What is the difference between Hydrocodone and Oxycontin?

Answer 1

Oxycontin is a Chronic Pain medication, the timed release version of Oxycodone, which is a Schedule II Controlled Substance (Opiate). Others that are Schedule II are Morphine, Demerol, Methadone, Dilaudid, etc. Oxycodone is the generic name OxyContin is the brand name for that drug. Oxycodone is sold under various generic and combination brand names - for example, Oxycodone/apap is the same as Percocet.

Because of its time release component and effectiveness of at least 12 hours (the reality is closer to 8-10 for opiate tolerant patients, only 7 for me when I used to take it years ago) it is normally prescribed as a chronic pain medication.

Schedule II narcotics cannot have refills; the prescription cannot be called in by anyone; each prescription refill can only be obtained by getting a new prescription from your doctor each time. This is the biggest difference between Schedule II and Schedule III drugs.

Hydrocodone is a Schedule III controlled substance, and is usually sold under the brand name Vicodin. Schedule III drugs can be refilled a limited number of times, and it can be called in to a pharmacy. The opiate and effectiveness is much lower than it is with Schedule II drugs. Schedule II drugs are either prescribed for short term severe pain, or for people like me who have chronic severe pain lasting years, they are prescribed in quantity and on a regular basis. Vicodin and other S-III drugs are what's known as Acute Pain drugs, pain that is expected to go away after an injury or operation heals, or pain that isn't bad enough to require a Schedule II drug.

Oxycontin is oxycodone in a controlled release formulation, the same narcotic analgesic that is in Percocet and Percodan. Hydrocodone is a different, slightly less potent narcotic analgesic. Hydrocodone is the narcotic that is used in commonly prescribed products like Vicodin, Lorcet, and Lortab.

Primary differences:

Oxycontin: Hydrocodone:

Long acting (12 hours) Short acting (3 to 4 hours)

Uses oxycodone alone Usually prescribed as

Vicodin, Lortab or Lorcet (hydrocodone

plus acetaminophen)

More potent Less potent

No dose limit Dose limit on acetaminophen (Tylenol)

Answer 2

There are many difference between Hydrocodone and Oxycontin. Hydrocodone is usually prescribed for moderate to moderately severe pain. Hydrocodone can help with severe pain if never taken before but if you have take other opiates Hydrocodone will only help for moderate pain in most cases. Hydrocodone is also mixed with tylenol. There are Hydrocodone 5/500(5mg-hydrocodone 500mg-tylenol), 7.5/750(7.5mg-hydrocdone 750mg tylenol), and 10/660(10mg-hydrocodone 660mg tylenol). Also with Hydrocodone a doctor can call in the prescription to the pharmacy by phone for you where as with Oxycontin you need a hand written prescription in the U.S. Oxycontin is time released and is usually prescribed for the most severe pain. OxyContin is available in 10 mg (white), 15 mg (grey,) 30 mg (brown), 40 mg (yellow), 60 mg (red),80 mg (greenish blue), and 160 mg (blue). There are 5 MG and 20 MG but not in the U.S.