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Hydrocodone vs. Oxycodone

Hydrocodone and Oxycodone both are the narcotic analgesics medicines prescribed for pain relief. Although Oxycodone and Hydrocodone both are chemically similar having almost similar side effects but still there are many differences between the two. Oxycodone is about 5 times more potent as compare to Hydrocodone and is thus recomended for sever pain. Both of the drugs maintain the pain for about 4 to 6 hours on average. Both of medicines take about 30 to 60 minutes to take effect against pain. Oxycodone has a immediate release version which provide pain relief within 10 to 15 minutes while Hydrocodone does not have any immediate release version. Oxycodone is preferable over Hydrocodone for pregnancy pain as it is more safe but neither of the two the ideal pain reliever for pregnant women. Formula of Hydrocodone is C18H21NO3 while that of Oxycodone is C18H21NO4. Half life of Hydrocodone is 3.8 to 6 hours while half life of Oxycodone is about 3 to 4.5 hours. Hydrocodone is cheaper than Oxycodone.

Key Differences

In case of severe pain Oxycodone is recommended while in case of moderate pain Hydrocodone is recommended.
Oxycodone can be prescribed during pregnancy while Hydrocodone can not be recommended in case of pregnancy.
Samantha Walker
May 10, 2016
Formula of Hydrocodone is C18H21NO3 while that of Oxycodone is C18H21NO4.
Janet White
May 10, 2016
Half life of Hydrocodone is 3.8 to 6 hours while that of Oxycodone is about 3 to 4.5 hours.
Aimie Carlson
May 10, 2016
Oxycodone is about 5 times more potent as compare to Hydrocodone and is thus recomended for sever pain.
Aimie Carlson
May 10, 2016
At the pharmacy even doctor can not order for the Oxycodone while on the other hand Hydrocodone can be ordered any where even without the prescription of the doctor.
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In Drug classification all of the Oxycodone drugs come under the Schedule II classification while some of the hydrocodone drugs are placed under Schedule III classification.
Hydrocodone is available in market as a combination of drugs while Oxycodone can be found as a single ingredient drug in the market.
Janet White
May 10, 2016
Hydrocodone is cheaper than Oxycodone.
When used as pain reliever Oxycodone proofs to be stronger as compared to Hydrocodone.
Dependence liability of Hydrocodone is moderate only while Oxycodone has moderate to high dependence liability.
Aimie Carlson
May 10, 2016
For preganacy pain Oxycodone is safer as compare to that of Hydrocodone.
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Maximum daily dosage for Oxycodone is 80mg per day while that of Hydrocodone is 40mg per day.
Oxycodone is available in a long acting formula and hydrocodone is not.
Samantha Walker
May 10, 2016

Hydrocodone and Oxycodone Definitions

Hydrocodone

A narcotic drug derived from codeine, C18H21NO3, used in its bitartrate form as an analgesic and antitussive.

Oxycodone

A semisynthetic opioid drug, C18H21NO4, used in its hydrochloride form as a pain reliever, often in combination with nonopioid analgesics such as acetaminophen.

Hydrocodone

(pharmaceutical drug) A habit-forming compound that is derived from codeine and is administered in the form of its bitartrate C18H21NO3·C4H6O6 usually in combination with other drugs (as acetaminophen) as an analgesic or antitussive.

Oxycodone

(pharmaceutical drug) A synthetic analgesic drug (trademark OxyContin) that is similar to morphine in its effects.
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What is Hydrocodone?

Hydrocodne is a narcotic analgesic that is presribed by doctors for pain relief. In Drug classification some of the hydrocodone drugs are placed under Schedule III classification. Formula of Hydrocodone is C18H21NO3. Most of the Hydrocodone products are mixed with ibuprofen or other such chemicals. That is why it has vast range of side effects and is thus not recommended for the pregnancy pain. Half life of Hydrocodone is 3.8 to 6 hours. It should not be used for normal pains as it has variety of side effects i.e. vomiting, nausea, headache, nausea, muscle and back pain, swelling of hands or feet, appetite loss. It is a bit cheaper narcotic drug.

What is Oxycodone?

Oxycodone is a narcotic analgesic that is presribed by doctors for pain relief. In Drug classification all of the Oxycodone drugs come under the Schedule II classification. Fomula of Oxycodone is C18H21NO4. Oxycodone is always available as a stand-alone medicine. Oxycodone has a immediate release version which provide pain relief within 10 to 15 minutes. Oxycodone can be prescribed during pregnancy. Half life of Oxycodone is about 3 to 4.5 hours. . It should not be used for normal pains as it has variety of side effects i.e. vomiting, nausea, headache, nausea, muscle and back pain, swelling of hands or feet, appetite loss.

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