Saturday, September 21, 2013

Oxycodone vs. Hydrocodone


Hydrocodone and oxycodone are very popular among both manufacturers and consumers. Do these terms sound familiar? If not, they are basically generic terms for some pain medications that are commercially available. For example, hydrocodone has multiple brands such as Lortab, Vicodin, Lorcet and several other medications. Oxycodone is derived from opium and is also marketed under a wide range of brands such as ibuprofen, Non-steroidal Anti-Inflammatory drug and oxycontin. Hydrocodone and oxycodone are similar but not entirely the same. As a matter of fact, Oxycodone is mostly perceived as being a stronger alternative to hydrocodone. The similarities and differences of these two pain medications are described below.

Oxycodone vs. Hydrocodone: Similarities

These two pain medication have a lot in common on account of being categorized as recreational drugs or even as controlled substances. They have similar side effects as well as dosage instructions. Oxycodone and hydrocodone are both available in generic form that is relatively not too expensive compared to other recreational drugs. With such drugs however, one should be ware potential overdose because even a little bit of extra dosage is capable of playing havoc with the body. When taking either of these two drugs, it is advisable to avoid consuming alcohol because it can make the side effects worse.
Oxycodone is known to take care of
  • Legs bruises, probably from uncomfortable shoes
  • Muscle stress mostle from training with the wrong sport accesories
  • Facial issues
Oxycodone vs. Hydrocodone: Differences

Hydrocodone and oxycodone have various aspects that make them different. Some of these differences are in the form of dosage, restriction, withdrawal and availability. Let us consider each of this difference in details. 

· Dosage: as far as strength is concerned, 5mg of oxycodone is equivalent to 7.5mg of hydrocodone. This is the conversion necessary to cause the same effects. If you are lightweight and with a weak stomach, hydrocodone is much better for you. On the other hand, if your stomach can handle a stronger stuff, then oxycodone is the most natural choice because of its relatively stronger potency.

· Withdrawal: Patients should be careful not to break the extended release pills. This can result in a dangerous influx of the oxycodone or hydrocodone. Patients who do not have opiate tolerance and take 60mg tablets of oxycodone can suffer severe problems that could lead to death. 

· Availability: according to MedlinePlus, oxycodone is usually available alone or in combination with some other medication like aspirin, acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Dosage options include short or long acting version which patients need to use only once a day. Oxycodone can be taken as a tablet, capsule, liquid or even concentration solution. On the other hand, hydrocodone is never available alone. It comes combined with acetaminophen and just like oxycodone; it also has a short and long acting version. It can be taken as a capsule, syrup, solution or tablet.

· Restrictions: there are restrictions for both pain medications meant to prevent abuse. Specifically, hydrocodone is usually considered a schedule II while oxycodone is a schedule III. The difference in rating means that patients abuse the latter more often than the former. This rating also affects how patients can get their prescriptions refilled. For instance, patients can receive 6 refills of hydrocodone in a span of five months while oxycodone patients cannot receive a refill. A doctor’s prescription is required when a patient is need of more oxycodone. This practice is meant for preventing abuse of this drug.

you can find more on
http://ethehealthadvisor.com/oxycodone-vs-hydrocodone/