Percocet and Vicodin are both pain relieving drugs. These drugs mainly vary in their composition. This article elaborates on the difference between between percocet and vicodin.
Percocet comes from the same family which also belongs to Vicodin too. Both being narcotic drugs, they are prescribed for dealing with mild to moderately painful symptoms. Percocet is a Schedule II controlled substance, while Vicodin, Schedule III; their use comes under the guidance of special laws and regulations. However, when it comes to the composition of these drugs, there is a point of difference.
What are Percocet and Vicodin Made of?
☞ Percocet is made of acetaminophen and oxycodone hydrochloride. The first agent is a pain killer and fever reducer, while the second one is also a painkiller, but it helps in suppressing cough.
☞ Vicodin, on the other hand, comprises hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen. The first agent helps in reducing pain and cough, and you already know what the second agent does.
Note: It is important to note that in Percocet, acetaminophen is combined with oxycodone hydrochloride to make the combination an effective medicine, and at the same time, avoid the abuse potential of the latter. The same goes with Vicodin.
Side Effects
Most people are known to have a good tolerance for the side effects of these drugs.
Percocet:
• The person may feel uneasy after taking the drug
• The person may also have a pleasant feeling without any apparent reason
• Constipation
• Nausea may be accompanied by vomiting
• Itching may occur at certain places in the body
• Spells of drowsiness, dizziness or lightheadedness
Vicodin:
• Dizziness, drowsiness, and lightheadedness
• Nausea/vomiting
• Constipation
So you see there is not much of a difference in the side effects of using these drugs, except for the fact that Percocet tends to cause slightly more side effects than the other such as the unpleasant feeling or unexplained pleasant sensation.
Dosage
For Percocet:
| Percocet Strength (mg) | Dosage |
| 2.5/325 | 12 pills a day |
| 5/325 | 12 pills a day |
| 7.5/325 | 8 pills a day |
| 7.5/500 | 8 pills a day |
| 10/325 | 6 pills a day |
| 10/650 | 6 pills a day |
For Vicodin:
| Vicodin Strength (mg) | Dosage |
| 5/500 mg | 1 – 2 (every 4 – 6 hours) |
| 7.5/7500 | 1 (4 – 6 hours) |
| 10/660 | 1 (4 – 6 hours) |
Strength
Most people have a doubt about the strength of these two drugs; which is the stronger one? According to what most patients have experienced, Percocet is slightly stronger than Vicodin. This is because the former tends to lasts longer than the latter.
Regarding the precautions to be considered before using Percocet or Vicodin, they are the same. The patient is required to inform his doctor if he is suffering from diseases such as lung disorder, kidney disease, liver problems and hypothyroidism. Also, conditions such as asthma, Addison’s disease, hypotension, enlarged prostate, allergies, stomach pain or any kind of head injury, should also be informed about to the person concerned. Using any of these pain killers in presence of these conditions, may give rise to unpleasant and sometimes, fatal situations.
The information on the difference between Vicodin and Percocet has been presented to you in a nutshell in this article. If you should wish to go deeper into it, then doctors are the most reliable source of information.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical expert.
