Codeine vs Vicodin For Pain Relief: Everything You Need to Know Before Taking Them
Codeine and Vicodin are two medicines that help when someone has pain. But they are not the same. Codeine is a softer medicine that helps with small pains, like when something hurts a little. Vicodin is a stronger medicine that helps with bigger pain, like after an injury. Some people think they are the same, but they work in different ways. In today’s blog, Codeine vs Vicodin, we will understand Codeine and Vicodin difference, how they work, how they help individuals with pain, and how dangerous their interaction is in a simple and easy-to-understand explanation. So, let’s get started with the blog.
Codeine vs. Vicodin: Differences, Uses, Side Effects & Which Is Right for You
Basics Of Codeine
Codeine is a naturally occurring opioid that is directly derived from the opium of the Poppy plant. It is a medication that is used to treat mild to moderate pain symptoms and suppress certain types of coughs. This drug is approved by the FDA and is scheduled under categories II, III, and V according to its formulation type. It is a less potent opioid than many other opioids, but it has an analgesic effect. So some drug addicts use this drug illegally through some street names. They are listed below;
- Cody
- Little c
- Sizzurp
- Purple Drank
- Doors & Fours
- Captain Cody
- Schoolboy
- Loads
Basics Of Vicodin
Vicodin is a powerful semi-synthetic opioid that combines an opioid and a non-opioid in its formulation. It is a pain-killing medication that helps people deal with moderate to serious levels of pain effectively. This is classified by the FDA as a Schedule II category due to its combination type. It carries the risk of physical dependence due to its strength. When the pain condition of a patient is not getting healed by other medications, then Vicodin is prescribed. As it is a strong opioid and has a risk of physical dependence, it is always prescribed as a short-term treatment for pain relief. This is made by the combination of two compounds, which are hydrocodone and acetaminophen, so its street names are always linked to the hydrocodone compound.
- Vic
- Vike
- Hydro
- Fluff
- V-itamin
- Watson-387
- Hydros
What is The Difference Between Codeine and Vicodin?
As we know, both Codeine and Vicodin are opioids, so many people might ask Are Codeine and Vicodin the Same? But no, they are not the same medication. Vicodin and Codeine are very different from each other, the differentiating factors being strength, dosages, formulation and etc. The major difference between Codeine and Vicodin is that one of them is a single compound, and the other is a combination product of two compounds. Let’s discuss those factors in the explanation below.
Dosages
| Features | Codeine | Vicodin |
| Composition | Opioid only | Combination of hydrocodone and acetaminophen |
| Common Dosage | 15, 30, and 60 mg | Combined composition of hydrocodone/acetaminophen in the range of 5 mg/325 mg, 7.5 mg/325 mg, and 10 mg/325 mg |
| Regular dose | 15-60 mg | One tablet every four to six hours as needed for pain |
| Maximum limit of the dose | 120 mg | The maximum medication is limited to 6 tablets for a day |
| Potency | Less Potent | More Potent |
Half life
| Parameters | Codeine | Vicodin |
| Half-life | 2 to 4 hours | 3.3 to 4.8 hours |
| Onset of Action | 30 to 60 minutes | 10 to 30 minutes |
| Peak Effect | 60 to 90 minutes | 30 to 60 minutes |
| Duration of Effect | 4 to 6 hours | 4 to 8 hours |
| Bioavailability | 60% | 60% to 88% |
Can You Mix Codeine And Vicodin On The Same Day?
As we have understood from above, both Codeine and Vicodin are two opioids. Opioids work by depressing the central nervous system. These medications are very strong in nature. If you will take Codeine and Vicodin together, then there are high chances that this mixture will enhance the dangerous effects of both drugs. This combination is highly risky and harmful, so you should not mix these medications on your own. There are several danger points of this combination. Let’s see what are those below.
Dangers of taking Codeine and Vicodin together
- Loss of consciousness
- Extreme sleepiness
- Heavy Sedation
- Coma
- Hepatotoxicity
- Overdose
- Breathing becomes slowed
- Brain injury
- Lack of oxygen
- Liver Damage
- Death
Drug Interaction of Codeine vs Vicodin
Now we all understand that Codeine and Vicodin interact with each other, and the reason behind the interaction is clear and simple. Their interaction is harmful and can cause permanent damage to our bodies. But there are several other groups of drugs that interact with Codeine and Vicodin. Let’s take a look at them.
Drugs That Interact With Codeine
Medications That Interact With Vicodin
Side Effects
Codeine and Vicodin have a little difference in their working mechanism, but their after effects that they leave in the body are almost similar to each other because of their drug class, which is opioids. These two drugs have a lot of similar side effects that can range from minor to major. So, let us know about their side effects.
Very Common Side Effects of Codeine and Vicodin
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Drowsiness
- Vomiting
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
- Sweating
- Headache
- Lightheadness
Serious Side Effects of Codeine and Vicodin
- Hives
- Coma
- Swelling
- Dark urine
- Hypotension
- Slow Breathes
- Hepatotoxicity
- Confusion
- Agitation
- Unable to wake up
- Stomach pain in the upper area
- Skin or eyes getting yellow
- Death
How Long Does Codeine or Vicodin Stay in The System?
Sometimes drugs can stay in your system for a longer period than you think. To detect if you have used any drugs, a doctor might perform some tests. Every test result can differ due to an individual’s health factors and the half-life of the used drug. Now, let’s discuss how long Vicodin and Codeine can stay in an individual’s system.
| Drug Screening | Codeine | Vicodin |
| Urine | 24 to 48 hours | 48 to 72 hours |
| Blood | 12 to 24 hours | 12 to 24 hours |
| Saliva | 24 hours to 4 days | 12 to 36 hours |
| Hair | Up to 90 days | Up to 90 days |
Alternatives of Codeine vs Vicodin
There are several conditions where people are unable to use Codeine or Vicodin, so some alternatives are available to use that are effective and work the same way to provide the same level of relief. Let’s see what other alternatives there are to choose from instead of Codeine or Vicodin.
Alternative Medication For Codeine
Vicodin Alternative Medications
- Gabapentin
- Cymbalta
- Lyrica
- Celebrex
- Oxycodone
- Morphine
- Avinza
- Kadian
- Pregabalin
- Tylenol
Final Thoughts
At the end, we hope this blog was an easy answer to all your queries about the difference between Codeine and Vicodin. These are two strong prescription-only medications, so never try to use them without your doctor’s advice or illegally. This major safety step will keep you safe and happy.