Oxycontin And Oxycodone are both medications that are used as painkillers. Both medications have characteristics to produce a morphine-like effect to reduce the pain in your body.
These medicines can have side effects, so they should always be taken when recommended by a doctor.
Key Takeaways
- OxyContin is a brand name for a time-release formulation of oxycodone, while oxycodone is the active ingredient in various pain-relief medications.
- OxyContin provides extended pain relief over 12 hours, while other oxycodone medications offer immediate pain relief with a shorter duration.
- OxyContin and oxycodone are classified as Schedule II controlled substances and have a high potential for abuse and addiction.
Oxycontin vs Oxycodone
Oxycodone is a generic opioid pain medication that is used to treat moderate to severe pain. It works by binding to the opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, which reduces the perception of pain. OxyContin is a brand-name extended-release formulation of oxycodone. It is designed to release the medication slowly over a period of 12 hours, providing long-lasting pain relief.
Oxycontin is a very strong painkiller which is used to help to get relief from severe ongoing pain. They are given to cancer patients to liberate their pain.
These are not occasional medications that can be used for moderate pain. These are prescribed tablets, and their overdose can highly affect your health.
Oxycodone is a pain killer which is sold under the brand name Roxicodone and Oxycontin. It is an opioid medication and is a highly addictive drug which is why it should be taken when advised by a doctor.
This medicine provides relief in 15 minutes which can last up to six hours. It is available in combination with other medicines as well.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | Oxycontin | Oxycodone |
|---|---|---|
| What are they? | A pain killer drug is used to treat patients who have severe pain like cancer patients. | It is a pain killer which is an opioid medication. |
| Side effects | Nausea, vomiting, constipation, weakness, headache, Respiratory issues, low blood pressure, Itching, Rashes, etc. | Addiction, hallucinations, nausea, vomiting, sweating heavily, dizziness, loss of appetite, low blood pressure, etc. |
| Bioavailability | It is mostly taken as a tablet with oral bioavailability of 60 to 87%. | It can be taken as a tablet by mouth or by injection. |
| Onset of action | Starts providing relief 10 to 30 minutes and can last up to 3 to 6 hours for immediate release formulation. For controlled-release formulations, it starts providing relief within 1 hr which lasts up to 12 hours. | It provides relief within fifteen minutes and lasts for up to six hours. |
| Excretion | 8% to 14% is excreted over 24 hours. | 83% of it is excreted through urine. |
What is Oxycontin?
Oxycontin is a pain killer, a controlled drug used in cases with patients with severe ongoing pain like cancer patients. This medication is an extended version of Oxycodone.
It contains higher concentrations of oxycodone. The medication has to be taken under guidance.
Regular use without a prescription can lead to addiction as it is a narcotic drug. It gives a feeling of relaxation and euphoria as the medicine starts to work.
The medicine starts its effect within 10 to 30 minutes to provide relief.
It has side effects like Nausea, vomiting, sweating, dry mouth, constipation, weakness, headache, Respiratory issues, low blood pressure, Itching, Rashes, difficulty in swallowing, loss of appetite, change in blood pressure, etc.
The long-term use of this medication will also cause fatal effects, like it can cause opiate use disorder, memory loss, kidney or liver failure, severe tolerance, and can cause problems solving skills, etc.
The overdose of the medicine is fatal as it can lead to nausea, cardiovascular hyperactivity, Extreme lethargy state, urine retention, kidney or liver failure, etc. The abrupt withdrawal of the medicine can also be harmful, and it can lead to anxiety and thoughts of suicide.
What is Oxycodone?
Oxycodone is a generic medication that is used as a pain killer. It is an opioid medication which means it is an opiate agonist. It initiates a physiological response when combined with a receptor called endogenous opioid receptor.
They activate the neurotransmitters, which eventually results in relief from pain.
Oxycodone is a highly addictive drug, so it should only be taken by a doctor’s prescription. It can cause side effects like addiction, hallucinations, nausea, vomiting, sweating heavily, dizziness, loss of appetite, low blood pressure, shallow breathing, etc.
The Overdose of oxycodone can lead to a slow heart rate, cold skin, respiratory arrest, spinal cord infarction, low blood pressure, breathing problems, and even death.
The medication is available in combination with various tablets like paracetamol, Ibuprofen, aspirin, etc. The medication is available in a variety of formulations, mainly in immediate-release and controlled-release formulations.
This medication can be taken in the form of tablets as well as injections. It provides relief in 15 to 20 minutes. If you are taking this medicine, don’t take it frequently or withdraw it abruptly.
Withdrawing the medicine can lead to severe effects as well. Check with your doctor before taking any step.
Main Differences Between Oxycontin And Oxycodone
- Oxycontin is a narcotic painkiller drug medication with higher concentrations of oxycodone.
- Oxycontin takes up to 10 to 30 minutes to provide relief and can last up to 3 to 6 hours for immediate release formulation. For controlled-release formulations, it starts providing relief within 1 hour, lasting up to 12 hours. Oxycodone provides relief within fifteen minutes and lasts for up to six hours.
- Oxycontin, as prescribed by doctors, has to be taken only after 12 hours. Oxycodone can be taken after 4.5 hours.
- Oxycontin is excreted almost 8% to 14% over 24 hours. 83% of Oxycodone is excreted through urine.
- Both drugs are highly effective. An overdose of any of them can be fatal. Oxycontin is more deadly as it contains higher concentrations of oxycodone.
- https://headachejournal.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1526-4610.2004.04008.x
- https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEjMc1204141
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0885392405000369
Last Updated : 04 August, 2023
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Oxycontin and Oxycodone, both are opioids to treat severe pain. Oxycontin is the brand name of the time-release formulation of oxycodone.
It’s important to be cautious with these powerful painkillers, as they can have serious side effects when not taken as prescribed.
Understanding the differences between Oxycontin and Oxycodone is crucial to ensure safe and effective pain management. Proper education and guidance are essential for patients.
Oxycontin and Oxycodone have both immediate and extended-release formulations. It’s important for patients to understand the differences between these medications.
Both Oxycontin and Oxycodone should be used cautiously due to their potential for addiction and serious side effects. Patients must seek medical advice before taking these medications.
The unique properties of Oxycontin and Oxycodone make them potent pain relief options. However, their potential for abuse and harmful effects highlights the importance of responsible use.
It’s vital for individuals to understand the bioavailability and onset of action of Oxycontin and Oxycodone to ensure safe and appropriate usage.
Patients need to recognize that Oxycontin and Oxycodone are controlled drugs, and their use should be closely monitored by healthcare providers to minimize the risk of misuse.
It’s worth noting that Oxycontin and oxycodone are classified as Schedule II controlled substances, meaning they have a high potential for abuse and addiction.
Patients should be aware that the overdose of both Oxycontin and Oxycodone can have severe health effects. It’s crucial to only take these opioids as directed by a healthcare professional.
Oxycontin and Oxycodone are strong painkillers primarily used for cancer patients. It’s essential to be aware of their rapid onset and long-term side effects.