What's the difference between codine, hydrocodone, and oxycodone?

Question

I know they are all opoids but what is their differences in strength?

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

They are all narcotics used for moderate to severe pain.
Codiene being used generally for more mild pain with Hydrocodone the more popular choice for moderate pain and due to its classification can be called in to the pharmacy by the dr.

Oxycodone is not a sustained released med--it is simply another pain reliever that is stronger than the other two and has to be given via a written script.
Brand names for this med include percosets or percodan.

The only real difference is the chemical make-up and strength. Each act on the brains pain receptors a bit differently and a Dr. determines which med is the best to handle an individuals pain.

All 3 meds are indicated for acute pain episodes lasting up to two weeks. They are counter productive in the treatment of chronic pain. Long term use can easly lead to addiction.

The sustained release forms of these meds like Oxycontin which is a long acting form of the drug oxycodone are used for chronic pain.

The prescribing of these meds is determined by a persons pain--the type of pain--the cause of the pain and the expected duration of the pain.

Used properly--all of these meds are effective and can be taken safely.

Source(s):

nurse

Asker's Rating:

Asker's Comment:

Thanks that really helped me

Answer 2

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Codine
Codeine (INN) or methylmorphine is an opiate used for its analgesic, antitussive and antidiarrheal properties. It is marketed as the salts codeine sulfate and codeine phosphate.
Codeine is an alkaloid found in opium in concentrations ranging from 0.3 to 3.0 percent. While codeine can be extracted from opium, most codeine is synthesized from morphine through the process of O-methylation.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrocodone
derived from two of the naturally occurring opiates, codeine and thebaine.
Hydrocodone can be habit-forming, and can lead to physical and psychological addiction. In the U.S., pure hydrocodone and forms containing more than 15 mg per dosage unit are considered Schedule II drugs. Those containing less than or equal to 15 mg per dosage unit in combination with acetaminophen or another non-controlled drug are called hydrocodone compounds and are considered Schedule III drugs. Hydrocodone is typically found in combination with other drugs such as paracetamol (acetaminophen), aspirin, ibuprofen and homatropine methylbromide.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oxycodone
derived from codeine
sustained-release mechanism, is effective for eight to twelve hours


Chemical makeup. Different Uses...

Answer 3

What it is mixed with..it is ALL codeine, but mixed with different components.