There are a number of different painkillers on the market today designed to handle all type of pain under different conditions. It is true that different brands of painkillers will have different effects based in large part upon the types of pain and patients that they treat. However, when the pain is too severe to be controlled by over the counter drugs, then stronger medications must be used.
Oxycodone and Dilaudid are two such painkillers that are called narcotic drugs which can help people cope with severe pain. These are prescribed medications and must be given under a doctor’s supervision. But which one is stronger or better for patients to use will depend on a number of different factors.
What is Dilaudid?
Also called Hydromorphine, this is a narcotic agent that is very similar to morphine. As an opioid analgesic, it has been used in a number of different clinical circumstances and is well known as a powerful painkiller.
What is Oxycodone?
This is known as a narcotic analgesic that affects the opioid receptors in order for it to bring its painkilling effect. The power of this particular painkiller is considerable, but there is also the danger that people can become addicted to this drug.
Similarities & Differences
In terms of how alike each drug is, there are very similar in terms of how they control pain and their overall effectiveness. Both drugs can be administered in tablet form or as a direct injection and they each have similar painkilling properties that may be difficult for patients to know the difference. Unfortunately, there is still the recreational use of each drug which is highly dangerous as it can lead to addiction.
There are differences between both drugs that will need to be taken into account before they are prescribed for use. Each drug comes from a different source as Dilaudid actually come from morphine which is why it has a very similar effect. Oxycodone however comes from thebaine which is a different source even though it is in the same family of opiate drugs.
Dilaudid is over twice as strong as Oxycodone and therefore is often prescribed in lower doses. In fact, Dilaudid is basically five times as strong as morphine whereas Oxycodone is less than two times as strong. In addition, Dilaudid is the preferred choice for those who have their kidney functions impaired because it contains fewer toxins.
Overall, for those who are considering switching from Oxycodone to Dilaudid and vise versa must keep in mind the differences in their relative strengths. While switching from Dilaudid can lead to having lower doses and effectiveness of the new drug, going from Oxycodone up to Dilaudid can be dangerous is the amount of the dosage is not subsequently reduced. Overdosing on either drug may lead to excessive drowsiness, difficulties in breathing to coma and even death depending on the circumstances.
You should consult with your doctor in making the switch from one painkiller to the other and understand the differences that each of them presents.