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Compare Dilaudid vs. Percocet

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

Key takeaways

Hydromorphone (Dilaudid) and oxycodone / acetaminophen (Percocet) are both opioid medications used to treat pain when non-opioid medications aren't effective. However, they differ in several ways. Hydromorphone is a single opioid medication, while Percocet is a combination of an opioid (oxycodone) and an analgesic (acetaminophen). Hydromorphone is available in various forms, including oral tablets, oral liquid, rectal suppositories, and an injection (only administered by a healthcare professional), whereas Percocet is available as oral tablets and oral liquid. Both medications are controlled substances with a high risk of misuse and dependence. Percocet also carries a risk of liver damage due to its acetaminophen content. Common side effects for both medicationsinclude constipation, drowsiness, and slowed breathing. It's important to avoid alcohol and other medications that can cause drowsiness with both medications, as this can result in severely slowed breathing. With Percocet, you should also avoid other acetaminophen-containing products to prevent liver damage.

  • Dilaudid (hydromorphone)
    Percocet (oxycodone / acetaminophen)
  • Dilaudid (hydromorphone)
    Percocet (oxycodone / acetaminophen)

  • Summary of Dilaudid vs. Percocet

    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 / Analgesic
    Prescription only

    Percocet (oxycodone / acetaminophen) is a combination opioid medication. It's used to treat pain when non-opioid medications aren't working well enough to control pain. It's a controlled substance because it has a high risk of misuse, dependency, and addiction.

  • Indications of Dilaudid vs. Percocet

    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. Percocet

    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 / Analgesic
    Pros
    •Can provide pain relief within 10 to 30 minutes
    •Available in a liquid form for people who have trouble swallowing pills
    •Available as a lower-cost, generic medication
    Cons
    •High risk of misuse and dependency
    •Must slowly lower the dose to stop the medication after long-term use to avoid withdrawal symptoms
    •Not recommended to take with other medications containing acetaminophen since it can raise the risk of liver damage
    •A controlled medication, so there are special requirements to get a prescription filled

  • Common Side Effects of Dilaudid vs. Percocet

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

  • Warnings of Dilaudid vs. Percocet

    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)
    •Opioid overdose
    •Difficulty concentrating and extreme sleepiness
    •Liver damage
    •Drug interactions
    •Harm to newborn babies
    •Severe allergic and skin reactions
    •Physical dependence and withdrawal
    •Low blood pressure
    •Low adrenal hormone levels
    •Seizures

  • Prices with our coupons for Dilaudid vs. Percocet

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    Learn more about Percocet

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