Hydrocodone and codeine are both narcotic medications that are mainly used for managing pain and cough. Both of them are widely used as analgesics and cough inhibitors. Read more on this HealthHearty article to study the comparison between codeine and hydrocodone.
Codeine is an opiate analgesic and cough inhibitor like hydrocodone. Codeine does not treat the cause of symptoms, but helps relieve symptoms. It is usually used to relieve mild pain. Codeine helps to relieve pain by changing the way in which the brain and central nervous system react to pain. It is also used in combination with other drugs to reduce coughing. Codeine helps relieve cough by suppressing the trigger in the nervous system that leads to coughing. On the other hand, hydrocodone is used to relieve people from severe pain and when other medications are ineffective. It is also an opiate pain-reliever, and helps relieve coughing by the same mechanism as codeine does.
Hydrocodone and codeine are manufactured from the same substance known as the opium poppy pods of the plant, Papaver Somniferum. Codeine is made from the substance that is present inside the pod. It is also derived from the drug, morphine. Hydrocodone is a partially synthetic opioid that is initially made with the constituents of the plant and then finally processed in a lab. So it is made from two substances; one is codeine and another is a chemical called thebaine. Hydrocodone is a stronger drug than codeine and for which it has more possibility of addiction, side effects and overdose potential.
Comparison
Preparation
Administration
Availability
Hydrocodone mostly comes as a capsule to take orally. It is also available in the form of syrup as a medication for relieving cough.
Side Effects
The side effects of hydrocodone include nausea, vomiting, constipation, lightheadedness, dizziness, drowsiness and spasm of the ureter.
Brands
Hydrocodone is available in many brand names and/or generic forms. Popular names for the drug are Vicodin, Lortab, Lorcet, Vicoprofen and Zohydro. It is mostly manufactured by combining with other drugs, especially acetaminophen. Other additives include analgesics such as acetaminophen/paracetamol, aspirin, or ibuprofen.
Use
Hydrocodone is also used to inhibit cough, but commonly used for relief of moderate to severe pain.
Drug Withdrawal
The withdrawal side effects can be severe if one stops taking the drug all of a sudden. However, the side effects can be prevented if the drug is not stopped all at once, but the dosage is reduced gradually until the administration is stopped completely.
Law
Abuse
Codeine and hydrocodone should never be used in higher doses or for longer than prescribed. They can lead to serious health issues even at regular doses. Most importantly, let your doctor know before you use these medications.
