Medical Advice

Lortab vs Oxycodone for Pain

Lortab vs Oxycodone

Due to hectic days and certain health problems like arthritis, cancer, muscle spasms, and injuries, individuals experience pain. They face difficulty in managing physical health, mental health, workplace, family, and relations as well. To manage pain conditions, there are lots of pain reliever drugs. Lortab and oxycodone are two common medications used to manage these conditions. Both drugs are used for the same conditions but may differ in working mechanisms. Today we will be discussing the Lortab vs Oxycodone comparison and analyzing both the drugs in detail.

However, before taking medication, one must recognize the pain episodes and need to regularly monitor them. Then get the right consultation from a doctor to use the drug. There are also various medications available to treat pain such as Hydrocodone, Tramadol, Hydromorphone, Oxycontin, etc. All these drugs are popular and widely prescribed painkillers in the USA.

What is Lortab?

Lortab is a pain reliever drug used in treating several pain conditions, like back pain, Arthritis pain, moderate to severe pain, etc. This branded medicine sold under the brand name such as Xodol, Vicodin, Maxidone, Zyfrel, etc.

Lortab medicine contains acetaminophen and hydrocodone generic drugs as active ingredients. It belongs to the narcotic analgesic combination drug class. Furthermore, the medicine is categorized under the Schedule II Controlled Substance Act.

The drug is a prescription-only medicine. Along with acetaminophen and hydrocodone, the medicine contains inactive ingredients, like magnesium stearate, silicon dioxide, Stearic Acid, croscarmellose sodium, etc.

The drug is available in the form of oral oval tablets with different imprinted initials. However, the drug comes in three forms, such as oral tablet, oral capsule, and oral solution. These also vary in dosage strengths and colors. Those individuals who are suffering from pain and are under 18 years old are not admissible to take the Lortab drug.

However, Lortab is a discontinued medicine in the USA, but its generic variant is used to lessen pain in patients.

What is Oxycodone?

Oxycodone is a generic drug of OxyContin medicine. It is a painkiller used in treating pain conditions in patients. The medicine used in the treatment of the conditions, for instance, injuries, discomfort during operations, pain due to cancer, back pain, unbearable pain due to other reasons, etc.

It is a prescription drug and belongs to the Scheduled II Controlled Substance Act. Meanwhile, it has the approval of the FDA to treat moderate to severe pain conditions. However, Tramadol, Ibuprofen, Gabapentin, etc., also have the efficacy to treat pain conditions.

The medicine is identified by its various colors, size, and round shape having different imprinted initials. It is also sold under the brand names such as Roxicodone, OxyContin, Oxyfast, etc. OxyCodone pills and tablets are supplied in the US market by Rhodes Pharmaceuticals company. This pain-relief medicine contains key ingredients such as stearic acid, lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, oxycodone hydrochloride, etc.

Comparison: Lortab vs Oxycodone:

Function of Both Drugs:

Lortab

The main work of the Lortab tablet is to stimulate the mu-opioid receptors in the brain. Opioid-like receptors are usually found in the Central Nervous System (CNS) which activates responses fluctuating from analgesia to respiratory depression to euphoria.

In simple words, it acts in the brain to change feelings and respond to the pain in the individual’s body. This medicine stays active in the body for up to 4 hours to provide relaxation from moderate to severe pain.

People can take the tablet every four to six hours as per requirement. The dosages should be adjusted by the doctor after reviewing the patient’s pain condition.

Oxycodone

The main function of Oxycodone pills is to bind the receptor inhibited from adenylyl-cyclase and hyperpolarization of neurons. It particularly works on the mu-opioid receptor in the brain.

In other words, this medicine lessens the effects in patients of those chemicals that are responsible for incurring pain. Oxycodone drug is mostly available in the form of oral tablets which is easy to consume for the patients.

After taking this drug, it starts to work in 10 to 15 minutes in the body and stays active for up to 6 hours. The initial dose of Oxycodone is 5 mg and the maximum dose is 160 mg. Individuals who are above 11 years old can take this pain relief drug.

Doses: Lortab vs Oxycodone

Some Lortab doses are as follows-

Here is a list of a few Oxycodone doses:

Similarities: Lortab vs Oxycodone

  • Both medicines are used to treat pain conditions in individuals.
  • The drugs are categorized under the Schedule II Controlled Substance Act.
  • Both medicines’ work is similar.
  • These two medicines are FDA-approved.
  • Both are prescription drugs.
  • These two medicines are not admissible to those who are below 10 years.

Differences: Lortab vs Oxycodone

  • Oxycodone is a generic drug, while Lortab is a branded medicine.
  • Both medicines comprise different genetic compositions.
  • The medicines are manufactured by two different companies.
  • Both medicines’ active duration also varies.
  • Lortab is permissible for those who are above 18 years old, while Oxycodone is permissible for those who are 11 years old.

Guide for Both Drugs to Use:

Following is the usage guide for both medicines.

  • While having either medicine make sure hands are clean and dry.
  • When taking a tablet or a pill consume an adequate amount of water.
  • Do not chew or crush the tablet in your mouth because it may release an extra amount of drug at once.
  • Keep the medicine at the temperature.
  • Do not give and suggest these medicines to other patients who are suffering from pain.

Side Effects of Oxycodone and Lortab Drug:

  • Dizziness
  • Light-headedness
  • Loss of appetite
  • Weakness in body
  • Nausea
  • Fever
  • Hot and cold sweating
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Stomach discomfort
  • Skin rash
  • Dark urine
  • Hair fall
  • Faintness
  • Muscle pain
  • Sleeping problem
  • Abnormal dreams
  • Weight loss
  • Anxiety
  • Indigestion

Precautions of Both Medications:

  • Do not use other opioids when taking Oxycodone or Lortab.
  • Read the product label carefully before using these narcotic drugs.
  • If one is allergic to opioids, do not use these analgesic medicines.
  • Avoid performing tasks that require consciousness after taking the pills.
  • If you have asthma problems, do not use these drugs.
  • Avoid taking these medicines during pregnancy.
  • Do not suddenly stop taking Oxycodone or Lortab.
  • Use these medications according to your age and health condition.
  • Do not consume alcohol throughout the medication period.

Conclusion

Pain conditions often become challenging and affect regular life. Therefore, people use the drugs to manage pain. Both Lortab and Oxycodone medicines are effective in treating pain.

However, while managing pain and discomfort and taking medicines, following all guiding information, which is given by the doctor is indispensable. We hope this blog will help you to differentiate between both drugs and choose either medicine according to your health and preference.

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