In Oxycodone vs Morphin, who is better? Who is stronger between them, and what are the differences between them? In this article, let’s discuss Oxycodone and Morphine as they are different types of opioids, and compare them in terms of side effects and strength, some results, and important things. So, any further delay, let us explore this article and dig into it to discuss how to use these medications safely.
What Is Oxycodone?
Oxycodone is a semi-synthetic opioid drug that is used to relieve pain sufficiently severe to require opioid treatment, while other medicinal alternatives have not worked well enough or cannot be tolerated. Oxycodone belongs in the category of drugs referred to as opioid analgesics, which denote the medicinal painkillers. Oxycodone relieves pain; it acts centrally on the central nervous system. It comes a slow-release tablets and also standard tablets, capsules, and oral liquid or injection that work quickly.
What Is Morphin?
Morphine belongs to the class of medications which is called as opiate analgesics. It works by changing the way the brain’s nervous system responds to pain. And the opioid pain-relieving medication usually provides significant pain relief for short-term or chronic pain. It can be given in the vein by injection under the skin ot into a muscle by inhalation, sublingually, rectally, or orally.
What Are The Strengths of Oxycodone and Morphine?
Although morphine and oxycodone have somewhat similar potencies, morphine is typically thought to be marginally stronger than oxycodone on a milligram-to-milligram basis. Their strengths are contrasted here:
- Oxycodone strength: Despite having a slightly lower potency than morphine, oxycodone is still a very powerful analgesic. It is frequently used to treat moderate to severe pain, and it can be very successful in treating a variety of pains when taken with other medications, such as acetaminophen. Extended-release oxycodone formulations are made to release the drug gradually over time. It is available in the dose form of Oxycodone 5mg k18, 15 mg, 30 mg, 80 mg, Oxy 40 mg pill, 60 mg Oxycodone, 10 mg, and 20 mg.
- Morphine Strength: For extreme pain, morphine is usually thought to be a stronger opioid. When other painkillers are ineffective for a given condition, it is frequently prescribed. Both immediate-release and extended-release forms of morphine are available, and they can be used to treat pain in patients with terminal illnesses like cancer.
Oxycodone vs Morphine In Renal Impairment
Oxycodone serves as a strong and effective initial agent, being partially renally eliminated; however, this prolongs its half-life, thus requiring dose adjustment for patients with severe renal impairment. Careful monitoring should be exercised on the patient for signs and symptoms of side effects related to opioids.
However, the treatment of morphine may be avoided when there is renal failure due to serious adverse effects, for instance, respiratory depression upon the accumulation of the active metabolites of morphine. For those patients, oxycodone, which is much less prone to accumulation during renal failure, may be a substitute for morphine.
Which Is Stronger Between Oxycodone and Morphine?
The first-line opioid analgesics for treating moderate to severe pain, including cancer pain, are oxycodone and morphine. Numerous studies have been carried out to compare the effectiveness of these painkillers and track any negative side effects. The majority of these studies have shown no discernible difference, especially when used as the first-line treatment for cancer pain, despite their limitations and variations in study designs. As a result, oxycodone is frequently considered a morphine equivalent analgesic.
What Are the Side Effects of Oxycodone And Morphine?
Although oxycodone and morphine both work well to relieve pain and have comparable modes of action, they also have some negative side effects. These adverse effects include some specific side effects that might vary between the two drugs, as well as typical opioid-related side effects.
Common Side Effects
- Drowsiness and Sedation: Both morphine and oxycodone can produce drowsiness and sedation. Such incidents can actually compromise one’s ability to conduct day-to-day activities like driving or operating heavy machinery.
- Constipation: Opioid drugs such as oxycodone, morphine are the most common cause of slowed movement through the intestines, and this is usually due to constipation. It is quite prevalent and is easily managed by adjusting the diet or taking any other drug that would prevent the effects of constipation.
- Nausea and Vomiting: Both drugs can cause nausea and vomiting, especially when first starting treatment or when increasing the dose.
- Dizziness: Morphine and oxycodone can cause dizziness, which can increase the risk of falls, especially in elderly patients.
- Respiratory Depression: Both Oxycodone and Morphine have the potential to cause respiratory depression, which is characterized by shallow and slow breathing. This is especially risky because, when taken in high dosages or in conjunction with other depressants, such as alcohol, it can down low oxygen levels and even death.
Unique Side Effects
- Oxycodone may be more abusable and may have a greater impact on mood changes, like anxiety or depressive mood changes. Oxycodone is most often abused in extended-release formulations.
- Morphine also has a much stronger euphoric effect, which can lead to lifetime serious misuse and addiction. Some patients report more intense itching and skin irritation when using morphine.
After taking both medications, it can be detected in a drug test easily. Oxycodone lasts long in a human body for years (only in hair test), and Morphine lasts for a maximum of 12 to 36 hours.
How to Use Oxycodone And Morphine Safely?
Do not chew, break, divide, crush, or dissolve the oxycodone and morphine in extended-release tablets; instead, swallow them whole. Before putting the tablet in your mouth, don’t lick, presoak, or moisten it. As soon as you put a tablet in your mouth, swallow it. When prescribed morphine or oxycodone, it is necessary to follow the doctor’s instructions exactly. Here are some important safety tips:
- Follow the Dosage Instructions: Never take more than the recommended amount, as this could result in overdose and death.
- Steer Clear Of Alcohol: Alcohol can intensify the sedative effects of oxycodone and morphine, increasing the risk of respiratory depression and other harmful side effects.
- Do Not Combine with Other Sedatives: Unless your doctor specifically instructs you otherwise, do not take these drugs with benzodiazepines or other sedatives, as this may increase the risk of a fatal overdose.
- Be Cautious with Long-term Use: Use caution when taking these drugs for an extended period of time. To prevent addiction or dependence, discuss with your doctor other options for managing your pain.
- Proper storage: It is against the law and potentially harmful to share these medications with others, so keep them out of children’s reach.
What Are the Warnings of Oxycodone vs Morphine?
Both oxycodone and morphine have the potential to cause potentially fatal respiratory depression. When these drugs are taken with other substances that also depress the central nervous system, like barbiturates, benzodiazepines, or other opioids, the risk is increased. They also damage motor and cognitive functions, and can be the cause of calmness.
Conclusion
Both oxycodone and morphine have been used extensively to treat neuropathic pain in people. The former is associated with a lower risk of abuse and addiction, whereas the latter has been said to be more powerful. A contentious issue that merits head-to-head comparisons in clinical settings is whether one is superior to the other, either in individual patients or generally. Always follow your doctor’s instructions carefully to ensure the safe and effective use of these powerful pain-relieving medications.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
Why Is Morphine Preferred Over Oxycodone?
Like Morphine, Oxycodone is a powerful opioid. Despite being about 1.5 times more power than morphine, it has a similar analgesic effect, most likely due to its superior availability. However, oxycodone is several times more expensive than morphine, and it can cost up to six times as much at higher dosages.
What Is Stronger, Oxycodone or Morphine?
Oxycodone is more potent than morphine. There is approximately a 1.5-fold difference in morphine vs. oxycodone potency, with oxycodone being the stronger of the two. However, both offer equivalent relief from pain.
Can I Take Oxycodone With Morphine?
Oxycodone and morphine should not be taken together because it is an opioid abuse tactic to mix multiple drugs, including opioids, without a doctor’s approval. It is incredibly risky and can result in fatalities, severe side effects, and opioid overdose.
