Medical Topics and Health Issues

Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is similar to morphine but is 50 to 100 times more potent.

It is a prescription drug that is also made and used illegally. Like morphine, it is a medicine that is typically used to treat patients with severe pain, especially after surgery.

It is also sometimes used to treat patients with chronic pain who are physically tolerant to other opioids. Tolerance occurs when you need a higher and/or more frequent amount of a drug to get the desired effects.

In its prescription form, fentanyl is known by such names as Actiq®, Duragesic®, and Sublimaze®.

Oxycodone and Hydrocodone

Hydrocodone and oxycodone are both opioid pain relievers. They’re available by prescription to treat moderate to severe pain, including that from cancer or recent surgery.

The medications have similar chemical structures, and they work by blocking certain receptors in the brain to change how the brain processes pain.

While the medications are effective pain relievers, they also have the risk of tolerance, dependence, and addiction. This is why they are only used for a short period, unless prescribed for a chronic pain condition and closely monitored by a healthcare provider.

Oxycodone (OxyContin, Roxicodone, Oxaydo, Xtampza ER) and codeine are both narcotic pain relievers. Both are also used as cough suppressants similar to morphine and hydrocodone.

Oxycodone and codeine also cause sedation and drowsiness, and depress breathing.
Both drugs are available in generic form.

Both oxycodone and codeine are often available in forms combined with other non-narcotic pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or aspirin.

Similar side effects of oxycodone and codeine include lightheadedness, dizziness, sedation, nausea, vomiting, constipation, dry mouth, itching, and rash.

Combining opioids such as oxycodone and codeine with alcohol or other central nervous system depressants may result in severe sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death.

Comparing Tramadol vs. Hydrocodone

Hydrocodone and tramadol are both strong opioid prescription pain medicines. ConZip (tramadol) is commonly prescribed to relieve moderate to moderately severe pain that’s always present.

Hydrocodone is a stronger opioid used to relieve severe pain.

Opioids and narcotic pain medicines can lead to opioid use disorder. Therefore, healthcare providers typically aim to prescribe just enough pain relief for your condition.

Stronger pain medicines like hydrocodone are usually reserved for when other pain medicines, such as tramadol or codeine, don’t work.

Basic Drug Differences: Tramadol vs. Hydrocodone

Codeine and hydrocodone are both opioid medications, but there are many differences between these drugs. It’s important to be aware of the risks and benefits of each.

Codeine and hydrocodone are both prescription opioid medications that can be used to treat similar conditions, but there are some important differences between each drug.

The following provides an overview of how these drugs are used, the notable differences between them and the risks related to opioid use.

What Is Codeine?

Codeine is an opioid that’s prescribed for the treatment of mild pain and cough. Compared to most prescription narcotics, codeine is relatively low-potency.

Oxycodone and OxyContin

Oxycodone and OxyContin (oxycodone hydrochloride) are controlled substances used as opioid prescription drugs. They are used to relieve moderate to severe pain. These drugs are closely linked because oxycodone is the active ingredient in OxyContin.

Both drugs are in the class of drugs called opioids. Opioids are made from the opium poppy.

While they have much in common, these drugs have unique formulations. OxyContin contains oxycodone in a controlled-released medication. Oxycodone provides a quick release.

OxyContin vs. Oxycodone Differences