What is Oxycodone?
Oxycodone is a semi-synthetic chemical compound that is an opioid derivative used to treat moderate to severe pains. It belongs to the group of pain relief medicines called narcotic analgesics. Oxycodone is a highly addictive and abused drug. It is administrated orally and provides immediate pain relief.
It is in two formulations immediate release and prolonged or controlled release. This drug is only used when other painkillers do not respond and cannot be tolerated. The drug is available in the form of extended-release capsules and tablets, tablets, capsules, and in solution form. Typically this drug has a faster onset of action.
It provides pain relief within 15 minutes and lasts six hours with immediate formulations after its administration. It is also available in injection form in some countries. Oxycodone is also available in combination with paracetamol. ibuprofen, naloxone, asprirn and naltrexone.
It binds MU opioid receptors in the nervous system that neuromodulate different physiological functions. They work on the nervous system to relieve pain.
What is Hydrocodone?
Hydrocodone, also called dihydrocodeinone, is a schedule 2 semi-synthetic opioid pain reliever medication. It is also an opioid analgesic used to treat pain when other painkiller medicines are not well enough or unable to relieve pain. It is an antitussive (cough suppressant) agent for treating moderate to severe pain.
It is administrated orally. Studies indicate that hydrocodones are more effective than codeine and morphine derivatives in pain relief. It belongs to the group of medicines called narcotic analgesics. It acts on the central nervous system for pain relief and is a cough suppressant. It is a sedative agent whose long-term use can cause addiction in patients.
It is available in combination with acetaminophen/hydrocodone or ibuprofen/hydrocodone for pain relief, as a cough suppressant, and in combination with homatropine methylbromide. It is a long-acting painkiller. It is a controlled drug in the United States. It activates MU opioid receptors in the nervous system, specifically in the brain and spinal cord.
Difference Between Oxycodone and Hydrocodone?
Oxycodone is a synthetic opioid derivative used to treat moderate to severe pain derived from thebaine. It is available in combination with paracetamol, ibuprofen, aspirin, etc.
In comparison, hydrocodone is also an opioid derivative derived from codeine. It is available with acetaminophen, ibuprofen for pain relief, or homatropine methylbromide as a cough suppressant.
Comparison Between Oxycodone and Hydrocodone
| Parameter | Oxycodone | Hydrocodone |
| Definition | Oxycodone is a semi-synthetic chemical compound with an opioid derivative used to treat moderate to severe pains. | Hydrocodone, also called dihydrocodeinone, is a schedule 2 semi-synthetic opioid pain reliever medication. |
| Source of formation | It is extracted from thebaine, an opiate alkaloid. | It is removed from codeine which is an opiate prodrug. |
| Chemical Formula | Chemical formula of oxycodone is C18H21NO4. | The chemical formula of hydrocodone is C30H36N2O11. |
| Mode of administration | Oral administration. | Oral administration. |
| Uses | It is used for moderate to severe pain treatment. | It is also used as a cough suppressant for moderate to severe pain treatment. |
| Side effects | Oxycodone is associated with side effects like drowsiness, dizziness, headaches, etc. potential for abuse. | Hydrocodone is associated with side effects like stomach pain, gastrointestinal issues like constipation, etc. Potential for abuse. |
| Receptors | MU opioid receptors. | MU opioid receptors. |
| SKUs | 10, 20, 40, and 80 mg extended-release tablets and capsules. | 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10 mg extended-release tablets. |
References
- Fanoe, S., Jensen, G.B., Sjøgren, P., Korsgaard, M.P. and Grunnet, M., 2009. Oxycodone is associated with dose‐dependent QTc prolongation in patients and low‐affinity inhibiting hERG activity in vitro. British journal of clinical pharmacology, 67(2), pp.172-179.
- Molina, D.K. and Hargrove, V.M., 2011. What is the lethal concentration of hydrocodone?: a comparison of postmortem hydrocodone concentrations in lethal and incidental intoxications. The American Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology, 32(2), pp.108-111.