Compare Dilaudid vs. Percocet
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Treats moderate to severe pain.
Dilaudid (hydromorphone) is a powerful pain reliever that has significant risks for abuse and overdose.
●●●●●
4.1/ 5 average rating with 51 reviewsforDilaudid
Treats moderate to severe pain.
Percocet (Oxycodone / Acetaminophen) is the strongest prescription combination pain medicine for as needed pain relief, but make sure you don't take too much acetaminophen (Tylenol) to avoid liver problems or death.
●●●●●
3.8/ 5 average rating with 1399 reviewsforPercocet
Upsides
- Dilaudid (hydromorphone) works better and faster at relieving pain than morphine.
- Available in a cheap generic version.
- Combination pain medicine with an opioid component (oxycodone) and non-opioid component (acetaminophen or Tylenol) that takes advantage of different modes of pain relieve in a single pill.
- Provides quick relief for moderate to severe pain to improve quality of life.
- Generally considered stronger than Norco or other combination pain medicine for treating pain.
- Good for as-needed, short-term use, but may be helpful to manage more long-term pain problems if used at the appropriate doses and intervals.
- Lower rates of misuse compared to pure opioid medicines.
- Can help you fall asleep easier.
Downsides
- Constipation is a common side effect of Dilaudid (hydromorphone) and may require the use of laxatives or stool softeners.
- Dilaudid (hydromorphone) is fatal when combined with alcohol, muscle relaxants, and other medications that slow breathing.
- Long-term use of opioids will cause physical dependence.
- Dizziness and drowsiness is common, but your body may adjust.
- Everyone will get constipation - always stay hydrated and take stool softener or stimulant on days you're taking Percocet if you need.
- All opioid containing medicines have the risk of physical dependence and possibility of withdrawal when used long-term.
- The non-opioid part of Percocet, acetaminophen (Tylenol), has a high risk of liver failure and death if you take more than the maximum daily dose. Be very careful.
- Relies on the users to be aware of how much acetaminophen (Tylenol) they are using since it is a very common ingredient in many prescription and non-prescription pain medicines.
- Avoid alcohol.
Used for
- Pain management
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Extended release pill
- Liquid
- Suppository
- Pill
- Oral solution
Price
Lowest price
$70.74
Find instant savings near youLowest price
$2147.98
Find instant savings near youWant to save even more money?
Sign up now for a 30-day trial and save up to 95% at CVS, Kroger, Albertsons, and other pharmacies.
Learn more
Reviews
51 reviews so far
78%
saidit'sworth it
65%
saiditworked well
10%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Dilaudid (hydromorphone)?
Leave a review1399 reviews so far
70%
saidit'sworth it
49%
saiditworked well
15%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Percocet (Oxycodone / Acetaminophen)?
Leave a reviewSide effects
The Dilaudid (hydromorphone) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
The Percocet (Oxycodone / Acetaminophen) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
Risks and risk factors
- Slowed breathing
- Current use of medicine that affects liver enzyme CYP 3A4
- Age 65 or greater
- Higher doses
- Drinking alcohol
- Use with benzodiazepines
- Death from overdose
- Children age 18 and younger
- Death of newborn babies from opioid withdrawal
- Long-term use during pregnancy
- Tolerance, dependence, and addiction
- Taking more than the prescribed dose
- Long-term use
- History of drug abuse
- Driving impairment
- Taking Dilaudid (hydromorphone) with alcohol
- Taking other medicines that make you less alert
- Age 65 or greater
- Death from liver failure
- Current liver disease
- Taking with alcohol
- Taking other medicines with acetaminophen
- Death from lack of oxygen to the body (respiratory depression)
- Age 65 or greater
- Higher dose
- People with not enough thyroid hormones
- History of lung problems
- Driving impairment
- Taking with alcohol
- Taking other medicines that make you less alert
- Age 65 or greater
- Tolerance and dependence
- Taking more than the prescribed dose
- Long-term use
- History of drug abuse
- Neonatal withdrawal syndrome
- Long-term use of opioids in mother
- Breastfeeding while taking Percocet (Oxycodone / Acetaminophen)
- Death from overdose (extended-release tablet)
- Children age 18 and younger
- Taking more than prescribed dose
- Mixing with alcohol or drugs that interact with Percocet (Oxycodone / Acetaminophen)
- Severe allergic reactions
- Low blood pressure
- Age 65 years or older
- Circulation problems