Comparison: Oxycontin vs. Oxycodone – LORAzepamum Medical Blog
What are Oxycodone and Oxycontin?
Oxycodone and Oxycontin are drugs prescribed for pain relief. They belong to the opioid class of drugs, similar to codeine and morphine. Oxycodone is commonly found in various medications and is often used in combination with other drugs. However, it can also be used alone or in immediate-release products. It is primarily used to treat post-surgery pain, broken bones, chronic pain, and cancer-related pain. Oxycodone is typically taken orally in tablet form with a prescription.
Oxycontin, on the other hand, is a prescription opioid specifically used to treat pain that cannot be managed with non-opioid pain medications. It is important to note that opioids like Oxycontin can be addictive and even fatal if misused. Unfortunately, opioid overdoses claim the lives of over 100 Americans every day. It is crucial to learn about the safe use of Oxycontin and to be able to identify any misuse. While Oxycodone can be bought without a prescription, it is essential to take necessary safety measures.
Which is stronger: Oxycodone vs. Oxycontin?
Determining which is stronger between Oxycodone and Oxycontin is challenging as both are well-known drugs. They are typically prescribed to patients requiring long-term pain relief. While some may consider Oxycodone to be less potent due to its frequent use with other medications, it is still an opioid drug. However, it can be safely used in combination with Tylenol or ibuprofen. This does not necessarily mean that Oxycontin is always the more potent drug compared to Oxycodone.
Oxycontin is generally considered more potent because it has a longer-lasting effect. It is classified as a “long-acting” or “extended-release” painkiller, meaning it takes a longer time to work. Both Oxycodone and Oxycontin are used to treat moderate to severe pain, but Oxycodone is typically prescribed for chronic and intense pain that persists. It is important to note that high doses of Oxycontin or Oxycodone can be dangerous, so caution should always be exercised.
Which Painkiller is Right for You? Oxycontin vs. Oxycodone?
Oxycodone is an opioid painkiller used to treat moderate to very severe pain. People who have taken OxyContin or other pain medications like Tylox may recognize it as an active ingredient. In fact, OxyContin contains Oxycodone, so the generic name “oxycodone” refers to the brand OxyContin. While there are essential differences between the two, OxyContin has a time-release mechanism that allows the drug to be gradually released over time. This often means that a lower dosage of the drug is required.
Both drugs work by binding to opioid receptors in the central nervous system, altering how pain is perceived and affecting mood. OxyContin has more potent effects due to its higher concentration of Oxycodone and its addictive nature.
The Dosages of Oxycontin and Oxycodone
Oxycontin is the extended-release version of Oxycodone and is available in round-shaped tablets. Oxycodone, on the other hand, comes in narrower profile tablets ranging from yellow to light brown.
Controlled-release film-coated Oxycontin tablets are available in doses of 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 60, and 80 mg per tablet. The recommended dosage, as advised by the manufacturer, is one tablet every 12 hours (twice a day).
For oral dosage in adults, those who have not previously used opioids can take 5 to 15 mg of Oxycodone every four to six hours for pain relief. Individuals with chronic and severe pain may require medication every 4 to 6 hours. When switching from another opioid treatment, the strength of the previous drug should be considered when determining the total daily dose of Oxycodone.
For children aged 5 years or older, a dosage of 0.2 mg/kg PO administered 30 minutes before surgery has been found to reduce postoperative pain. However, compared to oral fentanyl, the doses of oxycodone used were higher.
Side Effects of Oxycontin and Oxycodone
Common side effects of Oxycontin include lightheadedness, dizziness, sedation, nausea, vomiting, headache, rash, and constipation.
Side effects of Oxycodone may include chills, cold sweats, confusion, difficult or labored breathing, and fever.
Precautions: Oxycodone and Oxycontin
Prescribers of Oxycod