Dilaudid vs Oxycodone is one of the most popular debates in the medical industry right now. These both belong to the opioid class of medications and are common in prescriptions around the world. The problem arises when cases such as the Philippines come forward. So, how does one fight it at a country level? Awareness!
When it comes to managing severe pain, there are several alternatives, but opioids top the list due to their efficacy. Since its use began in the early 1860s, there has been a rise in the illegal production of opioids. This took the turn of an addiction that was an epidemic in countries such as America and now the Philippines.
The following sections will explore how these two medications compare, their side effects, and their role in pain management. We’ll also explore the impact of opioid addiction, focusing on treating it in regions such as the Philippines.
What is Dilaudid?
The brand name for hydromorphone, Dilaudid, is a synthetic opioid that you may find in prescriptions for moderate to severe pain. The drug is synthetically produced to mimic the properties of the opium plant.
The drug is nearly 7-10 times more powerful than morphine, which makes it a great option for those who require strong pain relief. However, it is popularly seen that the latter’s effect stays longer.
Thus, it is always best to consult your physician on which medication will benefit you. This is the best, as they conclude by thoroughly analyzing your medical history.
The available forms include:
- Tablet
- Oral liquid
- Injectable liquid (for intravenous, subcutaneous or intramuscular administrations)
Why is Dilaudid Preferred?
There are several reasons why Dilaudid has recently become the go-to pain relief recommendation by anesthesiologists and your community doctor. Here are a few factors that make it the preference:
High Potency
As mentioned in the above paragraph, the effectiveness of Dilaudid comes in handy for treating severe pain. Particularly in settings after surgery, this drug saves the day.
Fewer Allergic Reactions
Allergic reactions to opioids are the real thing – yes! Patients who experience allergic reactions to opioids such as morphine can find relief with Dilaudid.
Rapid Onset
The rapid release of the drug in the consumer’s system is why doctors prescribe it for those who require immediate relief. This is what makes it ideal for acute pain management.
What Type of Pain is Dilaudid Good For?
If you are experiencing any of the following types of pain, your doctor may prescribe Dilaudid to get rid of them:
- Post-operative pain
- Cancer-related pain
- Severe injury or trauma
- End-of-life palliative care
Apart from these, if you have any other moderate to severe pain that other opioids cannot relieve, Dilaudid can be the safest option. Along with other options such as Oxycodone. Let’s have a look at the latter.
What is Oxycodone?
A semi-synthetic opioid, Oxycodone, finds itself on your prescription when you develop moderate to severe pain. Well, that part’s common between Diilaudid vs Oxycodone! It is available in both immediate-release and extended-release formulations.
This makes it a versatile option for different pain conditions.
Why is Oxycodone Preferred?
Well, when we already have options such as morphine and Dilaudid vs fentanyl, you can imagine why someone would prefer Oxycodone. Here are the top reasons why:
Longer Duration
This is true for the extended-release (ER) tablets that come with the advantage of long-lasting pain relief. The ER form provides effects for up to 12 hours.
Versatility
The formulations make it a great choice for treating a variety of pain-inducing conditions, from treating lower back pain to cancer-related pain.
Fewer Sedative Effects
Several opioids have a significant number of side effects, including prominent sedative effects. However, Oxycodone is quite easily the one that has few sedative effects.
Especially out of Dilaudid vs Oxycodone, the latter causes less sedation.
What Type of Pain is Oxycodone Good For?
Are you wondering about the effectiveness of Oxycodone for a specific type of pain? Here are the different types of pain that can be alleviated with the help of Oxycodone:
- Chronic back or joint pain
- Pain from surgery or injury
- Moderate to severe arthritis pain
- Cancer-related pain in a long-term setting
Side Effects: Dilaudid vs Oxycodone How do They Compare?
Apart from the difference in the sedative effects between Dilaudid vs Oxycodone, both medications share similar side effects, including:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Constipation
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
In addition, Oxycodone can also cause euphoria, whereas Dilaudid causes respiratory depression as unique side effects.
Risk of Dependency and Addiction
There is a high chance of risk for the consumer to show signs of addiction to both drugs. However, Dilaudid’s high potency leads to more intense side effects. Whereas the consumer better tolerates the extended-release formula of Oxycodone.
The risk of developing opioid addiction with both drugs is possible due to their availability and potency. However, out of the two, our pick for the one with higher risk would be Oxycodone, especially its ER formulation.
