Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsOxycodone vs. Hydrocodone DifferencesForms and DosageEffectivenessSide EffectsRisksFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Oxycodone vs. Hydrocodone Differences
Forms and Dosage
Effectiveness
Side Effects
Risks
Frequently Asked Questions
This article will compare hydrocodone vs. oxycodone. It will explain the difference between oxycodone and hydrocodone, which is stronger, their side effects, and more.
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Learn about the differences and similarities of oxycodone and hydrocodone.
Uses of Oxycodone and Hydrocodone
Oxycodone and hydrocodone are both used to treat pain.They are usually only used when other pain treatments haven’t worked. That’s because both carry a serious risk of dependence andaddiction.
A healthcare provider might prescribe these pain relievers if you have a severe injury like abroken bone, or if you’re recovering from surgery. People with painful, chronic conditions like cancer or sickle-cell disease may be prescribed oxycodone or hydrocodone as well.
Drug Class
Both oxycodone and hydrocodone are part of the same drug class. They are both Schedule II opioid or narcotic drugs.That means they have accepted medical uses (in this case, pain relief). However, they are also considered dangerous because they have a high potential for misuse and abuse.If you take either of these drugs for longer than a short period, you can become physically and psychologically dependent on them.
If you’re comparing hydrocodone vs. oxycodone, it’s important to consider the forms and dosage. While your healthcare provider will help you determine the forms and dosage that are right for you, the information below may also be helpful.
Oxycodone
Oxycodone comes in the following six forms:
Your healthcare provider will start you on a low dose of oxycodone to begin with—usually 5 to 10 milligrams every four to six hours.Over time, your body may become accustomed to the drug, and you’ll need a higher dose to get the same amount of pain relief. This is one of the reasons they can cause dependence and potentially lead to abuse.
How Long Does Oxycodone Take to Work?
Hydrocodone
Hydrocodone is available as an extended-release capsule or tablet. The tablet is taken once daily, and the capsule is usually taken once every 12 hours.Most often, you’ll start on a low dose of hydrocodone, usually 5–10 milligrams per dose.
Hydrocodone is only available as an immediate-release product when combined with a non-opioid such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Some prescription cough syrups also combine immediate-release hydrocodone with antihistamines and decongestants.
Comparing Percocet (Acetaminophen and Oxycodone) vs. Hydrocodone
Both hydrocodone and oxycodone are considered effective pain relievers. One study of people who visited the emergency room for pain found that 50% of them had less pain when they were given hydrocodone or oxycodone.
Hydrocodone and oxycodone have similar side effects overall. Because they are depressants, both medications can cause drowsiness, sedation, respiratory depression, and death if taking too much or using them too frequently. For your safety, it’s important not to drive a vehicle or operate machinery until you know how the medication affects you.
It’s important to avoid taking opioids with alcohol. Always ask your healthcare provider if you’re unsure how alcohol may interact with any medications you may be taking.
The common side effects of these medications are the same:
When to Call Your Healthcare ProviderBoth hydrocodone and oxycodone can have serious side effects. If you experience changes to heartbeat, have trouble breathing, develop hives, or experience other concerning symptoms call your healthcare provider immediately.
When to Call Your Healthcare Provider
Both hydrocodone and oxycodone can have serious side effects. If you experience changes to heartbeat, have trouble breathing, develop hives, or experience other concerning symptoms call your healthcare provider immediately.
Both oxycodone and hydrocodone are considered to have serious risks. That is why they are classified as Schedule II drugs. It’s important to be aware of the risks and discuss them openly with your healthcare provider.
Addiction
The biggest risk of oxycodone and hydrocodone is addiction. Both drugs carry an important warning about their potential to be habit-forming. If you or any of your household members have a history of substance use disorder or addiction, have a candid conversation with your healthcare provider about whether oxycodone or hydrocodone are right for you.
If you have a prescription for oxycodone and hydrocodone, talk to your healthcare provider about getting Narcan. This is an emergency nasal spray that can be used to reverse opioid overdose.
In March 2023, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Narcan Nasal Spray as an over-the-counter (OTC) emergency treatment for opioid overdose.
Drug Interactions
Oxycodone and hydrocodone have many drug interactions. You should tell your healthcare provider about any prescription drugs or supplements you take. You should also tell them about your alcohol use. They may recommend not drinking while you are taking oxycodone and hydrocodone.
The list of drugs that interact with oxycodone and hydrocodone is extensive. That’s why it’s important to tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you’re taking.Here’s an overview of some common drugs that interact with oxycodone and hydrocodone:
Withdrawals
If you’ve been taking hydrocodone or oxycodone for a while, your body can become dependent on the medications. You should never stop taking them suddenly because if you do, you can experiencewithdrawal. Talk with your healthcare provider abouthow to safely stop taking painkillers.
