Are you suffering from an unpleasant muscle ache or any severe pain? Opioids can be your one-stop solution to manage moderate to severe pain. Oxycodone and Morphine are two popular opioids approved by the FDA that have the supreme formula to relieve pain. But one thing should be considered here: Can morphine and oxycodone be used together? Or which one should be right for you between Oxycodone Vs Morphine?
In this article, we’ll discuss Oxycodone Vs Morphine Strength, Uses, and Warnings, so that you can choose the appropriate pill for you.
What Is Oxycodone And Morphine Used For?
Morphine and Oxycodone are widely prescribed medicines for pain relief. When other pain killers, such as acetaminophen or NSAIDs unable to relieve pain, these pills are suggested to the patients. Both are meant for a similar purpose, but their characteristics separate them for different cases.
Oxycodone is generally prescribed for post-surgical pain, injury-related pain, chronic pain conditions like osteoarthritis or lower back pain, cancer-related pain, or dental pain. Oxycodone has both extended and immediate release versions, which can be useful for short-term as well as long-term relief.
Similarly, Morphine is prescribed for severe acute pain, such as after major surgeries or during recovery from serious injuries. Mainly, it is used for severe pain relief, like end-of-life pain, especially in cancer patients, or during a heart attack.
Both of them come under Schedule II type drugs for their high risk of strong addiction and misuse. So, choosing one of them needs more clinical supervision by a professional doctor.
How Do Morphine & Oxycodone Work?
By binding to opioid receptors in the brain, spinal cord, and other parts of the body, Morphine & Oxycodone block the pain signal. As a result, it alters and reduces the response to pain by specifically attaching to the mu-receptors. When any one of the pills is taken orally, first it mixes with the bloodstream, then goes to the brain where it attaches to the receptors. Oxycodone mixes in the bloodstream more quickly than morphine. But morphine delays the start of action, but lasts more than oxycodone. So, Oxycodone is often prescribed for immediate pain relief, and Morphine for chronic long-term conditions.
How Much Oxycodone Is Equivalent To Morphine?
Oxycodone and Morphine belong to the same drug class, opioid analgesics, i.e, they work by affecting the central nervous system. Their working mechanism is also because they bind to the mu-opioid receptors and work by blocking pain signals. Both of them are used for severe pain relief conditions like Post-surgical pain, Cancer-related pain, Chronic pain (e.g., arthritis, back pain), or Severe injury like trauma. Both of the drugs come under Schedule II Controlled Substances because of their strong abuse and addictive nature. They also show similar side effects like Drowsiness, Constipation, Nausea, or Dizziness due to their analgesic nature. Both of them are available in immediate and extended release forms that you can might help you relieve acute and chronic pain. Regular use of both the pill can cause dependence and addiction.
Oxycodone Vs Morphine: Which Is Stronger
When you compare Oxycodone VS Morphine potency, it has been found that Oxycodone is more potent than morphine when both are taken orally. Oxycodone has double power potency of morphine. I.e, 10mg of Oxycodone can work as 20mg of morphine for chronic pain relief. These characteristics benefited the patient in minimal dose consumption and avoiding multiple doses in a day. But considering the strength between morphine vs oxycodone for pain relief also depends on the severity of pain, medical history, and the metabolism of the patient. You can do a morphine vs oxycodone comparison to know better which is stronger and right for you.
- Morphine is made from the opium poppy plant, whereas Oxycodone is made in the lab from thebaine, which is also a component poppy plant. Here, the difference is that Oxycodone is the modified version of the substance from which morphine is created.
- Oxycodone has more potency than morphine due to its greater oral bioavailability. That’s why oxycodone is chosen by almost people than morphine.
- Oxycodone has a faster onset of action than morphine because it is absorbed quickly by the digestive system.
- Both drugs are available in immediate-release (IR) and extended-release (ER) form, but Morphine has more duration than oxycodone.
- Morphine is primarily metabolized in the liver through glucuronidation, while oxycodone is metabolized by CYP450 enzymes (CYP3A4 and CYP2D6). This difference indicates that oxycodone has a higher risk of drug interactions.
Is It Ok To Take Morphine And Oxycodone Together?
Generally, it is not recommended to use Morphine And Oxycodone Together. Both drugs are powerful opioids that work similarly by affecting the central nervous system. If they are taken together, that may cause many adverse effects regarding overdose. Sometimes the doctor may prescribe both pills simultaneously for unbearable pain relief, but it is not recommended to use them after that. Avoid using the combined pill as much as possible. Sometimes the doctor will prescribe you both pills while switching the pills. But you should obey the time duration that the doctor has told you. Do not take the pill on your own; always consult a doctor before starting the dose.
What Are The Warnings Of Morphine And Oxycodone
Both Oxycodone and Morphine are effective in relieving pain, but have some warnings that you need to follow to avoid any harmful effects. As you know, these are the schedule II type of drug; you should take it carefully, otherwise it may cause the following conditions:
- Morphine and Oxycodone drug interaction can cause serious effects when it is taken with other CNS depressants like Benzodiazepines or Sleep medications. It can cause slow breathing if you take Morphine or Oxycodone with other CNS depressants. Other opioid medicines and CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 Inhibitors should also be avoided With Morphine And Oxycodone. Because it can affect the metabolism of the pill, which can lead to liver issues and digestive disturbances.
- Both pills are controlled substances, so using them on a regular basis can cause physical dependence and addiction so take them as your doctor prescribed.
- If you overdose or miss a dose, then it can also cause certain anxiety and side effects. So, do not exceed the amount of dose, and if you miss the dose, then take it carefully as soon as you remember with a maintained time gap. It is better to ask a health professional about it.
- Storing and disposing of the pills is an important factor for these pills. Always store the pill in a locked and far away from children to avoid any accidental use.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
When is oxycodone used instead of morphine?
Oxycodone is used instead of morphine when a patient requires a stronger or more rapid relief medication. It may also be preferred if a patient has experienced unpleasant side effects with morphine, such as excessive sedation, itching, or nausea. Oxycodone has an onset of action compared to morphine, so it is recommended to switch Oxycodone from morphine when the patient needs an immediate and long-term pain relief solution.
What Is The Process Of Oxycodone VS Morphine Conversion?
Converting between oxycodone and morphine involves calculating different doses with safe and effective pain management. Since oxycodone is 1.5 to 2 times more potent than morphine when taken orally, the conversion is not 1:1 and must be carefully adjusted to avoid underdosing or overdose. Oxycodone has double power of morphine, so a small dose of oxycodone can work as a morphine higher dose. Remember to take the converted pill after consulting a doctor for safe and optimal use.
