Both oxycodone and morphine are opioid analgesics. These drugs are used by people in the United States for treating moderate to severe pain including cancer pain, postoperative pain, and other chronic pains.
Even though both oxycodone and morphine drugs are used for treating pain, there might be some differences between these drugs.
In this article, we will learn about the MORPHINE VS OXYCODONE drugs, including their uses, mechanism of action, doses, side effects, and precautions. It will help you decide which drug is suitable for you.
COMPARISON BETWEEN OXYCODONE AND MORPHINE DRUG
Here are some comparison segments that help you to find the best drugs in MORPHINE VS OXYCODONE:
Overview: MORPHINE VS OXYCODONE
Morphine
Morphine is an effective natural opioid that is derived from the opium poppy plant. It is administered to provide relief from severe pain. This is available in both generic form and brand-name medicine. It is available under brand names like Kadian, MS Contin, Avinza, and others. The generic form of morphine is morphine sulfate.
Morphine is approved by the FDA in the USA for medical use. It is categorized as a Schedule II controlled substance in the United States by the Drug Enforcement Administration for its potential for misuse and abuse.
Oxycodone
Similar to morphine, oxycodone is also derived from the opium poppy plant. It is a semi-synthetic drug. It is used in treating medium to intense pain in people when other drugs don’t work effectively.
Oxycodone is available both as a generic variant and branded medicine. It is available under different brand names like Oxycet, Percocet, OxyContin, Roxicodone, etc., and its generic form is oxycodone.
FDA has approved Oxycodone for medical use. It is categorized under Schedule II controlled substance by the DEA of the United States because it has a high potential for addiction and abuse.
Mechanism of Drug Action: MORPHINE VS OXYCODONE
Morphine
Morphine acts as a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant. It binds with the mu-opioid receptors in the CNS, which gives a sedative and analgesic effect. Morphine decreases the transmission of certain neurotransmitters, resulting in reduced pain.
It reduces the activity of the nociceptor, which is a neuron that senses pain and increases the antinociceptors, a neuron that inhibits pain.
Oxycodone
Oxycodone acts as a pain reliever by binding the opioid receptors in the central nervous system. It blocks the pain signals from reaching the brain.
The drug enhances its sedative and analgesic effects by stimulating the GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) system.
Note: You can get Gabapentin 1600 mg for surgery pain.
Uses: MORPHINE VS OXYCODONE
Morphine
Morphine drug is used to treat severe pain in patients. It is prescribed to patients suffering from cancer pain, post-operation pain, neuropathic pain, and other cases of severe pain.
Oxycodone
Oxycodone is prescribed by the doctor for treating moderate to severe pain in patients. It can be administered to get relief from the pain post-surgery, operation, or chronic pain. It can also be effective when experiencing pain during cancer, arthritis, etc.
Doses and Dosages: MORPHINE VS OXYCODONE
Morphine
Morphine is available in the forms of oral solution, capsule, tablet, and injection.
Immediate Release (IR) form of morphine
- Oral solution – 10 mg/mL, 20 mg/mL
- Oral concentrate – 20 mg/mL
- Oral tablet – 15 mg, 30 mg
Extended Release (XR) form of morphine
- Capsule – 10 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, 45 mg, 50 mg, 60 mg, 75 mg, 80 mg, 90 mg, 100 mg, 120 mg, 200 mg
- Tablet – 15 mg, 30 mg, 60 mg, 100 mg
The suggested initial dose of morphine XR is 30 mg in 24 hours for 1-2 days as prescribed by the doctor. For oral solution 10-20 mg can be administered every 4-5 hours as required.
Oxycodone
Oxycodone is available in the form of immediate-release and extended-release tablets.
Immediate Release (IR) form of oxycodone
- Tablet – 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg
Extended Release (XR) form of oxycodone
- Tablet – 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg, 60 mg, 80 mg
The recommended initial dose of oxycodone for acute pain is 5 mg to 15 mg every 5-6 hours and for chronic pain it is 2.5 mg to 10 mg every 5-6 hours.
Side Effects: MORPHINE VS OXYCODONE
Morphine
The side effects of morphine include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Respiratory depression
- Dizziness
- Need for higher doses
- Headache
- Allergy
- Constipation
- Drowsiness
- Urinary retention
- Itching and skin rash
- Increased sensitivity to pain
- Low blood pressure
Oxycodone
The side effects of oxycodone include:
- Trouble breathing
- Nausea
- Red eyes
- Sleep apnea
- Slow heart rate
- Weak pulse
- Constipation
- Headache
- Skin rash
- Cold Skin
- Seizure
- Vertigo
- Dizziness
Precautions: MORPHINE VS OXYCODONE
While consuming either morphine or oxycodone drug, there are certain things you need to take care of:
- Avoid the consumption of alcohol while on either of these drugs, it can worsen the side effects.
- Make sure you inform your healthcare provider about your medical history and other drugs if consumed.
- Both morphine and oxycodone can have sedative effects so avoid operating heavy machinery, driving, and other activities that need focus while on either of these drugs to avoid any mishappening.
- Never chew, crush, or break these medicines, and keep them out of children’s reach.
- Never take oxycodone or morphine without the prescription of a doctor.
- Always take the drug as prescribed by the doctor. Avoid taking an overdose of the drug as it can lead to serious side effects and addiction.
- Do not suddenly stop administering either of these medicines. It may result in severe withdrawal symptoms. Consult your doctor before withdrawing either of these drugs.
- Patients with a history of opioid abuse, respiratory depression, or liver or kidney disease should avoid taking these drugs.
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult with their healthcare provider before consuming morphine or oxycodone.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Both oxycodone and morphine are opioid analgesics. It is found that in response to skin, muscle, and oesophageal pain stimulation, in which oxycodone had a greater effect.