Hydrocodone vs Hydromorphone: Is hydromorphone stronger than hydrocodone?

In regular life you often experience pain due to work burden however, it also occurs due to injury and specific health conditions like arthritis, cancer, post surgical effects etc. Hence pain often leads to days of discomfort and obstruction. Therefore, it is essential to treat as soon as possible to get relief from pain. To manage pain there are a lot of efficacious drugs that provide instant relief from pain these include Hydrocodone and Hydromorphone. Doctors may suggest these two medicines are for treating moderate to severe pain in patients.

Hydrocodone and Hydromorphone are two potent narcotics. The physician prescribes these painkillers in high-stakes medical conditions. However the two medications differ greatly in terms of potency, speed and adverse effects. Knowing how these medications differ from one another could mean the difference between beneficial relief and unintended side effects regardless of whether you’re a patient healthcare professional or simply interested in how they compare. Let’s examine the science advantages and disadvantages of these two titans of pain management to see how they actually stack up.

What is the Difference Between Hydrocodone and Hydromorphone?

Here are some important points to differ these painkillers.

Overview of Hydrocodone

Hydrocodone is a generic medicine for pain relief. It is specifically used to treat moderate to severe pain. Doctors prescribe semisynthetic opioids to treat pain in suffering individuals. Various brand names, including Hycet, Lorcet, Narco, Verdrocet, Vicodin, Xodol, and Zamicet, market the narcotic analgesic combination drug class.

Hydrocodone is a prescription drug. Hence, it must be used after getting a prescription from a doctor to avoid further health complications and risks. It is FDA approved medicine hence you can unhesitatingly get a prescription from a doctor to take these pills. Furthermore, hydrocodone is classified under the Schedule II Controlled Substance Act in the USA.

The drug comprises the prime compositions such as magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, corn starch, silicon dioxide, stearic etc. Doctors usually recommended this opioid medicine to those who are above 18 years of age and suffering from moderate to severe pain.

The medicine is available in three major forms: oral tablet, oral solution and oral capsule. These pills vary in colors and dosage imprints, and can be recognized by different imprinted initials.

How Hydrocodone Works for Pain Relief?

The prime work of Hydrocodone drug is to bind the receptor inhibited from adenylyl-cyclase and hyperpolarization of neurons in the brain. This medicine specifically works on the mu opioid receptor as an opioid receptor.

Hydrocodone oral pill minimizes the effects of those chemicals that are responsible for causing pain in patients. It also activates delta-and kappa-opioid as the plasma medicine. The drug starts to work within 10 to 15 minutes in the body and stays active up to 4 hours.

Common Dosages of Hydrocodone

• Hydrocodone 5 mg (oral oval white pill)
• Hydrocodone 7.5 mg (oral oval white pill)
• Hydrocodone 10 mg (oral oval white Pill)
• And many more.

Overview of Hydromorphone

Strong prescription drugs like hydromorphone are used to treat moderate to severe pain. It is a member of the class of medications known as opioid analgesics which alter how the nervous system and brain react to pain. A potent drug called hydromorphone is frequently prescribed to patients who require constant pain relief or who have had surgery or an injury. Dilaudid and Exalgo are just two of the brand names under which it is marketed. In the US hydromorphone is a Schedule II controlled substance just like hydrocodone.

This means that it has a high potential for abuse and should only be used under a doctor’s supervision. To prevent major health risks and adverse effects this FDA-approved medication should only be taken with a valid prescription. Injectable solutions oral tablets and oral liquids are among the various forms of hydromorphone. In addition to coming in a range of strengths the tablets and pills may be distinguished by their distinct colors or markings.

Lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose and other inactive substances that aid in pill formation are among the ingredients in the medication. When adults over 18 experience severe pain that is unmanageable with less potent drugs doctors typically prescribe hydromorphone.

How Hydromorphone Relieves Pain?

In the brain and spinal cord hydromorphone primarily binds to opioid receptors particularly the mu-opioid receptor which is essential for preventing pain signals. To help relieve moderate to severe pain, hydromorphone binds to these receptors and decreases the activity of specific chemicals that send pain signals. Although less so this medication also affects other opioid receptors such as delta and kappa. By inhibiting adenylyl cyclase and causing hyperpolarization hydromorphone reduces neuronal excitability which hinders the transmission of pain signals through the nervous system. Depending on the dosage and the condition of the individual the oral form typically begins to work within 15 to 30 minutes and can offer relief for approximately 4 to 5 hours.

Common Dosages of Hydromorphone

Here are the common oral doses of Hydromorphone:

• Hydromorphone 2 mg (White oral round or triangular tablet)
• Hydromorphone 4 mg (Yellow oral round tablet)
• Hydromorphone 8 mg (White oral round tablet)
• Hydromorphone 12 mg (extended-release tablet)
• Hydromorphone 16 mg (extended-release tablet)

Uses of Both Hydrocodone and Hydromorphone

Following are the the uses of both the drugs:

• Religiously follow the guiding information given by the doctor.
• You should avoid consuming alcohol and grapes. For instance, as these foods and beverages are prohibited with these drugs.
• Take proper rest after having the pill.
• While experiencing acute pain, do not take an overdose without informing the doctor.
• Do not chew, crush, or break the pill or capsules in the mouth. The medicine is made to swallow whole.
• Use the doses of the drug according to your age and health conditions for recommended period.
• After consuming the pill, keep the rest of medication in an appropriate environment.

Side Effects of These Drugs

Hydrocodone can cause side effects in persons when taken for an extended duration. A few such side effects caused by the medicine are:

• Faintness
• Weakness in body
• Skin Rash
• Dark Urine
• Headache
• Hiccups
• Indigestion
• Muscle pain
• Loss of appetite
• Sleeping problem
• Abnormal dreams
• Weight loss
• Anxiety
• Belching
• Drowsiness
• Hair loss
• Chills
• Confusion
• Fever
• Stomach discomfort

Safety Measures

Individuals should know the safety precautions as well when taking any medication. Here mentioned the precautions for hydrocodone and hydromorphone.

• Patients who have asthma or any other health-related problems should not take these opioid drugs.
• Pregnant women or breastfeeding women should not use these medicines.
• Do not suddenly withdraw from Hydrocodone and Hydromorphione.
• The medication is only permissible when you are 18 years of age.
• Do not consume alcohol during medication periods; it can lead to further health complications.
• Do not use other opioids drugs when taking the these drugs.

Conclusion

Here in this blog post you have seen the use of both hydrocodone and hydromorphone drugs which treat moderate to severe pain. Also learn about their potency rates of action and clinical applications. In outpatient settings these drugs are frequently used.

Both drugs can be used for both short-term acute pain and long-term pain management in patients who are opioid tolerant because it acts more quickly and offers more potent pain relief. Due to the high potential for addiction both medications must be used strictly under medical supervision. The patient’s medical history tolerance and degree of pain will determine which option is best for them. In the end both are essential for managing pain when taken properly and safely.