Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ROXICODONE versus VICODIN HP.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ROXICODONE versus VICODIN HP.
ROXICODONE vs VICODIN HP
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
Oxycodone is a full opioid agonist with high affinity for mu-opioid receptors, also binding to kappa and delta receptors. It acts primarily on the central nervous system and gastrointestinal tract.
Hydrocodone is a mu-opioid receptor agonist that inhibits ascending pain pathways; acetaminophen inhibits cyclooxygenase and has antipyretic effects.
5-15 mg orally every 4-6 hours as needed for pain; immediate-release formulation. Maximum 60 mg total daily dose for opioid-naive patients.
One tablet (hydrocodone bitartrate 10 mg/acetaminophen 660 mg) orally every 4-6 hours as needed for pain; maximum 6 tablets per day.
None Documented
None Documented
3.5-5 hours for immediate-release; 4.5-5.5 hours for extended-release. Accumulation may occur with repeated dosing, especially in elderly or hepatic impairment.
Hydrocodone: 3.8-5.5 hours (mean 4.5 h). Acetaminophen: 2-3 hours. Clinical context: dosing interval every 4-6 hours for acute pain.
Renal excretion: 70-80% as unchanged drug and metabolites (oxymorphone, noroxycodone); fecal: 10-20%.
Primarily renal: hydrocodone is eliminated as conjugated metabolites (glucuronides) ~80%; unchanged drug ~5%. Biliary/fecal: minor, <10%.
Category C
Category C
Opioid Analgesic
Opioid Analgesic