose is determined by the doctors.
- Endocet Tablets: 1 to 2 tablets for adults every 6 hours, and the children’s dose is determined by the doctor.
- Percocet Tablets: 1 tablet for adults every 6 hours, a maximum of 6 tablets per day, and the children’s dose is determined by the doctor.
Hydrocodone Dosage
- Extended-release capsules: initially, 10 mg for adults every 12 hours. Maybe adjust the dose needed. The children’s dose is determined by the doctor.
- Extended-release tablets: 20mg of Hysingla ER for adults every 24 hours, 15 mg of Vantrela for adults every 12 hours. Maybe adjust the dose needed. The children’s dose is determined by the doctor.
Side Effects
If we are comparing the side effects of Hydrocodone and Oxycodone, remarkable that their side effect have great similarities due to their similar nature as opioid pain relievers. Some common side effects of both drugs such as nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, shallow breathing, itching, dry mouth, lethargy, fatigue, and impaired motor skills. Some less common side effects of Oxycodone and Hydrocodone are faintness, confusion, difficulty urinating or pain when urinating, rapid heartbeat, heart failure, and seizure.
Similarities Of Oxycodone & Hydrocodone
Oxycodone and Hydrocodone are strong opioid pain medications. They are only available with a valid prescription and supervision from the doctor. Both have very similar mechanisms of action in the central nervous system and prevent the nervous system in the body and sending pain signals to the brain. Sometimes, both are combined with acetaminophen and make a brand. However, those combination leads higher risk of liver damage and overdose of opioids.
Can Hydrocodone And Oxycodone Be Taken Together?
Hydrocodone and oxycodone should not be taken together, that never prescribed by any health expert. Both drugs are opioid pain medications that work similar way, thus, they commonly combine and increase the risk of serious side effects, including respiratory depression, sedation, Dizziness or confusion, and increased risk of overdose. Hence, avoid taking Hydrocodone and Oxycodone together, otherwise the patient can face unnecessary and potentially dangerous consequences. If you are experiencing pain that can be well-controlled with a single medication. Talk to the health expert. Adjust the dose or change them.
Which Is Better For Pain, Oxycodone Or Hydrocodone?
Both Oxycodone and Hydrocodone are highly effective for pain relief, and health experts claim that both drugs are equally effective for relieving pain in a medical emergency. However, when Oxycodone is combined with acetaminophen, that 50% more potent than the product Hydrocodone/acetaminophen. Oxycodone is 1.5 times stronger than Hydrocodone when comparing equivalent doses. Eventually, the best pain relief option should be based on the patient’s medical condition, pain level, history of drug abuse or side effects, and then the doctors should decide.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
Can you alternate Hydrocodone and Oxycodone?
The doctors never recommended to alternative to Hydrocodone and Oxycodone because both are opioid medications, and equally effective for pain. If you are alternating them, never reduce the risk of side effects, may increase overdose symptoms. If you are not adjusting the dose carefully.
Is Oxycodone more addictive than Hydrocodone?
Yes, Oxycodone is more addictive than Hydrocodone because Oxycodone is more potent than Hydrocodone. They can lead to strong euphoria, which increases abuse potential. Oxycodone obtain a greater dopamine response in the brain than Hydrocodone.
Can a drug test tell the difference between Oxycodone and Hydrocodone?
Yes, the drug test can tell the difference between Oxycodone and Hydrocodone, but only if it’s a specialized test. These drug has unique metabolisms, such as Oxycodone metabolizes into oxymorphone. And Hydrocodone metabolizes into hydromorphone. That is identified by a drug test.
Conclusion
Both Hydrocodone and Oxycodone are strong opioid medications which used to relieve moderate to severe pain. While there are many similarities. choose between Hydrocodone and Oxycodone based on the patient’s medical condition, pain level, history of drug abuse, or side effects. Always, careful monitoring of prescribing guidelines is essential for safe use.