Codeine and Hydrocodone are both commonly prescribed medicines to treat severe pain with similar side effects. They both belong to the opioid drug class and are both controlled substances that have a high risk of addiction and abuse. Teens get more addicted to these drugs; if your teen is also suffering from opioid abuse then don’t get late, and find an addiction treatment campaign or program for your teens. It can be dangerous to use these prescribed medicines illegally which may lead teenagers to participate in a risky manner that can have many consequences. Learn more about the contrasts of Codeine vs Hydrocodone: Risks & Benefits by scrolling down.
The basic introduction to Codiene and Hydrocodone:
What is Codeine?
Codeine is a natural opioid drug derived from morphine that reduces the anxiety and stress caused by pain. It is typically prescribed for coughs and diarrhea because Codeine is comparatively weak. Codeine is a narcotic that converts into morphine in the person’s body. It is available as an immediate-release medication. They are available in 15 mg, 30 mg, and 60 mg strengths.
What is Hydrocodone?
Hydrocodone is also used to treat as an opioid pain reliever and is considered as a semi-synthetic opioid drug, i.e., partially man-made. Avoided taking high doses because it can cause breathing problems and other side effects. It is a helpful pain reliever and due to this drug, the body becomes dependent on feeling ordinary. Hydrocodone is available as an extended-release medication only, i.e., it is available in 10-325 mg, 10-500 mg, 10-650 mg, 10-660 mg, and 5-325 mg strengths.
Similarities between Codeine & Hydrocodone:
There are many similarities between Codeine and Hydrocodone. They are as follows:
- Both Codeine and Hydrocodone are opioid drugs.
- The drugs Codeine and hydrocodone are very effective at relieving moderate to severe pain.
- These medications have similar side effects that include: Anxiety, Diarrhea, Vomiting, Constipation, etc.
- Both are controlled substances.
- These medications are available only by prescription.
- Codeine and Hydrocodone are habit-forming and can lead to physical dependence.
Dissimilarities between Codeine & Hydrocodone:
Despite similarities, Codeine and Hydrocodone have their dissimilarities as well and they are as follows:
- Codeine is a naturally opioid drug and on the other hand, Hydrocodone is partially semi-synthetic.
- Codeine is considered weaker as compared to Hydrocodone. As a more potent opioid drug, hydrocodone may work better for severe pain.
- As a less potent opioid, Codeine can be prescribed to treat cough, on the other hand, Hydrocodone is not prescribed for cough.
- Codeine is available as an immediate-release medication but Hydrocodone is available as an extended-release medication only.
Codeine Vs Hydrocodone: Benefits & Side Effects
There can be several beneficial uses of Codeine and Hydrocodone with similar side effects. If you take more than prescribed doses without consulting a doctor then it can cause a wide range of side effects.
Benefits of Codeine and Hydrocodone:
The benefit of Codeine and Hydrocodone medicines is that health specialists also use these medications to help people, who are struggling with severe pain and cough. After the study, the specialists said that Hydrocodone has been the second most encountered opioid drug submitted to Forensic labs.
Common Side Effects & Symptoms of Codeine and Hydrocodone:
- Diarrhea
- Sweating
- Constipation
- Vomiting
- Breathing Problem
- Confusion
- Anxiety or Depression
- Slowed heart rate
In addition, Codeine may also cause sweating, lightheadedness, shortness of breath, etc. On the other hand, hydrocodone can also cause itching, loss of appetite, etc.
Risks of Taking Opioids
Codeine and Hydrocodone, both are opioid drugs that people abuse every day. After that, a person can feel relaxed or calm but this feeling is only temporary. It can turn into fatigue. It is a habit forming. The drug schedule of Codeine is currently II schedule. On the other hand, the drug schedule of Hydrocodone is III schedule which means there is a risk of abuse and addiction. Many people are struggling with undiagnosed mental illnesses that cause a variety of symptoms.
Differentiation between Codeine and Hydrocodone
| Codeine | Hydrocodone | |
| Drug Class | Naturally opioid drug | Semi-synthetic opioid drug |
| Drug Schedule | Schedule II to V | Schedule II |
| Uses | Pain and Cough | Severe pain |
| Common Side Effects | Constipation, Vomiting, Breathing Problems, Anxiety, or Depression | Constipation, Vomiting, Breathing Problems, Anxiety, or Depression |
| Dose | A sample dose of 15 mg to 30 mg every 4 hours (as needed) | A sample dose of 10 mg every 12 hours (as needed) |
Medical Disclaimer
When a person is dependent on prescribed opioid drugs like Codeine and Hydrocodone, it is necessary to have a backup plan. Discontinuing the medications is often ineffective and may lead to withdrawal symptoms. If you are taking Codeine to treat a cough and it does not get better within a week; then you should consult your doctor about it.
Note: Do not forget to take medicines without consulting a health specialist.
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