Oxycodone and Percocet are pain reliever drugs having opioid properties to reduce withdrawal symptoms of common side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, sleeping, and so on.  The branded prescription medications may act as short and long-acting opioid products when combined together and are used for treating moderate to severe pain.

Oxycodone and Percocet are controlled-release opioid products to relieve pain in patients. Percocet provides relief for approximately five hours and the effects of Oxycodone last up to twelve hours when taken as prescribed by a doctor.

Also, the medications may differ in their use, effectiveness or withdrawal symptoms depending on the dose and dosage strengths as prescribed by certified doctors. To clearly know about each drug, in this blog, we will discuss the comparison between Oxycodone and Percocet drugs on the basis of a few factors. 

Oxycodone and Percocet Drugs

If you are looking for Oxycodone and Percocet differences, use, dose, dosage strengths, effectiveness, or side effects, etc., then you are at right place, we have compared both Oxycodone and Percocet drugs in detail.

Overview of Oxycodone and Percocet

Oxycodone

Roxicodone and OxyContin are the two most common prescription branded names for Oxycodone. It is an abusive drug, which is classified by the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and categorized under Schedule II, Controlled Substance Act (CSA).

It is a semi-synthetic opioid medicine used to effectively treat moderate to severe pain in patients.

There are other pain reliever drugs including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) like diclofenac, ibuprofen, aspirin, etc., that Oxycodone cannot be treated because it carries a high risk of addiction and physical dependence in individuals. 

Percocet

Narcotic painkiller drugs called narcotic analgesics, belong medicinal group class category of Percocet (branded prescription) drugs. 

Both Oxycodone and Acetaminophen are the two formulations of this branded medication. It stimulates the central nervous system (CNS) to function brain properly in order to provide immediate relief from severe pain. 

It was the 75th most commonly prescribed drug in the US with exceeding 8 million prescriptions in 2021. It is low low-potency pain reliever medicine that increases the effect of Oxycodone drug.

If acetaminophen drug is overused then it can cause liver damage. However,  it helps in reducing fever in patients. 

This drug is a combination of Oxycodone, which contains about five milligrams. If taken in large quantities, it can cause the problem of kidney failure and other heart-related problems. 

Uses of Oxycodone and Percocet

Oxycodone

The common use of this drug is to relieve severe pain, which is only required for opioid treatment. It can not be tolerated and does not provide adequate pain relief when treated with non-opioid pain-relieving drugs. 

As this drug is a combination of acetaminophen drugs, which include Oxycet, Percocet, and so on). It also forms with a combination of aspirin drugs like Percodan etc., so it functions in such a way that the brain and central nervous system respond to reduce pain. 

Percocet

This drug is a branded prescription medication, which is used to help in relieving moderate to severe pain in individuals. When Percocet drug interacts with particular opioid receptors, it offers feelings like pain relief, euphoria(a state of intense happiness) and relaxation in patients. 

As it is a combination of both opioid and non-opioid pain reliever, so its uses are limited and it leads to drug dependency such as Oxycodone. Also, patients may become addicted.

Dose and Dosage Strengths of Oxycodone and Percocet

Oxycodone

Oxycodone drug is generally given to patients in a fixed-dosage strength and is prescribed to take from mouth. It is available in two combinations such as immediate-release (IR) and controlled-release (CR). 

In addition, the drug is also available in the form of oral tablets, capsules and solutions, which includes the dosage strengths :

  • 5 mg 
  • 10 mg
  • 15 mg 
  • 30 mg 

The doctors recommend the dosage strength of Oxycodone lies between 5 mg and 15 mg. Patients must not use it improperly, by doing so they could even lead to death. The maximum dosage strength of the drug must not exceed more than 288 mg. 

However, the maintenance dosage of this drug is based on the bad reactions that are related to opioids. 

Percocet

Percocet drug comes in yellow color in oval shape. Also, the pills come in white and blue color with round shapes in the form of oral tablets. 

The four dosage strengths of Percocet drug are classified as:

  • 2.5 mg per 325 mg
  • 5 mg per 325 mg
  • 7.5 mg per 325 mg
  • 10 mg per 325 mg

The 2.5 mg/325 mg is the starting dosage of Percocet drug suggested for adults that should be taken one or two tablets at one time in a day. However, it can be taken two times only after every 6 hours to reduce severe pain. 

Therefore, patients should not exceed the total daily dose of acetaminophen medication, which is not more than 4 grams.

