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Compare Dilaudid vs. Oxycodone

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Hydromorphone (Dilaudid) and oxycodone (Roxicodone, Oxycontin) are prescription opioids. They’re prescribed to treat pain that isn't relieved by non-opioid pain medications. Both hydromorphone and oxycodone can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and constipation. More seriously, both are controlled substances that can cause dependence, misuse, and overdose. That’s why it’s best to carry naloxone (Narcan) with you at all times if you take hydromorphone or oxycodone. If needed, this can rapidly reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.

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Dilaudid (hydromorphone)
Oxycodone
Dilaudid (hydromorphone)
Oxycodone

Summary of Dilaudid vs. Oxycodone

Summary for Opioid
Prescription only

Dilaudid (hydromorphone) is an opioid medication that's used to help with pain when non-opioid medications don't provide enough pain relief. Dilaudid (hydromorphone) is available as pills, liquids, and rectal suppositories. The dosage depends on what form of Dilaudid (hydromorphone) you're using. In addition, some forms are immediate-release that help control sudden pain quickly, but others are extended-release for more long-lasting (chronic) pain. The most common side effects include dizziness, sleepiness, and nausea, among others. Dilaudid (hydromorphone) is available as a brand and generic medication.

Summary for Opioid
Prescription only

Immediate-release oxycodone, also known by its brand names Roxicodone and Oxaydo, is an opioid. It's used to treat pain that isn't relieved by non-opioid pain medications. Immediate-release oxycodone is available as tablets, capsules, and a liquid that are taken by mouth. Your prescriber will work with you to find the dosage for your individual needs, but it's typically taken every 4 to 6 hours as needed for your pain. Common side effects include making you constipated, sleepy, and dizzy. Oxycodone is a controlled substance because it has a high risk of misuse and dependence.

Indications of Dilaudid vs. Oxycodone

Indications for
•Pain that isn't relieved by non-opioid medications
Indications for
•Pain that isn't relieved by non-opioid pain medications alone

Pros and Cons of Dilaudid vs. Oxycodone

Pros and Const for Opioid
Pros
•Relieves pain that isn't controlled with non-opioid pain medications
•Can help with quick, sudden pain or chronic pain (depending on the form of the medication)
•Available in liquid form and rectal suppositories for people who have trouble swallowing pills
•Available as a lower-cost generic version
Cons
•Can commonly cause constipation
•Risk of dependence and tolerance with long-term use
•Must slowly lower the dose before stopping if you've been taking for a long time to prevent bothersome side effects and uncontrolled pain
•A controlled substance, so there are special requirements to get a prescription filled (highly regulated by the federal government because of risk of misuse)
Pros and Const for Opioid
Pros
•Immediate-release oxycodone can start to relieve pain within 30 minutes
•Available as a lower-cost generic (except Oxaydo)
Cons
•High risk of misuse, dependence, and addiction
•Must slowly lower the dose to stop the medication after long-term use to avoid withdrawal symptoms
•Have special requirements to fill a prescription for it because it's a controlled substance

Common Side Effects of Dilaudid vs. Oxycodone

Common Side Effects for
•Lightheadedness
•Dizziness
•Sleepiness
•Nausea
•Vomiting
•Constipation
•Sweating
•Flushing
•Intense happiness (euphoria)
•Distress
•Dry mouth
•Itchy skin
Common Side Effects for
•Nausea
•Constipation
•Vomiting
•Itching
•Headache
•Dizziness
•Weakness
•Sleepiness
•Trouble sleeping

Warnings of Dilaudid vs. Oxycodone

Common Side Effects for
•Risk of accidental overdose
•Potential for addiction and misuse
•Potentially life-threatening slowed breathing (respiratory depression)
•Harm to newborn babies when taken during pregnancy
•Low hormone levels
•Low blood pressure
•Higher risk of seizures in people with seizure conditions
•Physical dependence and withdrawal
•Difficulty concentrating and extreme sleepiness
•Contains sulfites
Common Side Effects for
•Potential for addiction and misuse
•Dangerously slow breathing (respiratory depression)
•Risk for opioid overdose
•Difficulty concentrating and extreme sleepiness
•Drug interactions
•Harm to newborn babies
•Physical dependence and withdrawal
•Low blood pressure
•Low adrenal hormone levels
•Seizures

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