Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsComparison At a GlanceHow Do They Work?Which Works Better for Pain?How to Take It?Side Effects and Safety
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Comparison At a Glance
How Do They Work?
Which Works Better for Pain?
How to Take It?
Side Effects and Safety
Vicodin (hydrocodone-acetaminophen) and Percocet (oxycodone-acetaminophen) are prescription opioid combination drugs containing acetaminophen, the main ingredient in Tylenol.
Vicodin and Percocet are equally effective at managing pain. As opioids, they have the same side effects and risk for addiction, dependence, and misuse. However, they differ in some ways, such as the active opioid drugs in the medication. Vicodin contains hydrocodone, while Percocet containsoxycodone.
The brand name Vicodin has been discontinued and is no longer available on the market. It is available as generic hydrocodone and under other brand names such as Anexsia.However, users generally still refer to hydrocodone-acetaminophen as Vicodin.
Opioid SafetyBoth Vicodin and Percocet come with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) boxed warnings regarding the risk ofaddiction, overuse, or misuse of opioids. This risk can occur even at recommended doses. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have a history or family history of substance use disorder or a mental health condition.
Opioid Safety
Both Vicodin and Percocet come with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) boxed warnings regarding the risk ofaddiction, overuse, or misuse of opioids. This risk can occur even at recommended doses. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have a history or family history of substance use disorder or a mental health condition.
Vicodin and Percocet have many similarities, but they differ in a few ways, including their active opioid ingredients and available dosage forms. The table below provides a quick glance at the similarities and differences between them.
Vicodin and Percocet are combination pain-relieving medicines. Vicodin has hydrocodone, while Percocet has oxycodone. Both are combined with acetaminophen.Oxycodone and hydrocodone are in a class of medications called opiate (narcotic) analgesics (pain-relievers).
Acetaminophen, also an analgesic, works to enhance the opioid’s pain-relieving capabilities. The exact mechanism of action is unclear, but it is thought to work on thecentral nervous system (CNS).
Another study compared the effectiveness ofhydrocodone (in Vicodin) and oxycodone (in Percocet)in reducing pain sensitivity due to burns. The results showed that hydrocodone is more effective in managing burn-induced pain than oxycodone. However, this study was conducted in rodents. Therefore, these results may not translate to humans.
A Word From VerywellHydrocodone/acetaminophen is available in tablet and liquid forms, while Percocet is only available as a tablet. Liquid formulations are beneficial for those who have difficulty swallowing or use G-tubes. There are also differences in the amount of acetaminophen between the two. Hydrocodone/acetaminophen offers formulations with 300 mg and 325 mg of acetaminophen per dose, while Percocet only offers 325 mg.—LINDSAY COOK, PHARMD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
A Word From Verywell
Hydrocodone/acetaminophen is available in tablet and liquid forms, while Percocet is only available as a tablet. Liquid formulations are beneficial for those who have difficulty swallowing or use G-tubes. There are also differences in the amount of acetaminophen between the two. Hydrocodone/acetaminophen offers formulations with 300 mg and 325 mg of acetaminophen per dose, while Percocet only offers 325 mg.—LINDSAY COOK, PHARMD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Hydrocodone/acetaminophen is available in tablet and liquid forms, while Percocet is only available as a tablet. Liquid formulations are beneficial for those who have difficulty swallowing or use G-tubes. There are also differences in the amount of acetaminophen between the two. Hydrocodone/acetaminophen offers formulations with 300 mg and 325 mg of acetaminophen per dose, while Percocet only offers 325 mg.
—LINDSAY COOK, PHARMD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
For Vicodin, the amount of acetaminophen in it may vary depending on the formula. The following table shows the dosing strengths and maximum dosage for adults.
Percocet is available in the following dosing combinations for use in adults.
Do not abruptly discontinue Vicodin or Percocet in people who may be physically dependent on opioids. Rapidly stopping the use of opioid analgesics may result in severewithdrawal symptoms, such as:
It is recommended to keep naloxone on hand when you or someone is using opiates. In case of a suspectedoverdoseor severe adverse effects, immediatelygive naloxone as an antidote. Naloxone reduces the effects of the opioids in the body.
