SHEET /vs/tramadol-vs-oxycodone · COMPARISON
Tramadol vs Oxycodone: what is the difference?
How they differ
from source
Both are opioids and both are prescription painkillers, but tramadol is the odder molecule of the two. It binds the mu-opioid receptor weakly and also blocks the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine, so part of what it does is not opioid pharmacology at all. Oxycodone is a straightforward semi-synthetic opioid derived from thebaine, closer in structure and in effect to morphine. Tramadol also depends heavily on a liver enzyme to become its active form, which is why its effect varies between people more than oxycodone's does. Both are controlled substances in most countries, and both appear in this catalog as prescription medicines rather than as anything found in a food.
Side by side
| Tramadol | Oxycodone | |
|---|---|---|
| Formula | C16H25NO2 | C18H21NO4 |
| Molecular weight | 263.37 g/mol | 315.4 g/mol |
| Family | Opioids | Opioids |
| Everyday group | Prescription medicine | Prescription medicine |
| Functional groups | Alcohols, Aromatics, Ethers | Alcohols, Aromatics, Ketones, Ethers |
| GHS signal wordThe supplier-filed hazard label, not a statement about ordinary use. | Danger | Warning |
| LD50A single acute animal measure. It ranks nothing about human safety. | 228 mg/kg (oral, rat) | 320 mg/kg (other, mouse) |
| CAS number | 27203-92-5 | 76-42-6 |
| PubChem CID | 33741 | 5284603 |
Common questions
- What is the difference between Tramadol and Oxycodone?
- Both are opioids and both are prescription painkillers, but tramadol is the odder molecule of the two. It binds the mu-opioid receptor weakly and also blocks the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine, so part of what it does is not opioid pharmacology at all. Oxycodone is a straightforward semi-synthetic opioid derived from thebaine, closer in structure and in effect to morphine.
- Is Tramadol bigger than Oxycodone?
- Oxycodone is the heavier molecule, 315.4 g/mol against 263.37 g/mol for Tramadol. Tramadol is C16H25NO2 and Oxycodone is C18H21NO4.