Dilaudid and Percocet are opioid medications with different active ingredients. While Dilaudid contains hydromorphone, Percocet is a combination of oxycodone and acetaminophen. Though both can be used to treat moderate-to-severe pain, Dilaudid is the more potent one. Nonetheless, both opioids are highly effective, yet they also pose a significant risk for addiction.
Read along to learn more about the differences in Dilaudid vs. Percocet effectiveness, chemical composition, dosages, and more.
What Is Dilaudid, and How Does It Work?
Dilaudid—or hydromorphone hydrochloride— is a potent opioid prescribed for moderate-to-severe pain that cannot be controlled with non-opioid pain medications. It is created by synthesizing morphine, which makes Dilaudid a semi-synthetic opioid. However, hydromorphone is between two and eight times more potent than morphine.
Dilaudid comes in the following forms:
- Immediate-release oral solution
- Immediate-release tablet
- Suppository
- Injection
Hydromorphone is also available as an extended-release tablet, marketed under the brands Exalgo® and Palladone®.
Like other opioids, Dilaudid can only be legally obtained by prescription. Nonetheless, it is also sold illicitly, with D, Dust, and Dillies being some of its most popular street names.
Dilaudid works by binding to the opioid receptors in the central nervous system (CNS), which obstructs the transmission of pain signals between the body and the brain. It also induces a sense of euphoria and relaxation associated with other opioids.
Although Dilaudid is very effective, it is not safe—anyone taking it risks becoming dependent or addicted to it. Because of this, it is imperative to take it as prescribed and only use it if there are no viable non-opioid treatment alternatives.
What Is Percocet, and How Does It Work?
Percocet is a prescription opioid used to manage moderate-to-severe pain. Like hydromorphone, it is usually prescribed when non-opioid medications aren’t tolerated or do not provide sufficient pain relief. As a combination drug, it contains two active ingredients:
- Oxycodone, a semi-synthetic thebaine derivative
- Acetaminophen, an over-the-counter drug used to treat mild pain and fever
Percocet comes as a tablet, whereas generic acetaminophen/oxycodone is also available as an oral liquid. It is also marketed under Endocet®, Roxicet®, and other brand names.
Percocet is also a popular street drug, and it is among the most commonly misused prescription pain relievers in the United States. In 2023, more than 31% of all prescription painkiller misusers aged 12 and older abused oxycodone products, including Percocet. Percs and Blue Dynamite are some popular street names for it.
Percocet works in the same way as other opioids; it attaches to opioid receptors, preventing the brain from receiving pain signals. It also causes euphoria and sedation, which contributes to its high potential for opioid abuse, dependence, and addiction. As is the case with all opioids, taking it for a prolonged time increases the risk of Percocet addiction.
Now, let’s move on to the key differences between Dilaudid vs. Percocet.
Key Differences Between Dilaudid vs. Percocet
Potency is one of the main differences between Dilaudid vs. Percocet. Compared to Percocet, Dilaudid is considerably more potent. While hydromorphone can be up to eight times more potent than morphine, oxycodone—the opioid ingredient in Percocet—is only 1.5 times more potent.
With this in mind, let’s compare the effectiveness, chemical composition, addictiveness, cost, and dosing of Dilaudid vs. Percocet.
Dilaudid vs. Percocet Effectiveness
There’s little to no difference in the effectiveness of Dilaudid vs. Percocet. Studies comparing the opioid ingredients in these medications suggest that both are very effective in controlling moderate-to-severe pain, even though they have different potencies.
For instance, a study done by Satoshi Inoue et al. found that immediate-release hydromorphone is equivalent to immediate-release oxycodone in terms of relieving cancer-related pain. Moreover, both drugs share a similar safety profile, though hydromorphone causes side effects, such as constipation and vomiting, slightly more often.
Dilaudid vs. Percocet Chemical Composition
When it comes to chemical composition, Dilaudid vs. Percocet have as many similarities as differences. Both are semi-synthetic opioids belonging to the class of phenanthrenes and structurally resembling morphine. However, they are derived from different opium alkaloids.
Hydromorphone (Dilaudid) is derived from morphine, whereas oxycodone, the opioid in Percocet, is produced from another alkaloid—thebaine.
Moreover, Percocet is a combination medication containing a non-opioid ingredient—acetaminophen—while Dilaudid is a single-entity drug.