Naloxone Use
Naloxone is available in different dosage forms, such as nasal spray, injectable, and auto-injector. It is also available under the brand names Narcan and Evzio and as a generic medicine. Anybody can use it in case of a suspected overdose.
Vicodin and Percocet both contain opioid drugs as their major active ingredient, so they have similar side effects. Some common side effects include:
Call your healthcare provider if you have these symptoms or if they worsen.
In some cases, opioids can cause more severe side effects. Call for immediate medical help if you have any of the following symptoms.
When to Call 911Opioid overdose can be life-threatening if immediate medical care is not provided. Immediately call911if you or someone you are with develops the following symptoms, including:Blue or purple nails or lipsLimp bodyLow heartbeatPale or clammy faceShallow breathingSmall pupilsUnconsciousness or as in a deep sleepVomiting
When to Call 911
Opioid overdose can be life-threatening if immediate medical care is not provided. Immediately call911if you or someone you are with develops the following symptoms, including:Blue or purple nails or lipsLimp bodyLow heartbeatPale or clammy faceShallow breathingSmall pupilsUnconsciousness or as in a deep sleepVomiting
Opioid overdose can be life-threatening if immediate medical care is not provided. Immediately call911if you or someone you are with develops the following symptoms, including:
Interactions
Vicodin and Percocet may cause drug-drug interactions with the following drugs.
Do not use Vicodin or Percocet if you are takingmonoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)medications (a class of antidepressants) or have stopped taking them within the past two weeks. MAOIs include:
Taking Vicodin or Percocet with CNS depressants can cause severe drowsiness, decreased awareness, breathing problems, coma, and death. These include:
Taking Vicodin or Percocet at the same time as any cytochrome P450 3A4 inhibitors (drugs that block the activity of the CYP3A4 enzyme) may increase the drug’s concentrations in the blood. This can cause increased or prolonged side effects, such as potentiallyfatal respiratory depression.Examples of these types of medications are:
This may not be a complete list of drug interactions. Tell your healthcare provider about all prescription and nonprescription drugs you take to avoid any side effects.
Who Should Not Take Opioids?
Other Risks
It is important to talk to your healthcare provider before using these products if you have any of the following:
Do not stop taking these medicines without asking your healthcare provider. It may cause severe withdrawal effects. Your healthcare provider will slowly reduce the dose to stop it gradually within a few weeks.
SAMHSA HelplineIf you or a loved one are struggling with substance use or addiction, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat800-662-4357for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.
SAMHSA Helpline
If you or a loved one are struggling with substance use or addiction, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat800-662-4357for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.
Summary
Vicodin and Percocet are potent opioids used for pain relief. Percocet is available in both a generic (hydrocodone-acetaminophen) and a branded form, but Vicodin is now only available as a generic (oxycodone-acetaminophen).
Always use as prescribed and immediately call a healthcare provider in case of an overdose. It is also helpful to keep naloxone on hand to use in case of an emergency.
12 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.Oxycodone.MedlinePlus.Hydrocodone combination products.MedlinePlus.Hydrocodone combination products.DailyMed.Label: Percocet- oxycodone hydrochloride and acetaminophen tablet.DailyMed.Label: Hydrocodone bitartrate acetaminophen tablet.MedlinePlus.Opiate and opioid withdrawal.Coates S, Lazarus P.Hydrocodone, oxycodone, and morphine metabolism and drug–drug interactions.The Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics.2023;387(2):150. doi:10.1124/jpet.123.001651Chang AK, Bijur PE, Holden L, Gallagher EJ.Comparative analgesic efficacy of oxycodone/acetaminophen versus hydrocodone/acetaminophen for short‐term pain management in adults following ed discharge. Miner J, ed.Academic Emergency Medicine.2015;22(11):1254-1260.Emery MA, Shawn Bates ML, Wellman PJ, Eitan S.Hydrocodone is more effective than morphine or oxycodone in suppressing the development of burn-induced mechanical allodynia.Pain Medicine.2170–2180. doi:org/10.1093/pm/pnx050DailyMed.Label: hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen solution.Food and Drug Food Administration.FDA recommends health care professionals discuss naloxone with all patients when prescribing opioid pain relievers or medicines to treat opioid use disorder.Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.Opioid overdose.
