How is Oxycodone different from Percocet?

Oxycodone and Percocet are both prescription medications used to manage pain, but they differ in their composition and properties. Here’s a breakdown of the differences:

Oxycodone 5 or 10 or 20 mg:

• Active Ingredient: Oxycodone is the sole active ingredient.

• Function: It is a pure opioid analgesic used to treat moderate to severe pain.

• Formulation: Available in various forms including immediate-release tablets, extended-release tablets, and oral solutions.

• Dosage: Contains 5 or 10 or 20 mg of oxycodone per tablet.

Percocet 5/325 or  10/325:

• Active Ingredients: Contains two active ingredients:

• Oxycodone: This is the opioid component.

• 325 mg of Acetaminophen: This is a non-opioid analgesic and antipyretic (fever reducer).

• Function: Combines oxycodone with acetaminophen to enhance pain relief. The acetaminophen works synergistically with oxycodone to increase the effectiveness of pain management.

• Formulation: Available in tablet form, with varying doses of oxycodone and acetaminophen.

• Dosage: Contains 5 or 10 mg of oxycodone and 325 mg of acetaminophen per tablet.

Key Differences:

1. Composition:

• Oxycodone 5 mg: Contains only oxycodone.

• Percocet 5/325: Contains both oxycodone and acetaminophen.

2. Mechanism of Action:

• Oxycodone: Works as an opioid analgesic by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord to relieve pain.

• Percocet: Oxycodone works to relieve pain, while acetaminophen helps to enhance this effect and also reduces fever.

3. Pain Relief Enhancement:

• Oxycodone Alone: Provides pain relief primarily through opioid action.

• Percocet: Provides pain relief through a combination of opioid action (from oxycodone) and additional pain relief from acetaminophen. This combination can be more effective for certain types of pain.

4. Usage and Prescription:

• Oxycodone 5 mg: Might be prescribed alone for pain or as part of a regimen where acetaminophen is not suitable or needed.

• Percocet 5/325: Often prescribed when a combination of an opioid and acetaminophen is deemed more effective for managing moderate to severe pain.

5. Side Effects:

• Oxycodone: Can cause typical opioid side effects such as drowsiness, constipation, nausea, and risk of addiction.

• Percocet: In addition to opioid side effects, acetaminophen can cause liver damage if used excessively or in combination with other medications containing acetaminophen.

In summary, while both medications provide pain relief, Percocet 5/325 combines oxycodone with acetaminophen to enhance pain relief, whereas Oxycodone 5 mg contains only the opioid component.