Hydrocodone vs Oxycodone: Is There a Differences

Introduction 

There are a variety of opioid medicines available in pharmacies to provide relief from mild to severe pain. Opioid drugs are mainly used to target opioid receptors in the brain. It effectively relieves pain by blocking the pain signals between the brain neurons.

Among these opioid drugs, Hydrocodone and Oxycodone are the two most popular prescribed opioid drugs in the USA. Several factors that cause pain have impacted 1 to 5-year-old adults in the US.

In this blog, we will discuss a detailed overview of Hydrocodone and Oxycodone drugs and how they work. In addition, we will also discuss the comparison of these two medications, their uses, doses, and strength of the dosages, side effects, and precautions.

Differences Between Hydrocodone and Oxycodone Drugs

Overview

Hydrocodone

Hydrocodone is commonly used to treat moderate to severe pain in patients. This drug is also known as Dihydrocodeinone. It is an opioid painkiller. It is a prescription medicine, which means it can be obtained through a prescription by a certified doctor.

It belongs to a class of drugs called narcotic analgesics. Hydrocodone is a semi-synthetic opioid medicine that was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is a Scheduled II control substance. This means it has a high risk for abuse and misuse. The company which currently manufactures this drug is Prude Pharmaceuticals in the USA. 

Hydrocodone is available in both generic and branded forms. Norco, Vicodin, and others are some of the brand names of this medicine. 

Oxycodone

Oxycodone is also used to provide relief from pain caused due to various factors. It is also known as Dihydrohydroxycodeinone and is a semi-synthetic opioid drug. This medication can be used with a valid prescription by a healthcare expert.

Oxycodone also belongs to the class of narcotic analgesics. The FDA has approved this medicine to provide relief from pain. In addition, it is included in the list of Scheduled II control substances, meaning it has a high potential for addiction and abuse. Prude Pharmaceuticals is the manufacturing company of Oxycodone in the US.

It is sold in both branded and generic forms. The brand variants of these medicines are Roxicodone, Oxaydo, OxyCONTIN, and many more.

Working

Hydrocodone

Hydrocodone is an opioid medication that binds to opioid receptors in the spinal cord and brain, which increases the brain’s tolerance to pain and reduces the transmission of pain signals that produce feelings of relaxation in the body. 

Acetaminophen, a main ingredient in Hydrocodone is used to provide relief from the pain. It is an opioid pain reliever and is also used to reduce the symptoms of fever. 

Oxycodone

Oxycodone is a powerful medication that alleviates mild to severe pain in the body. It works by binding the mu-opioid receptors in the spinal cord and brain. After this, the drug restricts the transfer of pain signals in the affected area. 

Oxycodone medicine also provides analgesic effects in the body, by releasing neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins. 

Use

Hydrocodone

Hydrocodone is also used as a cough suppressant to provide relief from acute and chronic coughs, bronchitis, and so on. This drug can also be used in advanced illnesses like AIDS or cancer. 

This medicine can be habit-forming if the patients have an urge to consume it more. It should not be used by children to treat cough or pain. This medicine can only be consumed with a prescription as misusing this drug can lead to life-threatening issues. 

Oxycodone

Oxycodone treats severe pain caused by injuries, surgery, etc. It is also used to treat conditions like fibromyalgia, arthritis, and others. This drug also manages the pain caused by cancer. 

Oxycodone use should be monitored properly as it carries a high risk of abuse and addiction. It should be used by patients who are not opioid-tolerant. 

Dose and Dosage Strength

Hydrocodone

Dose

The doses of Hydrocodone come in oral tablets and capsules. The strength of extended-release capsules of this drug are: 

• 10 mg
• 15 mg
• 20 mg
• 30 mg
• 40 mg
• 50 mg

The strengths available for Hydrocodone ER abuse-deterrent tablets are:

• 20 mg
• 30 mg
• 40 mg
• 60 mg
• 80 mg
• 100 mg
• 120 mg

Dosage

The starting dose of Hydrocodone for adults is 10 mg in every 4 to 6 hours and the maximum dosage is 80 mg. The ER tablet works within 30 minutes to 1 hour and lasts up to 14 to 16 hours after consumption. The physician may increase or decrease the dosage after monitoring the patient’s health condition. 

Oxycodone

Dose

Oxycodone comes in immediate-release (IR) and extended-release (ER) tablets, oral solutions, and capsules. The strengths of each of these forms are mentioned below:

• Immediate release (IR): 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg and 30 mg. 
• Extended release (ER): 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg and 60 mg. 
• Oral solution: 5 mg/ml and 20 mg/ml. 

Dosage

The initial dose of Oxycodone that adults should take is 15 mg every 4-6 hours in a day and the maximum dose should be 120 mg. 

If the patient is suffering from acute pain, then the recommended dosage is 2.5 mg to 10 mg. This medicine should be taken regularly or as instructed by the doctor. 

Side Effects

Hydrocodone and Oxycodone drugs have similar side effects. These are as follows: 

• Itching
• Nausea
• Vomiting 
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Headache
• Constipation 
• Swelling of face
• Stuffy nose
• Sore throat
• Feeling tired
• Confusion 
• Muscle stiffness
• Diarrhea

Some of the adverse side effects of these two medicines are: 

• Slow heartbeat
• Seizures
• Respiratory problems
• Trouble breathing 
• Hallucinations
• Agitation 
• Liver damage
• Allergic reactions

Precautions

Hydrocodone and Oxycodone medicines, if consumed for a longer time can lead to addiction and overdose. Here are some of the measures or precautions you should take to avoid adverse effects:  

• Do not cut, chew, or break these medicines while consuming, swallow with a glass of water. 
• Store these drugs at room temperature and keep them away from heat, light, and moisture. 
• Do not use Hydrocodone and Oxycodone for a longer time. 
• Never consume these medicines without a prescription as these can lead to serious health issues. 
• Avoid drinking grapefruit juice as it can maximize the chances of risk.
• Read the drug labels carefully before taking them.
• Do not overdose these medications as it can be fatal because of their toxi
• c level of substances. 
• If you are feeling that these medicines are not working properly or experiencing any other serious symptoms, then immediately inform your healthcare expert.