Hydrocodone and oxycodone are semi-synthetic, meaning partially chemically created in a laboratory, derivatives of thebaine. Thebaine is a chemical found in opium similar to morphine and codeine. These drugs have a very similar structure and effectiveness to both codeine and morphine. They both also have the ability to induce tolerance (meaning over time it will require more drug to induce the same effect) and promote addiction. Physicians prescribe hydrocodone and oxycodone to treat moderate to severe pain. Although very similar in characteristics, some differences between these two drugs exist.
Available Formulations
Available as a single ingredient product or in combination with other analgesics including acetaminophen, ibuprofen and aspirin, in immediate-release formulations or controlled-release formulations, oxycodone helps to control pain for an extended period.
Unlike oxycodone, hydrocodone is not available in the United States as a single ingredient medication, but only in combination with other drugs such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, aspirin, antihistamines and expectorants.
Drug Classification
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration classifies oxycodone and compounded medications of oxycodone as schedule II controlled substances. This means that under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act 21 USC 301, these drugs may not be dispensed without a written prescription (except in emergency situations in compliance) nor can the prescription be refilled.
The classification of hydrocodone-compounded products varies depending on the concentration of the hydrocodone dosage. Any formulation of drug that contains more than 15 mg of hydrocodone per dosage unit receive the classification as a schedule II controlled substance. Any formulation containing less than 15 mg hydrocodone per dosage unit receives a schedule III controlled substance classification. The difference is that any schedule III drugs can be dispensed by either a written or an oral prescription. In addition, schedule III drugs may be refilled, as long as it does not occur more than 5 times after the date of the prescription.
Illegal Use
Although the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Diversion reports that drug abusers abuse both oxycodone and hydrocodone, methods of abuse prove different. Because oxycodone comes in extended-release tablets, in addition to taking the tablets orally many abusers choose to chew the tablets or crush them to take orally, snort or inject. This destroys the time-release factor providing the entire drug at one time increasing the euphoric effects.
Drug abusers usually take hydrocodone as an intact tablet. They may also take hydrocodone in combination with alcohol to increase the effects, according to the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Diversion Control.
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