Hydrocodone vs Oxycodone, Unveiling The Differences

What is Hydrocodone?

It is a frequently prescribed pain relief medication falling under the opioid category. It binds to brain and spinal cord receptors, thereby reducing pain sensations.

To increase its effectiveness, hydrocodone is often combined with acetaminophen. Although primarily available in tablet or capsule form for oral consumption, pure hydrocodone is typically restricted to hospital settings and may sometimes be administered via injection for a quicker response.

While remarkably efficient in alleviating pain, hydrocodone is categorized as a Schedule II controlled substance in the United States due to its high potential for abuse and addiction. Therefore, it’s crucial to use this medication strictly as directed by a healthcare professional and store it securely to prevent misuse.

What Is Oxycodone?

Oxycodone is a powerful pain medication categorized as a Schedule II opioid.

Much like Hydrocodone, it interacts with specific pain receptors in the central nervous system to alleviate pain sensations in individuals. Although often used under proper medical guidance, it holds a high risk for abuse and addiction, especially among those who misuse it for non-medical reasons.

Usually found in tablet or capsule form, oxycodone may also come in a liquid solution for injection either intravenously or intramuscularly. Both hydrocodone and oxycodone are available in various formulations and strengths.

How Are Hydrocodone and Oxycodone Similar?

Hydrocodone and oxycodone, both Schedule II semi-synthetic opioids, share several similarities. Prescribed for alleviating moderate to severe pain, they possess similar chemical structures. Their action involves binding to opioid receptors in the brain, disrupting pain signals, and affecting breathing and digestion. Both drugs carry a high risk of addiction and should only be used as directed by a healthcare provider.

Apart from potential positive effects such as pain relief and inducing a sense of euphoria, these medications may have adverse side effects, including:

• Irregular heartbeat.
• Hives.
• Dry mouth.
• Nausea.
• Vomiting.
• Swelling in the face, including lips and tongue.
• Difficulty breathing.

How Are Hydrocodone and Oxycodone Different?

The contrast between hydrocodone and oxycodone lies in their predominant side effects. Hydrocodone commonly induces tiredness, while oxycodone tends to cause constipation.

Both drugs exhibit remarkable similarities regarding their efficacy in pain relief or in producing feelings of euphoria and pleasure. The individual’s history of substance use, weight, the specific formulation (instant-release or time-release), and dosage are more influential in determining the drug’s effects than a distinct variance between the two. However, individuals who misuse opioids often favor oxycodone formulations such as Oxycontin, Roxicet, and Percocet.

For someone recovering from surgery and experiencing acute pain, opting for hydrocodone over oxycodone might be a marginally less risky choice.

Learn More:

• Vicodin vs Norco, What’s The Difference & How Do They Compare?
• How Long Does Hydrocodone Stay in Urine?
• What is Norco? Norco Drug For Severe Pain Information
• The Dangers of Hydrocodone Addiction, Symptoms & Treatment
• Hydrocodone Side Effects, Uses, Addiction and More
• Is Oxycodone Addictive
• What Is Oxycodone?
• Oxycodone Side Effects
• Opiate Withdrawal
• Opioid Withdrawal Timeline
• Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms
• Tramadol vs Oxycodone: Which is Better? Side Effect Comparison
• Oxycodone Dosage Guide, Precautions, and Max Dose
• Oxycodone Vs Oxycontin. Differences & Similarities, Abuse & Treatment Options

Explaining The Highly Addictive Nature of Oxycodone and Hydrocodone

Oxycodone and hydrocodone, extensively prescribed painkillers in the United States, possess a notably high risk of fostering dependency. Classified as opioids, these medications interact with the brain’s reward system, triggering sensations of euphoria. By obstructing or altering the brain’s opioid receptors and pain signals, they induce pleasurable feelings.

The addictive nature of these drugs manifests swiftly, often leading to dependency. Moreover, prolonged use can result in tolerance, compelling individuals to escalate their doses to attain the same pain relief.

This cycle of escalating dosage establishes both physical and psychological reliance on the drug, making discontinuation a formidable challenge.

Disturbingly, statistics from the United States Department of Justice indicate that a staggering 13 million Americans, some as young as 12 years old, abuse oxycodone. The 2016 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) also highlights that 6.9 million individuals aged 12 and above in the U.S. misuse hydrocodone. These figures underscore the severity of the issue.

As opioid abuse escalates across the nation, it becomes imperative to comprehend the associated risks and exercise caution when utilizing these drugs. Vigilance in recognizing signs of addiction or overdose is crucial to intervene before the situation spirals out of control.

Cautions and Interactions for Oxycodone and Hydrocodone

Consultation Prerequisite:
Before initiating the use of these potent pain medications, it is imperative to consult your doctor regarding your medical history and any existing health conditions.

Precautions for Specific Conditions:
Individuals with asthma or breathing issues may need to avoid these medications entirely. Similarly, due to the heightened risk of increased constipation, those with blockages or constipation difficulties should consider avoiding oxycodone or hydrocodone.

Effectiveness of Oxycodone and Hydrocodone

Pain Relief Efficacy:
Both oxycodone and hydrocodone stand as potent pain relievers, highly effective in managing pain.

Comparative Study:
A study conducted in 2005 comparing the efficacy of both drugs revealed their equal effectiveness in treating pain induced by fractures. Participants reported equivalent pain relief 30 and 60 minutes post-medication intake. Notably, individuals using hydrocodone experienced constipation more frequently than those using oxycodone.

Potency Comparison:
In a 2009 study, the combination of oxycodone and acetaminophen proved to be 1.5 times more potent than hydrocodone combined with acetaminophen when administered at equal doses.

Cost Considerations of Oxycodone and Hydrocodone

Brand and Generic Availability:
Both medications are available in brand-name and generic forms, with generics typically being more cost-effective. Considering the cost-saving potential, opting for generic alternatives might be preferred.

Consultation Before Switch:
Before transitioning to generics, consulting your healthcare provider is crucial. Generic versions might contain differing ratios of active and inactive components.

FDA Standards for Generics:
Generic medications approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) maintain the same strength of active ingredients but might deviate in inactive components.

Cost-Reduction Measures:
In instances where brand-name drugs are necessary but cost-prohibitive, exploring prescription drug insurance and available coupons could significantly alleviate expenses. Your pharmacist can provide insights into potential savings and eligible offers.

1.6 Million

An estimated 1.6 million people in the US were reported to have opioid use disorder in 2019, indicating a diagnosed addiction to opioids.

Source: NCBI

18%

In 2019, only about 18% of people with opioid use disorder received specialty treatment for their addiction.

Source: NSDUH