Dilaudid vs. Percocet Addictiveness
Dilaudid and Percocet are both highly addictive, as evident from the fact that they are classified as Schedule II controlled substances due to the high potential for abuse, dependence, and addiction.
If you’re taking either of them regularly over an extended period, it’s only a matter of time before you become dependent.
Dilaudid vs. Percocet Cost
When comparing Dilaudid vs. Percocet costs, one thing to keep in mind is that generic versions of both drugs are always cheaper than brand-name ones. They may also be covered by insurance. Other factors, such as the dosage, can also affect the price.
For example, a 2 mg hydromorphone tablet typically costs between $0.26 and $1.11. Its price increases to around $2.77 if marketed under the brand name Dilaudid®.
By contrast, a single 325 mg/2.5 mg acetaminophen/oxycodone tablet costs around $0.75. For the brand-name version, you might have to pay $20 or more.
Dilaudid vs. Percocet Dosage
Dilaudid and Percocet come in different dosages, which is not surprising, given the difference in their active ingredients and potencies.
Immediate-release Dilaudid oral tablets contain 2 mg, 4 mg, or 8 mg of hydromorphone, whereas the oral liquid contains 5 mg of hydromorphone per teaspoon.
Percocet comes as a tablet containing 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, or 10 mg of oxycodone and 325 mg of acetaminophen. Generic Percocet tablets may also contain 300 mg of acetaminophen instead of 325 mg. It also comes as an oral liquid with 325 mg of acetaminophen and 5 mg of oxycodone per teaspoon.
If you aren’t sure at what dose or how frequently you should take Dilaudid or Percocet, consult with your doctor.
Now, let’s compare the side effects of Dilaudid vs. Percocet.
Dilaudid vs. Percocet Side Effects
Dilaudid and Percocet have similar side effect profiles, with their most common side effects being:
- Itchy skin
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Drowsiness
- Constipation
- Stomach ache
- Sleep disturbances
- Nausea and vomiting
If you experience any side effects after taking either of these medications, consult your doctor. Dilaudid and Percocet can also cause allergic reactions, respiratory depression, and other serious side effects. In this case, call 911 immediately.
Opioid abuse (i.e., taking Dilaudid or Percocet in any way other than prescribed) increases the risk of side effects.
Furthermore, long-term use of opioids may lead to:
- Tolerance and opioid dependence
- Opioid use disorder (OUD)
- Chronic constipation
- Decreased fertility
- Opioid overdose
- Organ damage
- Death
Next, let’s look into Dilaudid vs. Percocet drug interactions.
Dilaudid and Percocet Drug Interactions
Dilaudid and Percocet may interact with various drugs, including:
- Other opioids
- Antihistamines
- Muscle relaxers
- Antidepressants
- Benzodiazepines
- Anxiety medications
- Blood pressure medications
This list of Dilaudid and Percocet drug interactions is by no means exhaustive. If you are taking any other medications, supplements, or even herbal medicines, talk to your doctor to ensure these can be safely taken with opioids.
If you’re taking Percocet, steer clear of any acetaminophen-containing drugs. Otherwise, you risk developing acute liver failure or liver injury.
Moreover, mixing Dilaudid or Percocet with alcohol or other CNS depressants is extremely dangerous. It can induce respiratory depression, lead to severe sedation, and cause an opioid overdose.
Without prompt medical help, an opioid overdose can be fatal. In 2022 alone, nearly 12,000 Americans lost their lives to an overdose involving natural and semi-synthetic opioids like Dilaudid and Percocet.
Other Risk Factors of Dilaudid and Percocet
Other risk factors that may increase the risk of adverse effects associated with Dilaudid and Percocet include:
- Liver disease
- Heart disease
- Lung problems
- Kidney disease
- Low blood pressure
- Gallbladder disease
- Allergy to opioids or acetaminophen
- Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)
- Alcohol use disorder (AUD) and other substance use disorders (SUDs)
Moreover, opioid use during pregnancy can negatively affect both the mother and the fetus, increasing the risk of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), miscarriage, birth defects, and other complications. Therefore, if you are expecting a baby or trying to conceive, opioids may not be the best option for you.
Before initiating opioid therapy, discuss your medical history with your doctor to minimize the risk of negative outcomes.
Physical Dependence and Addiction to Opioids
If you take Dilaudid or Percocet for a prolonged time, you risk developing physical dependence or addiction to opioids—even if you carefully follow your doctor’s instructions.
