For treating long-term and short-term pain, you need prescription medications like OxyContin and Hydrocodone. These are the opioids that affect the receptors in the brain to reduce pain signals. Both drugs are mostly prescribed medication in the USA that effectively works for reducing pain. Somehow, both pills are prescribed for reducing pain, but they are used in different pain conditions. Therefore, to know the actual use, know the OxyContin Vs Hydrocodone differences here.
In this article, you will know about their uses, corresponding side effects, and risk factors, which will be useful for your optimal use. Selecting one from them will be tough for an extreme pain condition. So use it with a brief knowledge about the pill to avoid negative effects.
Brief Comparison of OxyContin Vs Hydrocodone Differences
Opioids are clinically proven for treating chronic pain conditions. Therefore, people are confused about Are OxyContin and Hydrocodone the same? To clarify this, knowing the OxyContin and Hydrocodone differences is crucial. Both are FDA approved for use in pain relief condition, but some characteristics of individuals distinguish them for different uses.
Characteristics of OxyContin And Hydrocodone
If you are ever familiar with Oxycodone, then you have known to OxyContin. Because the pill OxyContin is an extended-release version of Oxycodone. OxyContin is nothing but Oxycodone Hydrochloride, needed when around the clock solution is needed. It slowly releases over the time to give a steady effect. It has two variants, OC and OP OxyContin according to its chemical structure. The OC version of OxyContin are generic, and the OP version of OxyContin is coated with a layer that protects it from crushing or breaking.
This OP is specially designed to prevent misuse. The available doses of OxyContin are: OC 5 mg, OC 10 mg, OC 20 mg, OC 30 mg, OC 40 mg, OC 60 mg, OC 80 mg, and the different forms of OP variants: OP 10 mg, OP 15 mg, OP 20 mg, OP 30 mg, and OP 40 mg, OP 60 mg, OP 80 mg.
Hydrocodone is also a prescribed opioid that is used to control pain symptoms. It also reduces inflammation with its analgesic nature. Hydrocodone is a semi-synthetic composition that is combined with acetaminophen reduces pain also works as a cough suppressant. It is available in tablets, capsules, and liquid form with the brand names Lortab, Vicodin, and Norco.
How Do They Work For Pain Relief
Hydrocodone and OxyContin, containing Oxycodone, works by affecting mu-receptors in the brain. It binds to the receptors in brain and stops the transmission of pain signals in the central nervous system. Both Hydrocodone and OxyContin works in this way for preventing the regulation of pain signals. But the difference is high potential and longer-acting formula of OxyContin. OxyContin’s slowly releasing formula is able to control the pain signal for a long time, whereas hydrocodone is able to manage the pain for short duration compared to OxyContin.
Similar Properties Hydrocodone And OxyContin
Due to Hydrocodone and OxyContin shares some similar properties, they creates an illusion to their uses. Know here how they are similar to each other
- Their mechanism of action is quite similar to each other. Both of them affects mu receptors in the brain for reducing pain.
- Both them carries the potential of addiction due to their sedative effect.
- Hydrocodone and OxyContin are classified as opioid analgesic.
- Both pills carries risk of sleepiness, nausea, constipation, and dizziness, so they are categorized into Schedule II type drug in USA.
Key Facts of OxyContin And Hydrocodone Differences
Although OxyCOntin and Hydrocodone have some similar properties they are different medications used for pain relief. Both of them are differe from each other due to some distinct characteristics. These differences are very important for the people who thinks they are same and the take OxyContin as an alternativeive of Hydrocodone.
- OxyContin has 4.5 to 6.5 hours of half-life and Hydrocodone has 4 hours of life. This data represents that Hydrocodone is flushed out faster than OxyContin.
- OxyContin is considered as higher potency than the Hydrocodone. Because it is able to long lasting pain relief formula than hydrocodone.
- OxyContin is prescribed for moderate to severe pain management but Hydrocodone is prescribed for pain management with additionally reducing inflammation in the body.
- OxyContin and Hydrocodone are semi-synthetic opioid but Oxycontin is derived from thebaine and Hydrocodone is derived from codeine. But both are part of the opium poppy.
Risk Factors Associated With OxyContin And Hydrocodone
As you know both pills Hydrocodone and Oxycodone’s extended release form OxyContin is FDA approved for medical use but they carries some risk factors. Generally, they do not cause any negative effects, but sometimes the accidental use and careless use can cause unwanted situations. So before using the pill know their corresponding side effects in detail to handle the situation whenever it happens.
These pills can cause some common side effects like
- Nausea
- Rashes
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Withdrawal symptoms
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
How Long Does Hydrocodone and OxyContin Stay in the Blood or Urine?
How long the pill will stay in your system is completely depend on the factors like age, metabolism, and current health condition of a patient. The Hydrated people will wuick flushes out the substances of medicines than dehydrated people. Normally Hydrocodone is detectable in urion for two to four days and in blood for up to 24 hours. Similarly OxyContin is detectable in blood for 1 day and in urin foe 3-4 days. So take these pill carefully after consulting a doctor only.