Tramadol vs. Oxycodone: What Are the Differences?
Summary
Hydrocodoneand oxycodone are opioid pain relievers used to treat moderate or severe pain. Both medications carry a serious risk for dependence and addiction. Because of that, they should only be used short term.
Before taking these medications, tell your healthcare provider about any medication you take, including vitamins and supplements. Talk about your alcohol use and how to safeguard yourself against opioid overdose.
Studies show that the two medications provide similar pain relief. Hydrocodone doses are taken less often, but when taken as prescribed, these drugs have similar strengths.
There are manyoptions for non-opioid pain relief. These include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Advil (ibuprofen), Tylenol, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, physical therapy, cognitive therapy, and more.
Correction - June 22, 2023: The article was updated to include immediate-release hydrocodone formulations.
10 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.Hydrocodone and oxycodone: How they’re different, how they’re the same, and why it matters. Caron.United States Drug Enforcement Administration.Drug scheduling.Sadiq, Nazia M., Travis J. Dice, and Therese Mead.Oxycodone.StatPearls Publishing, 2022.Habibi, Manuchehr, and Peggy Y. Kim.Hydrocodone and acetaminophen.StatPearls Publishing. 2022.Food and Drug Administration.FDA Drug Safety Communication: FDA requires labeling changes for prescription opioid cough and cold medicines to limit their use to adults 18 years and older.Chang, A. K., Bijur, P. E., Holden, L., & Gallagher, E. J.Comparative analgesic efficacy of oxycodone/acetaminophen versus hydrocodone/acetaminophen for short-term pain management in adults following ED discharge.Academic Emergency Medicine. 2015. doi.org/10.1111/acem.12813MedlinePlus.Hydrocodone.MedlinePlus.Oxycodone.
10 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.Hydrocodone and oxycodone: How they’re different, how they’re the same, and why it matters. Caron.United States Drug Enforcement Administration.Drug scheduling.Sadiq, Nazia M., Travis J. Dice, and Therese Mead.Oxycodone.StatPearls Publishing, 2022.Habibi, Manuchehr, and Peggy Y. Kim.Hydrocodone and acetaminophen.StatPearls Publishing. 2022.Food and Drug Administration.FDA Drug Safety Communication: FDA requires labeling changes for prescription opioid cough and cold medicines to limit their use to adults 18 years and older.Chang, A. K., Bijur, P. E., Holden, L., & Gallagher, E. J.Comparative analgesic efficacy of oxycodone/acetaminophen versus hydrocodone/acetaminophen for short-term pain management in adults following ED discharge.Academic Emergency Medicine. 2015. doi.org/10.1111/acem.12813MedlinePlus.Hydrocodone.MedlinePlus.Oxycodone.
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.Hydrocodone and oxycodone: How they’re different, how they’re the same, and why it matters. Caron.United States Drug Enforcement Administration.Drug scheduling.Sadiq, Nazia M., Travis J. Dice, and Therese Mead.Oxycodone.StatPearls Publishing, 2022.Habibi, Manuchehr, and Peggy Y. Kim.Hydrocodone and acetaminophen.StatPearls Publishing. 2022.Food and Drug Administration.FDA Drug Safety Communication: FDA requires labeling changes for prescription opioid cough and cold medicines to limit their use to adults 18 years and older.Chang, A. K., Bijur, P. E., Holden, L., & Gallagher, E. J.Comparative analgesic efficacy of oxycodone/acetaminophen versus hydrocodone/acetaminophen for short-term pain management in adults following ED discharge.Academic Emergency Medicine. 2015. doi.org/10.1111/acem.12813MedlinePlus.Hydrocodone.MedlinePlus.Oxycodone.
MedlinePlus.Oxycodone.
MedlinePlus.Hydrocodone.
Hydrocodone and oxycodone: How they’re different, how they’re the same, and why it matters. Caron.
United States Drug Enforcement Administration.Drug scheduling.
Sadiq, Nazia M., Travis J. Dice, and Therese Mead.Oxycodone.StatPearls Publishing, 2022.
Habibi, Manuchehr, and Peggy Y. Kim.Hydrocodone and acetaminophen.StatPearls Publishing. 2022.
Food and Drug Administration.FDA Drug Safety Communication: FDA requires labeling changes for prescription opioid cough and cold medicines to limit their use to adults 18 years and older.
Chang, A. K., Bijur, P. E., Holden, L., & Gallagher, E. J.Comparative analgesic efficacy of oxycodone/acetaminophen versus hydrocodone/acetaminophen for short-term pain management in adults following ED discharge.Academic Emergency Medicine. 2015. doi.org/10.1111/acem.12813
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