Tramadol vs Vicodin Which Is Stronger? Similarities & Differences

Tramadol and Vicodin are the most popular pain-relief medicines, which are mainly prescribed for injury, and after operation. Both medicines have some similarities, and differences in their working functions, appearance, and effects. This topic ‘Tramadol Vs Vicodin‘, will make clear the similarities, differences, side effects, and dosage strength.

Tramadol

It is an opioid-based narcotic pain-killer that is used to get relief from the pain. Tramadol is a highly effective drug that is used when other medications are not able to reduce any kind of pain. This medication is used to treat moderate to severe pain. It comes in extended-release (ER) form which does not give instant relief from the pain.

Tramadol is a generic as well as an active ingredient of branded medicines Ultram, Ultram ER, Conzip, Qdolo, etc. It is a prescribed drug that is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It belongs to class IV drugs.

Vicodin

Vicodin is the combination of two drugs such as acetaminophen and hydrocodone. These are generic and active ingredients in the branded drug Vicodin. This medicine is an opioid analgesic. It is used for treating pain from mild to severe. Vicodin is reclassified as a controlled substance (Schedule III) by to U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA)

How Do Tramadol & Vicodin Drugs Work?

Both drugs are prescription-only medicines which is used to treat any type of pain which may be by an accident or any other reason. Both are the strongest opioid analgesic medications. There are natural opioid receptors in the central nervous system (CNS), so these medicines mimic natural opioids. They bind with a specific receptor called mu receptor which helps to reduce the pain.

Similarities In Vicodin and Tramadol Medications

There are some similarities between these two, that are as follows:-

• Vicodin and Tramadol are strong pain-alleviating drugs.
• Both drugs have common side effects such as dry throat, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, constipation, etc.
• In the lab chemically both drugs are similar.

Precautions To Take Before Using Tramadol & Vicodin

Both are prescribed-only drugs. Before taking Tramadol and Vicodin medicines you should tell to healthcare provider or may be avoided if you have following conditions:-

• Heart-related disease
• Kidney problems
• Dementia (forgetfulness)
• Depression
• Brain disorders
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease- COPD (breathing problem)

Differences Between Tramadol and Vicodin Medicines

Tramadol and Vicodin drugs are differentiated based on ingredients, doses, half-life, and dosage strengths.

Active Components:

• Vicodin is a branded medicine with active ingredients like hydrocodone and acetaminophen.
• Tramadol is a generic as well as an active ingredient of branded medicines Ultram, Ultram ER, Conzip, Qdolo, etc.

Tramadol vs Vicodin-Dosage Strength and Forms

Forms, dosages, and use of medicine in different age groups are also are different from each others medicine.

Tramadol Dose Forms & Strength

The dosage strength depends on the person’s medical condition, age, etc.

• Oral tablet – 50 mg
• Capsule – 50 mg
• Slow-Release Tablet – 50 mg Tramadol, 75 mg, Tramadol 100 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg, 300 mg and 400 mg
• Slow-Release Capsules – 50 mg, 100 mg, 150 mg, and 200 mg
• Soluble Tablet – 50 mg
• Drops – 100 mg in 1 ml liquid
• Oral dispersible tablet – 50 mg

Vicodin Doses & Forms

Hydrocodone and acetaminophen are the generic variants of Vicodin. However, the FDA has approved only its generic version because Vicodin is discontinued in the USA. These two generic forms are available under Norco, Lortab, etc.

This medicine comes in the form of an oral tablet. The dosage strength of hydrocodone and acetaminophen is as follows:-

• Hydrocodone (2.5) mg) / Acetaminophen (325) mg
• Hydrocodone (5) mg / Acetaminophen (300) mg
• Hydrocodone (5) mg / Acetaminophen (325) mg
• Hydrocodone (7.5) mg / Acetaminophen (300) mg
• Hydrocodone (7.5) mg / Acetaminophen (325) mg
• Hydrocodone (10) mg / Acetaminophen (300) mg
• Hydrocodone (10) mg / Acetaminophen (325) mg
• Vicodin 500mg /50 mg

Dose for Adults & Paediatric:

• Normal Pain: Adults who are above 17 years old can take a dose between 50 mg to 100 mg daily every 4 to 6 hours or as needed. Maximum dose is 400 mg/day.
• Chronic Pain: ER (Extended-Release) form, a person who is above 18 years old can take 100 mg one time a day. Maximum dose is 300 mg per day.
• For Paediatric: Tramadol is not prescribed to children below 17 years.

Dose for Geriatric:

• Normal Pain: People over 75 may take an immediate-release dose of 300 mg daily.
• Chronic Pain: The maximum dose of immediate release is 300 mg/day.

Half-Life of Tramadol and Vicodin

• Hydrocodone usually takes 2 to 4 days and acetaminophen takes 1 to 2 days to get eliminated from your body. Its half-life may be around 3.8 hours.
• Tramadol takes hardly 2 days to get flushed out from your body. Its half-life is around 6-8 hours.

Side Effects of Vicodin and Tramadol Drugs

Tramadol Side Effects

Vicodin Side Effects