Effectiveness of Oxycodone and Percocet

Oxycodone

Oxycodone is a highly potent semi-synthetic opioid against prescription drugs with analgesic properties and other delta-type opioid receptors. This drug is helpful for pain management in a patient’s body. 

The drug is highly effective as compared to other pain reliever drugs for treating pain. According to a study, it was found that researchers have found the two combinations of medications namely, oxycodone and hydrocodone to treat pain equally among individuals. 

In another study in 2005 with these drugs, researchers found that they were equally effective for treating pain that is caused due to fractures.

Percocet

The efficacy of Percocet drugs may vary among individuals. The medication is dependent on a few aspects such as opioid tolerance, physical dependence, pain severity, and overall health problems, which differ from one person to another. 

When Perocet is used accordingly as prescribed by a doctor then it can provide immediate relief from chronic pain.

In order to maintain the effectiveness of this drug, there should be equal distribution of all risk factors including side effects. 

If some people take acetaminophen drugs in large quantities, they may lead to liver damage and other health complications. Also, if oxycodone drug is taken for a longer interval, it can lead to a high risk of addictive problems. 

So, it is advised that individuals should not misuse, overdose, and addiction to this drug. Also, it should be carefully taken under the medical supervision of a doctor or health care expert. 

Side Effects of Oxycodone and Percocet

Oxycodone

When misusing, overdosing, or addicting to Oxycodone drug then it can cause both common and serious side effects in individuals. 

Common Side Effects 

  • Dizziness
  • Sleepiness
  • Drowsiness
  • Constipation
  • Dry mouth
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Lightheadedness
  • Confusion
  • Headache
  • Itchiness or Rashness
  • Stomach ache
  • Anxiety
  • Allergic reaction
  • Fainting
  • Sweating

Serious Side Effects 

  • Depression
  • Myalgia (muscle pain)
  • Bradycardia (slow heart rate)
  • Hematuria (blood in urine)
  • Polyuria (excessive urination)
  • Psychomotor agitation
  • Tinnitus (ringing in ears)
  • Burping (belching or eructation)
  • Clumsiness(unsteadiness)
  • Diarrhea
  • Blurred vision
  • Bluish skin and lips
  • Mydriasis (dilated pupils)

Percocet

There are some common and serious side effects, which can occur in individuals when not taking Percocet drug as prescribed by a doctor. 

Common Side Effects 

  • Sweating
  • Dry mouth
  • Tiredness
  • Itching
  • Lightheadedness
  • Mood swings
  • Swelling
  • Face allergy
  • Nausea
  • Fainting
  • Flushing
  • Red eyes
  • Constipation
  • Dizziness
  • Confusion
  • Mood disorders
  • Stomach discomfort

Serious Side Effects 

  • Insomnia (trouble sleeping)
  • Analgesia or Hypoalgesia ( pain sensation loss)
  • Dark urine
  • Jaundice 
  • Blurred vision
  • Sedation
  • Seizures
  • Hypotension (low blood pressure)
  • Serious skin reactions
  • Unusual bleeding or  bruising
  • Slow breathing
  • Urinating problems
  • Anaphylaxis (hypersensitivity reaction)

Few Safety Measures to Follow When Taking Oxycodone or Percocet Medications

In order to avoid health complications like heart stroke, kidney failure, brain dysfunction, and so on, individuals should practice and follow some safety measures that are described below when taking either Percocet or Oxycodone drug.

  • Oxycodone oral drug should never be crushed, divided or broken while consuming and can be taken with food as prescribed by a doctor.
  • Before consuming either the Percocet or Oxycodone drugs, patients must check the expiry date of the medications.
  • Individuals should not keep the leftover drugs. 
  • The medications should be kept far away from the reach of pets and children. Therefore, keep them on a high shelf.
  • Do not drive and operate heavy machinery while consuming these pain reliever drugs.
  • Take the drugs specifically and carefully as prescribed by a doctor.
  • Avoid overdose, misuse, and addiction to both Oxycodone and Percocet drugs.
  • Before going for an operation due to health complications, patients should consult a doctor.
  • To check the efficacy and potency of the drugs, patients should start with the initial dose as suggested by a doctor or a healthcare expert.
  • Individuals must check the labels of the medicines before leaving the pharmacy. The packaging of drugs should have the correct name on it and all the necessary directions provided by a doctor. Do not take it without a label.

Conclusion

Both Oxycodone and Percocet drugs are effective and efficient for pain management choices among individuals if used properly under the medical supervision of a doctor.

Hence, patients should be aware of all the risks that are involved while taking the drugs and follow the above-mentioned safety measures to reduce severe and chronic pain in them.