Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: DURADYNE DHC versus OPANA ER.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: DURADYNE DHC versus OPANA ER.
DURADYNE DHC vs OPANA ER
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
DURADYNE DHC contains dihydrocodeine, an opioid agonist that binds to mu-opioid receptors in the CNS, inhibiting ascending pain pathways and altering pain perception and response.
Opana ER (oxymorphone hydrochloride) is a full opioid agonist with relative selectivity for the mu-opioid receptor, although it can interact with other opioid receptors at higher doses. The principal therapeutic action is analgesia via activation of mu-opioid receptors in the central nervous system, leading to altered perception and response to pain.
1 tablet (10 mg hydrocodone/300 mg acetaminophen) orally every 4-6 hours as needed for pain; maximum 8 tablets per day.
Initial: 5 mg orally every 12 hours; titrate by 5-10 mg every 12 hours every 3-7 days; maximum 40 mg every 12 hours.
None Documented
None Documented
Terminal elimination half-life of dihydrocodeine is approximately 4 hours; clinically relevant for dosing interval of 4-6 hours.
Terminal elimination half-life: 11.1–13.8 hours; clinically relevant as steady-state achieved in 2–3 days
Primarily renal excretion of metabolites; ~90% excreted in urine as glucuronide conjugates and morphine; ~10% in feces via bile.
Renal (primarily as glucuronide conjugates and unchanged drug): 85-90%; Fecal: <10%
Category C
Category C
Opioid Analgesic
Opioid Analgesic