Oxycodone Vs Dilaudid | Key Differences in Opioid Pain Relief

Living with pain at times can be distressful. Discomfort due to injury, pain from a severe condition like arthritis, need immediate attention and finding an effective relief is crucial in these cases. Oxycodone and Dilaudid are two of the most potent medicines to treat severe to tolerable pain.

Dilaudid, the brand name for hydromorphone, is notably potent–almost 4 to 5 times more powerful than oxycodone. It is a preferred choice for treating unbearable, persistent pain in patients who have developed a tolerance to other opioids. Doctors recommend oxycodone that is less powerful for drastic and persistent pain. It comes in immediate-release and extended-release tablets.

In this blog, we will highlight the differences between Oxycodone and Dilaudid, their uses, side effects, dosing information and safety measures for patients.

Comparison Between Oxycodone and Dilaudid Medicines

Depending on various parameters, these two medicines are opioid pain relievers and work in unique ways. To start with the basic differences.

Introduction to Oxycodone and Dilaudid

Oxycodone – It is a dominant popular opioid drug and doctors recommend it to treat severe or constantly recurring pain. The medication acts by cementing itself to receptors in the brain that greatly alters the insight of discomfort.

This medicine can be taken alone or by combining with other non-opioid painkillers like acetaminophen. This drug comes in immediate-release (IR) and extended release (ER) formulation and is an ideal painkiller for those wanting a 24/7 pain control. As it is potent, drug dependency is a major problem which needs attention and may require oxycodone addiction rehab at times.

Dilaudid – Researchers think it is more potent than Oxycodone, which translates to lower doses of Dilaudid, a prerequisite to achieve the same pain relief. In fact, when doctors find Oxycodone and other opioids no longer effective, they administer hydromorphone (Dilaudid).

Hydromorphone are a part of the opioid analgesics that act directly on the brain so often used in hospitals for severe pain management or after surgery pain.

Oxycodone and Dilaudid: Mechanism of Action

Oxycodone – It is chemically produced from thebaine, an element of the poppy plant. It reduces pain by binding to some opioid receptors. This lessens the perception of pain and can germinate positive feeling and happiness.

Dilaudid – Hydromorphone attaches to and triggers specific structures in the body. This blocks the pain sensation and produces a feeling of goodness.

A low dose of the drug tends to make one sleepy, but an elevated dose risks the body and can slow the breathing rate, thus causing death. One has to be careful with the doses of opioid medicines. The feeling of goodness may tempt you to take these drugs seldom at high doses. And this can lead you to drug dependency and addiction.

Medical Uses of Oxycodone and Dilaudid

In the United States, you need a prescription from a doctor to obtain these drugs. Because they can be abused, doctors limit how often they prescribe them for numerous uses.

Oxycodone – A doctor may recommend this medicine to manage pain conditions, which include:

• Prolonged back pain
• Cancer-related pain
• Acute after surgery pain that requires a long-term management
• To manage pain in the condition of non-opioid medicines have ceased to work

Dilaudid – Doctors recommend Hydromorphone oral tablets to treat severe or unbearable pain when other drugs have failed. The extended-release tablet manages pain for daily patients who need it for 24/7 pain relief. Dilaudid is normally preferred for after surgery pain and in hospital settings.

Dosage Forms and Strengths

Doctors tailor the dose depending on the patient’s pain level, tolerance power, and history with opioids.

Oxycodone – Different dosages are available as:

• IR tablets: Available in 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg strengths, whereas capsules come in 5 mg strength. These can be taken once every four to six hours.
• ER Capsules or tablets: 10 to 80 mg, typically taken once every 12 hours.

Dilaudid – Normally, available in the following combinations:

• Oral tablets: 2 mg, 4 mg, 8 mg
• ER oral tablets: 8 mg, 12 mg, 16 mg, 32 mg
• 1 mg/mL oral solution
• 3 mg rectal suppository

Common Side Effects of Oxycodone & Dilaudid

Adverse effects are common as with any medicine. Some complications include:

• Constipation
• Sleepiness
• Nausea and vomiting
• A feeling of lightheadedness
• A feeling of euphoria
• Itching
• Dry mouth
• Nightmares and hallucinations
• Slow or shallow breathing
• Trouble urinating

A far reaching side effect with the use of these medicines is respiratory depression. It can lead to sluggish breathing. This tends to be fatal, especially on taking large doses of opioids or a combination of these with other sedatives like alcohol.

Precautions

As these are opioids, both the drugs on long term use are liable to make the user drug dependent or addicted. As the brain activity triggers with the use of these medicines, this produces a state of deep excitement known as euphoria besides relief from pain.

• When taking these drugs abstain from alcohol.
• A patient with a history of substance abuse must confide it to his or her doctor.
• Usually unsafe to use in pregnancy particularly in the third trimester.
• Under the influence of these medications avoid driving or use of heavy machinery that needs concentration.
• Risk for convulsions is high in patients with seizure conditions.

Which Opioid Works Better for Pain: Oxycodone or Dilaudid?

To decrease the likelihood of adverse effects and addiction, it’s critical to keep up with your doctor’s advice and take these drugs as directed. Some deciding factors include:

Oxycodone considerations:

• Works better for mild to severe pain.
• For long-lasting relief, extended-release versions work fine.
• Although it is less effective than Dilaudid, it still carries a high risk of addiction.

Dilaudid considerations:

• Ideal for chronic, severe pain.
• Frequently used for patients with severe opioid tolerance or in hospital settings.
• Increased chance of adverse effects and addiction.

Conclusion

Oxycodone and Dilaudid are opioids and work well to get relief from pain. As these are potent drugs, they may not suit every person. Understanding the differences between them will help you make an informed decision that is safe and wise to use them.

Your nature of pain and how your body reacts to opioids influences the best course of action. These medicines when used under the supervision of a doctor make them more safe and valuable for the patients.