Both are opioid painkillers with slightly different forms and side effects
Hydrocodone and oxycodone are bothopioid pain relievers.
Theyre available by prescription to treat moderate to severe pain, including that fromcanceror recentsurgery.
This article will compare hydrocodone vs. oxycodone.
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Thats because both carry a serious risk of dependence andaddiction.
People with painful, chronic conditions like cancer or sickle-cell disease may be prescribed oxycodone or hydrocodone as well.
Drug Class
Both oxycodone and hydrocodone are part of the same drug class.
This is one of the reasons they can cause dependence and potentially lead to abuse.
Hydrocodone
Hydrocodone is available as an extended-release capsule or tablet.
Hydrocodone is only available as an immediate-release product when combined with a non-opioid such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
Some prescription cough syrups also combine immediate-release hydrocodone with antihistamines and decongestants.
Effectiveness
Both hydrocodone and oxycodone are considered effective pain relievers.
Side Effects
Hydrocodone and oxycodone have similar side effects overall.
It’s important to avoid taking opioids with alcohol.
Risks
Both oxycodone and hydrocodone are considered to have serious risks.
That is why they are classified as Schedule II drugs.
Its important to be aware of the risks and discuss them openly with your healthcare provider.
Addiction
The biggest risk of oxycodone and hydrocodone is addiction.
Both drugs carry an important warning about their potential to be habit-forming.
People who misuse these drugs by taking them more often than prescribed are at risk for overdose.
This is an emergency nasal spray that can be used to reverse opioid overdose.
Drug Interactions
Oxycodone and hydrocodone have many drug interactions.
You should tell your healthcare provider about any prescription drugs or supplements you take.
You should also tell them about your alcohol use.
They may recommend not drinking while you are taking oxycodone and hydrocodone.
The list of drugs that interact with oxycodone and hydrocodone is extensive.
You should never stop taking them suddenly because if you do, you’re able to experiencewithdrawal.
Talk with your healthcare provider abouthow to safely stop taking painkillers.
Summary
Hydrocodoneand oxycodone are opioid pain relievers used to treat moderate or severe pain.
Both medications carry a serious risk for dependence and addiction.
Because of that, they should only be used short term.
Before taking these medications, tell your healthcare provider about any medication you take, including vitamins and supplements.
Talk about your alcohol use and how to safeguard yourself against opioid overdose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Studies show that the two medications provide similar pain relief.
Hydrocodone doses are taken less often, but when taken as prescribed, these drugs have similar strengths.
Hydrocodone and oxycodone are extremely similar.
They are both synthetic opioid pain relievers that work by changing how the brain and neurological system process pain.
There are manyoptions for non-opioid pain relief.
Correction - June 22, 2023: The article was updated to include immediate-release hydrocodone formulations.
Hydrocodone and oxycodone: How they’re different, how they’re the same, and why it matters.
United States Drug Enforcement Administration.Drug scheduling.
Sadiq, Nazia M., Travis J.
Dice, and Therese Mead.Oxycodone.StatPearls Publishing, 2022.
Habibi, Manuchehr, and Peggy Y. Kim.Hydrocodone and acetaminophen.StatPearls Publishing.
