Hydrocodone vs OxyContin: Key Difference, Dosage, Potency, & Risks Explained
Opioids are the most widely used pain relievers, acting as the first line of treatment for pain ranging from moderate to extreme. They help to block the pain signals, thus making the body unable to feel the pain. There are wide range of medicines belonging to the family of Opioids which we must have used in our day-to-day life. Hydrocodone and OxyContin are also Opioids and carry out the same task as the rest of their members. Both these drugs are quite similar to each other and have very limited differences between them. So, this blog focuses on Hydrocodone vs OxyContin to give you detailed insights on their differences.
Further in this blog, we will be answering your queries, like Is OxyContin stronger than Hydrocodone? Can you take Hydrocodone and OxyContin together? And different alternatives for each of the drugs.
Differentiating Between Hydrocodone and OxyContin: Dosage, Strength, Risks, & Alternatives
What are Hydrocodone and OxyContin?
Hydrocodone is an Opioid analgesic that acts on the central nervous system (CNS) to provide relief from pain. It is available in the market under the brand names of Vicodin, Norco, Lortab, and Co-Gesic. The formulations of Hydrocodone are in the form of tablets, syrup, and solutions. This drug belongs to the category of Schedule II drugs, which makes it highly vulnerable to addiction and dependency. So, better be careful if your doctor has given you this drug for your pain relief. Apart from being a pain reliever, Hydrocodone is also used as a cough suppressant.
OxyContin is an extended-release form of Oxycodone to provide lasting pain management. This drug is mostly used for adults, and in the case of children, if they are above 11 years and have already been taking opioids. The formulations are available as tablets, capsules, and oral solutions. OxyContin also belongs to the category of Schedule II drugs and is extremely vulnerable to addiction. Be careful while handling this drug, and never try to overdose on it.
Is Hydrocodone and OxyContin The Same?
There are certain similarities between Hydrocodone and OxyContin, such as the class of drugs they belong to and their uses. They are both even similar in their Schedule category. But, despite all of these, it will be incorrect to say that they are similar to each other. They both differ from each other in their dosage, their available formulation, risks, and most significantly, potency. You should not alternate these drugs on your own due to the misconception that they are similar. Consult a doctor and accordingly.
What is The Difference Between Hydrocodone and OxyContin?
As discussed above, Hydrocodone and OxyContin are not entirely similar, and they each have certain factors that contribute towards their differences. Let’s discuss all those factors in detail to gain insights into how and why they make these drugs apart.
Dosage of Hydrocodone vs OxyContin
The doctor provides you with a smaller dose at first to help the body adjust to the drug. The doses are changed later depending on the requirement.
Hydrocodone Doses
- The initial dose for adults is 2.5 to 10 mg, which is to be taken every 4 to 6 hours as needed.
- If the condition is not improved, the doses can be increased by 10 mg.
OxyContin Doses
- The initial dose for adults is 10 mg every 12 hours.
Side Effects
The individuals taking either Hydrocodone or OxyContin face certain after effects of the drugs. These effects are natural and are the way to indicate that the medicine is working properly. Certain effects are common to individuals taking these drugs. The effects are:
- Dizziness
- Loss of appetite
- Weakness
- Conspitation
- Seizure
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
In addition to all of these common effects, certain other drug-specific effects are also noticed in individuals taking either Hydrocodone or OxyContin. People taking Hydrocodone can have a frequent urge to urinate, difficulty in breathing, a sore throat, loss of voice, and depression. Similarly, people taking OxyContin may observe effects like asthenia, rashes, and respiratory depression.
Drug Interactions
Not all drugs are compatible with each other, and if mixed, they result in an interaction. It is better to be aware of all the drugs in advance to prevent any interactions.
Drugs that interact with Hydrocodone
Drugs that interact with OxyContin:
- Alprazolam
- Ambien
- Baclofen
- Clonazepam
- Cyclobenzaprine
- Diazepam
- Gabapentin
- Lorazepam
- Lyrica
- Tizanidine
- Tramadol
- Xanax
Which is Stronger, Hydrocodone or OxyContin?
Despite belonging to the same Schedule category, OxyContin is considered to be more potent than Hydrocodone. The reason behind this is that Oxycodone is an active ingredient in OxyContin, and Oxycodone is 1.5 times more potent than Hydrocodone. This means that a small quantity of OxyContin can work a miracle for the pain as compared to a large amount of Hydrocodone. Therefore, OxyContin is generally prescribed in the smallest dose possible to avoid any negative effects on the body.
Which is Better, OxyContin or Hydrocodone?
If the drug can help the patient solve their problem, then it is considered a better option for them. In the case of Hydrocodone and OxyContin, the individuals taking these drugs are apart from each other in their condition. A person taking OxyContin is generally expected to have a high tolerance for opioids and must be able to handle the high side effects well. Similarly, Hydrocodone, being a slightly less potent drug, can be a better option for people with a lower tolerance capacity to opioids. If taken according to the requirements, then both OxyContin and Hydrocodone would prove to be the best drugs for individuals to relieve their pain.
Can You Take Hydrocodone and OxyContin Together?
After all the above discussion, it must have been clear that it’s better not to mix these highly potent drugs. The interaction between Hydrocodone and OxyContin can be deadly and poses a high risk of enhancing all the side effects and increased sedation. It should only be tried if the doctor advises you to mix Hydrocodone and OxyContin for extreme pain such as extreme. The combination is done with a negligible amount of Hydrocodone and OxyContin to avoid the risk of addiction and dependency.
Alternatives to Hydrocodone and OxyContin
There are certain alternatives available in the market for individuals unsuitable to take either of the drugs. Let’s discuss the alternative options for Hydrocodone and OxyContin.
Alternatives for Hydrocodone
- Ibuprofen
- Naproxen
- Diclofenac
- Duloxetine
- Cymbalta
- Tramadol
- Gabapentin
- Percocet
Alternatives for OxyContin
- Tramadol
- Dilaudid
- Hydrocodone
- Tapentadol
Precautions
The correct way of storing the drugs is extremely important to keep them safe for use for a longer period of time. Certain precautions must be followed before and after being prescribed the drugs to ensure your safety. The steps are:
- Check for allergies: Make sure that the ingredients are safe for you and do not pose any risk of getting you allergic. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any ingredients or any food so that they can help you prescribe accordingly.
- Side Effects: The side effects are common to every drug, but if the symptoms are quite persistent, then consult the doctor to lower the doses or to provide you with alternatives.
- Storage: Store the drug in a place away from children and animals. Ensure the place is cool and dry, and not in contact with direct sunlight.
- Disposal: Do not throw away the bottle or the expired medication openly; rather, wrap them in any plastic and throw them in the proper disposal area.
Conclusion
After discussing each of the details regarding how these drugs differ from each other, we can conclude that Hydrocodone and OxyContin are two different drugs having their own characteristics. It is better not to mix them and also not to overdose on any of them without taking your doctor’s advice. These drugs pose a potential risk of taking life, so ensure that you are using, storing, and disposing of them properly. Relax your body and mind, and stay happy for the medicine to work perfectly and relieve you of your pain.