Opioid Addiction in the Philippines
The opioid addiction in the Philippines has set the record for the steepest rise in opioid misuse – with a quadruple increase since 1999. Opioid addiction is a growing concern worldwide, with misuse of opioids such as Oxycodone and Dilaudid increasing.
This leads to an increase in dependency and high addiction rates.
Contributing Factors to Dilaudid vs Oxycodone Addiction
For any number of extreme cases, several factors contribute to their occurrence. Here are a few factors that lead to opioid addiction in any place around the world. Check these out:
Limited Awareness
Several individuals misuse opioids without a complete understanding of their addictive potential. The lack of awareness is one of the biggest enemies for societies in several instances – from fighting diseases to developing addictions.
Easy Accessibility
Several areas in the Philippines have easy access to illegal opioids. Especially prescription opioids that have a high potency in comparison to OTC pain relievers.
Lack of Regulation
The lack of strict regulations is another one of the reasons why we’re here. Insufficient opioid prescription monitoring leads to its continued misuse.
Keeping track of such contributing factors is important to ensure societal stability. The impact on society is quite severe, some of which can be seen as:
- Increased healthcare costs
- Loss of productivity
- The strain on families and communities
Treatment Options for Opioid Addiction in the Philippines
There are several types of treatment options especially when we deal with addictions! You can help cases in the Philippines with opioid addiction through the following ways:
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
This treatment combines medications such as buprenorphine or methadone with counseling. This helps individuals overcome addiction and reduce the symptoms of withdrawal. This treatment option is great for individuals to make their recovery more manageable.
Behavioral Therapies
Behavioral therapies are a great way for individuals struggling with substance abuse. One of the most popular ones is cognitive behavioral therapy and contingency management.
This therapy effectively addresses the psychological aspect of addiction and can help the individual struggling to manage the symptoms.
Rehabilitation Centers
Specialized rehabilitation centers in the Philippines offer inpatient and outpatient services. These can help individuals recover in a structured environment without any risk of exposure.
Community Support Groups
Community support groups such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA) can provide individuals with peer support. This encourages them to continue their recovery process.
How to Choose Between Dilaudid vs Oxycodone?
Usually, the doctors can analyze and suggest one of the two best suited for your condition. It may be that only one of the two is suitable for you and has the least side effects.
It may even be that both have been cleared for use by your doctor, so which one of the two should be your pick? Let us help you:
- The severity of pain: Choosing between the two options should heavily rely on the severity of your pain. Dilaudid is ideal for severe pain, and Oxycodone is great for cases with chronic pain that need long-term treatment.
- Patient Tolerance: People with allergies to one opioid type can find the other effective.
- Risk of Addiction: The chance of developing an addiction is quite high with both options. However, these should only be used under medical supervision for the best results.
Alternatives to Opioid Pain Management
If you think choosing Dilaudid vs Oxycodone is too much for your treatment, you can choose any of the alternatives. These can reduce the dependency on one type of opioid:
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can help alleviate chronic pain with the help of targeted exercises. As far as efficiency goes, physical therapy will work quite positively for the treatment.
Non-Opioid Medications
There are non-opioid medications that can have satisfactory results in comparison to opioids. Some non-opioid pain medication includes NSAIDs, antidepressants, and acetaminophen.
Options include acetaminophen, NSAIDs, and antidepressants.
Mind-Body Techniques
Mind-body techniques are essential for you to use mindfulness to your advantage here. The treatment option is simple and allows you to reduce pain perception with the help of meditation, yoga, and acupuncture.
Interventional Procedures
Moreover, other interventional procedures include epidural injections that provide targeted relief. For instance, the NSP or Needle-Syringe Program and Opioid-substitution therapy are two of the popular procedures.
Wrapping It Up!
Opioid addiction in the Philippines is concerning and raises caution about the use of other potent drugs such as Dilaudid vs Oxycodone. Additionally, oxycodone is a versatile and effective option for moderate to severe and chronic pain.
Dilaudid is better and more potent for acute and severe pain. Opioid addiction is a serious issue to be treated carefully with medications that may be other opioids.
The Philippines is one of the many countries fighting a serious opioid addiction. This requires a combination of strategies such as medication, therapy, and community support.
Alternative treatment options can help reduce dependency on opioids and help you understand the difference between these medications.
Lastly, this article helps individuals and healthcare professionals make informed choices, thereby making safe choices that prioritize well-being.