Repeated opioid exposure alters the brain, causing it to decrease the production of endorphins and increase that of opioid receptors. This leads to opioid dependence, which is a physical condition; those dependent on opioids rely on them to function normally.
Treating opioid dependence is of vital importance, as it can otherwise evolve into an opioid addiction. Unlike dependence, addiction is primarily psychological. It causes you to lose control over your impulses, which is why people addicted to opioids continue to take them despite the negative consequences.
Signs and Symptoms of Opioid Dependence
Tolerance and opioid withdrawal symptoms are telltale signs of opioid dependence.
Let’s discuss them in greater detail:
- Tolerance. The effectiveness of opioids like Dilaudid and Percocet diminishes as the brain starts to produce more opioid receptors, leading to opioid tolerance. If you feel like your usual dose is no longer sufficient to achieve the initial effects, contact your doctor. Do not increase your dosage without their permission, as this is a form of opioid abuse. Doing so puts you at an increased risk of opioid addiction, overdose, and even death.
- Opioid withdrawal symptoms. If you quit taking Dilaudid or Percocet after becoming dependent, you’ll inevitably experience uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. These can be both psychological (cravings, depression, etc.) and physical (muscle aches, vomiting, and so forth). Getting professional help for opioid withdrawal and dependence is crucial, as going through it alone increases the risk of severe symptoms, complications, relapse, and subsequent overdose.
ANR Opioid Dependence Treatment
If you’re struggling with Percocet or Dilaudid dependence, Accelerated Neuro-Regulation (ANR) is the only opioid dependence treatment you need to reclaim control of your life. Developed by Dr. Andre Waismann, this ground-breaking treatment has helped nearly 25,000 people worldwide lead happy, healthy, opioid-free lives and forget about the fear of relapse.
The ANR treatment focuses on the neurochemical causes of opioid dependence, making it the first and only treatment that addresses the root cause of the problem. By re-regulating the endorphin-receptor system, ANR reverses opioid-induced brain changes, thereby eliminating cravings and other withdrawal symptoms and negating the risk of relapse.
Unparalleled effectiveness isn’t the only advantage of ANR. This treatment is also exceptionally fast—the hospital stay for ANR patients lasts only 36 hours on average.
Most importantly, ANR is designed with patient safety in mind. It is only performed by highly experienced board-certified healthcare professionals in an ICU setting of accredited state-of-the-art hospitals. Moreover, the procedure is tailored to each patient’s individual needs and medical history, making it safe even for those with complex medical issues.
Contact us today for a free consultation to start your journey toward recovery!
Key Takeaways
Before you leave, let’s go over the key things we covered in this Dilaudid vs. Percocet comparison guide:
- Dilaudid (hydromorphone) and Percocet (acetaminophen/oxycodone) are opioid medications prescribed for moderate-to-severe pain resistant to weaker painkillers.
- Dilaudid is more potent than Percocet, yet both of these drugs provide comparable pain relief.
- Both Dilaudid and Percocet can lead to dependence and addiction, especially when taken for an extended time or abused.
- ANR is a revolutionary treatment that can help you break free from Dilaudid or Percocet dependence by restoring the brain to its pre-addiction state, negating withdrawal symptoms and the risk of relapse.
Dilaudid vs. Percocet FAQ
Dilaudid and Percocet are not the same. While both belong to the class of opioids, Dilaudid is a single-entity drug that contains hydromorphone, whereas Percocet is a combination drug made up of acetaminophen and oxycodone.
Oxymorphone, levorphanol, buprenorphine, and fentanyl are stronger than Dilaudid. Fentanyl is one of the most potent opioids; it is as many as 100 times more potent than morphine. For comparison, Dilaudid is up to eight times more potent than morphine.
Tramadol is not better than Dilaudid for pain relief, which can be explained by the fact that it is much less potent. For instance, a study by Guangyou Duan et al. found that even though these drugs have similar analgesic effects on incision pain, hydromorphone is significantly more effective in managing visceral pain after secondary cesarean delivery.
You should never take Dilaudid and Percocet together, as mixing opioids can dangerously suppress your breathing and lead to a potentially fatal opioid overdose. It also makes you more likely to experience serious side effects, such as extreme sedation and low blood pressure.
Percocet can make pain worse. Specifically, taking opioids for a prolonged time puts you at risk of hyperalgesia, or increased sensitivity to pain. If opioids like Percocet or Dilaudid make your pain worse, consult with your doctor.
Also Read:
