At first glance, Oxycodone and Oxymorphone might seem like the same drug, but do you know they are two different drugs? Yes, they are two different drugs where Oxycodone is the parent drug, and the enzymes convert some part of it to Oxymorphone during the metabolism process. Oxymorphone is a separate drug that is a semi-synthetic medicine. Both drugs are used to treat individuals suffering from pain. This blog aims to clear all the queries regarding the comparison of Oxycodone vs Oxymorphone so that you can choose the effective drug for your health condition. Let’s see the explanation below for better understanding.
Oxycodone vs Oxymorphone: Difference, Side Effects, And Safety Measures
What is Oxycodone?
Oxycodone is a painkiller that falls under the medication category of opioids. When an individual is not responding to the other pain killers used before, in that case, oxycodone is used. Like every other opioid, it has chances of physical dependence if it is used for a long time or misused. So it falls under the category of a Schedule II drug. It is sold under various brand names such as;
- OxyContin
- Roxicodone
- Oxaydo
- RoxyBond
- Xtampza ER
How Does Oxycodone Work?
Oxycodone attaches itself to the nerve receptors in the brain and spinal cord. This helps the body to respond and feel pain in different ways. Mainly, oxycodone works in the central nervous system. It cancels the pain signals and results in relaxation. It is also helpful for dopamine increment.
What is Oxymorphone?
Oxymorphone is a semi-synthetic opioid. It is used to treat moderate and severe pain. Major pains from any surgery, cancer-related pain, and injury pain are treated with Oxymorphone. It is sold under the brand name of Opana. It is a heavy dose of painkiller medications and is used only in severe conditions. If it is abused, then it can leave harmful and dangerous side effects.
How Does Oxymorphone Work?
It works in 3 steps;
- First, it blocks the pain signals
- Then it alerts the nerves to perceive pain easily in different ways
- Then the effects can be seen in the central nervous system.
Dosages
Initially, Oxycodone and Oxymorphone are prescribed in a very low dose, that is, 5 to 10mg. If the pain keeps happening or does not decrease, then the dose may be increased by your doctor according to your health needs. Some patients who are not okay with tablets of Oxymorphone may use injections of Oxymorphone available in the market.
Forms of Oxycodone and Oxymorphone:
| Formulation | Oxycodone | Oxymorphone |
| Tablets | 5mg, 10mg, 15mg, 20mg, 30mg | 5mg, 10mg, 20mg, 40mg |
| Capsules | 5mg | Not available |
| Oral solution | 5mg/ml | Not available |
Which is Stronger, Oxycodone or Oxymorphone For Pain Relief?
It is notable that Oxymorphone works significantly better than Oxycodone for getting rid of severe and acute pain. Because a lower dose of Oxymorphone can work exactly the same as a higher dose of Oxycodone. But the results are not the same for everyone because the effectiveness of any drug is dependent on an individual’s health needs and condition.
Let’s understand why it is stronger in table form.
| Features | Oxycodone | Oxymorphone |
| Potency | Lower | Higher |
| Metabolism | Metabolized by enzymes | metabolized by glucuronidation |
| On set of action | Slower around 1.5 hours | Faster within 30 mins |
| Food effect | Slightly affected by food | Highly affected by food |
| Half-life | 3 to 5 hours | 7 to 13 hours |
| Drug Interaction | Higher potential | Lower potential |
| Oral availability | 60 to 87% | Lower than 10% |
| Lipophilicity | Less | More |
Drug Interaction
Every drug is incompatible with a bunch of other several drugs. Because each drug is chemically different from other drugs. Drug interaction is also a chemical reaction that is very harmful and takes place inside the body. So, be careful and do not mix different drugs.
Oxycodone Drug Interactions;
- Ambien
- Flexril
- Morphine
- Valium
- Xanax
- Heroin
- Gabapentin
- Opium
- Zolpidem
Oxymorphone Drug Interactions;
Side Effects
Oxycodone and Oxymorphone are two opioids and have almost similar side effects. The most common side effects are;
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Vomitting
- Drowsiness
- Headahe
- Itchy Skin
- Dry Mouth
- Sweating
- Light-headedness
Let’s discuss some of the serious after-effects in brief.
- When both drugs are used for a very long time or used with other depressant drugs like alcohol, it can slow down your breathing process or even stop it.
- When you combine these two drugs with some other drugs, it can make your blood pressure extremely low.
- The adrenal gland will not be able to produce hormones if these drugs are used for a long time.
- Many people also feel severely constipated.
- Serotonin Syndrome
- Addiction and withdrawal symptoms
Guidelines to Use Oxycodone Or Oxymorphone
- When you are using Oxycodone or Oxymorphone, make sure you are following these facts to avoid any mishap.
- After consuming the pill, keep the medicine in a cool and dark place that is safe.
- Mindfully follow the doctor’s advice and prescription.
- Do not use these medications with alcohol or grape juice.
- Do not chew, crush, or break the pills in your mouth. Sallow the whole medicine with water.
- Take proper rest after having the pills.
- Do ot take multiple doses on the same day without asking your doctor
- Complete the dose without any breaks.
- Do not stop taking the medications randomly or suddenly.
Safety Measure
- Do not use other opioid drugs when taking these drugs.
- Do not suddenly stop taking Oxycodone and Oxymorphone.
- Do not consume alcohol while you are using any of the drugs.
- Do not use these powerful painkillers if you are under the age of 18.
- Women who are Pregnant or trying to become pregnant women should not take these medicines.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother, then you should avoid taking Oxycodone and Oxymorphone.
- Individuals who have issues related to breathing or any severe disease then they should avoid using opioids.
Alternatives
Let’s see all the alternatives that are available for individuals who are not able to adjust to Oxycodone and Oxymorphone.
Alternatives to Oxycodone
- Tramadol
- Morphine
- Hydrocodone
- Zolpidem
- Methadone
- Diclofenca
Alternatives to Oxymorphone
- Oxycodone
- Dilaudid
- Percocet
- OxyContin
- Fentanyl
Conclusion
At the end of the blog, we hope this blog helped you understand the difference between Oxycodone and Oxymorphone easily. But which works better is fully dependent on the patient’s medical history and tolerance power. So, we would like to conclude that both medicines are effective for pain management when used safely and properly.