12 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.Oxycodone.MedlinePlus.Hydrocodone combination products.MedlinePlus.Hydrocodone combination products.DailyMed.Label: Percocet- oxycodone hydrochloride and acetaminophen tablet.DailyMed.Label: Hydrocodone bitartrate acetaminophen tablet.MedlinePlus.Opiate and opioid withdrawal.Coates S, Lazarus P.Hydrocodone, oxycodone, and morphine metabolism and drug–drug interactions.The Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics.2023;387(2):150. doi:10.1124/jpet.123.001651Chang AK, Bijur PE, Holden L, Gallagher EJ.Comparative analgesic efficacy of oxycodone/acetaminophen versus hydrocodone/acetaminophen for short‐term pain management in adults following ed discharge. Miner J, ed.Academic Emergency Medicine.2015;22(11):1254-1260.Emery MA, Shawn Bates ML, Wellman PJ, Eitan S.Hydrocodone is more effective than morphine or oxycodone in suppressing the development of burn-induced mechanical allodynia.Pain Medicine.2170–2180. doi:org/10.1093/pm/pnx050DailyMed.Label: hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen solution.Food and Drug Food Administration.FDA recommends health care professionals discuss naloxone with all patients when prescribing opioid pain relievers or medicines to treat opioid use disorder.Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.Opioid overdose.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
MedlinePlus.Oxycodone.MedlinePlus.Hydrocodone combination products.MedlinePlus.Hydrocodone combination products.DailyMed.Label: Percocet- oxycodone hydrochloride and acetaminophen tablet.DailyMed.Label: Hydrocodone bitartrate acetaminophen tablet.MedlinePlus.Opiate and opioid withdrawal.Coates S, Lazarus P.Hydrocodone, oxycodone, and morphine metabolism and drug–drug interactions.The Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics.2023;387(2):150. doi:10.1124/jpet.123.001651Chang AK, Bijur PE, Holden L, Gallagher EJ.Comparative analgesic efficacy of oxycodone/acetaminophen versus hydrocodone/acetaminophen for short‐term pain management in adults following ed discharge. Miner J, ed.Academic Emergency Medicine.2015;22(11):1254-1260.Emery MA, Shawn Bates ML, Wellman PJ, Eitan S.Hydrocodone is more effective than morphine or oxycodone in suppressing the development of burn-induced mechanical allodynia.Pain Medicine.2170–2180. doi:org/10.1093/pm/pnx050DailyMed.Label: hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen solution.Food and Drug Food Administration.FDA recommends health care professionals discuss naloxone with all patients when prescribing opioid pain relievers or medicines to treat opioid use disorder.Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.Opioid overdose.
MedlinePlus.Oxycodone.
MedlinePlus.Hydrocodone combination products.
DailyMed.Label: Percocet- oxycodone hydrochloride and acetaminophen tablet.
DailyMed.Label: Hydrocodone bitartrate acetaminophen tablet.
MedlinePlus.Opiate and opioid withdrawal.
Coates S, Lazarus P.Hydrocodone, oxycodone, and morphine metabolism and drug–drug interactions.The Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics.2023;387(2):150. doi:10.1124/jpet.123.001651
Chang AK, Bijur PE, Holden L, Gallagher EJ.Comparative analgesic efficacy of oxycodone/acetaminophen versus hydrocodone/acetaminophen for short‐term pain management in adults following ed discharge. Miner J, ed.Academic Emergency Medicine.2015;22(11):1254-1260.
Emery MA, Shawn Bates ML, Wellman PJ, Eitan S.Hydrocodone is more effective than morphine or oxycodone in suppressing the development of burn-induced mechanical allodynia.Pain Medicine.2170–2180. doi:org/10.1093/pm/pnx050
DailyMed.Label: hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen solution.
Food and Drug Food Administration.FDA recommends health care professionals discuss naloxone with all patients when prescribing opioid pain relievers or medicines to treat opioid use disorder.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.Opioid overdose.
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