Oxycodone vs Dilaudid as Pain Relievers

What Is Oxycodone?

Among one of the most popular prescription opioids for the last decade, oxycodone (2) is a powerful semi-synthetic opioid. Semi-snthetic means that it contains both chemically manufactured as well as natural elements. The naturally occurring element of oxycodone is synthesized from thebaine, a constituent of the poppy plant. It is often referred to by its brand name OxyContin.

What Is Dilaudid?

Dilaudid (3) is the brand name for another powerful opiate called hydromorphone. Hydromorphone is also considered a semisynthetic opiate due to its makeup consisting of derivatives of morphine, the liquid extracted from the seed pod of the poppy plant.

Oxycodone & Dilaudid Drug Classification & Regulation

Both oxycodone and Dilaudid are classified as opioids due to their reaction with the brain and body as well as the presence of extracts of the naturally occurring poppy plant. Due to their medical usage along with their highly addictive nature, they are classified by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) as a Schedule II controlled substance. This Schedule makes both of these substances among the highest for the possibility of addiction.

Similarities Between Oxycodone & Dilaudid

Both of these powerful controlled substances are classified as semi-synthetic opioids. This means that they contain both naturally occurring chemical compounds as well as manufactured ones.

Purpose & Uses

Each of these substances have powerful pain relieving properties and are prescribed by medical professionals for this purpose. They are both often prescribed for patients recovering from surgery or patients who are undergoing cancer treatments. Dilaudid is known to be significantly more potent than oxycodone as well as remaining in the user’s system longer to provide a greater period of pain relief before the next dosage is required.

Chemical Effects on the Brain

Oxycodone and Dilaudid are both opioids meaning that they interact with the brain and body’s opioid receptors stopping the pain signals from being communicated throughout the body. This is what gives them such powerful pain relieving properties. They also interact with the brain’s reward system causing large amounts of chemicals like dopamine to be introduced into the brain. This leads the user to feel euphoric and potentially begin cycles of addiction.

Generic Names for Commercial Brands

Oxycodone is the generic name but may be better known by its brand name OxyContin. Dilaudid is the brand name for the compound hydromorphone.

Extended Release

Though Dilaudid has a longer window of effectiveness, both oxycodone and Dilaudid are manufactured in time-released forms to prevent them from being used recreationally.

Differences Between Dilaudid & Oxycodone

One of the major differences between oxycodone and Dilaudid (hydromorphone) is their strength.  In fact, 1 mg of hydromorphone is equivalent to 2.67 mg of oxycodone. This means that hydromorphone is nearly 2.5 times stronger than oxycodone. Another factor that plays a key role in which prescription is chosen is the amount of time that each substance will provide pain relief. Dilaudid has a longer window of effectiveness than oxycodone therefore requiring dosage less often for the same effect.

What Are the Different Forms They Can Be Taken?

Both of these potent substances are only available in time released tablets for oral ingestion. Due to the high number of people using these substances illicitly, time release capsules that do not have the ability to be crushed are the only available forms.