Percocet is stronger than Vicodin. The opioid in Percocet (oxycodone) is roughly 1.5 times more potent than the opioid in Vicodin (hydrocodone) on a milligram-for-milligram basis. So 5 mg of oxycodone delivers about the same pain relief as 7.5 mg of hydrocodone. Both medications also contain acetaminophen, the same active ingredient in Tylenol.
Why Percocet Is 1.5x Stronger
The difference comes down to the opioid component. Oxycodone has a morphine equivalence factor of 1.5, meaning each milligram is equal to 1.5 mg of morphine. Hydrocodone has a factor of 1.0, making it equal to morphine milligram for milligram. That 50% potency gap is the reason Percocet is considered the stronger prescription at equivalent doses.
In practice, this means a standard Percocet tablet with 5 mg of oxycodone packs roughly the same punch as a Vicodin containing 7.5 mg of hydrocodone. A clinical trial in dental pain patients confirmed this: oxycodone 5 mg paired with acetaminophen 325 mg and hydrocodone 7.5 mg paired with acetaminophen 500 mg produced nearly identical pain relief scores over six hours.
What Each Pill Contains
Percocet comes in four strengths: 2.5, 5, 7.5, or 10 mg of oxycodone, each paired with 325 mg of acetaminophen. Vicodin typically combines 5, 7.5, or 10 mg of hydrocodone with 300 or 325 mg of acetaminophen. The most commonly prescribed versions are Percocet 5/325 and Vicodin 5/300.
Because the dosage ranges overlap, a high-dose Vicodin (10 mg hydrocodone) can actually deliver more total opioid effect than a low-dose Percocet (2.5 mg oxycodone). “Stronger” only applies when you’re comparing equal doses. Your prescriber chooses the specific strength based on how severe your pain is and how you respond.
How They Feel and How Long They Last
Both medications kick in fast. You’ll typically notice initial relief within 10 to 15 minutes, with peak effect hitting between 30 and 60 minutes. Pain relief from either one lasts about 3 to 6 hours, which is why both are usually prescribed to be taken every 4 to 6 hours as needed.
The side effects are largely the same: nausea, dizziness, stomach pain, dry mouth, and headache. The notable differences are subtle. Hydrocodone tends to cause more fatigue, while oxycodone is more likely to cause drowsiness and constipation. Constipation is common enough with both that many doctors recommend taking a stool softener alongside either medication.
The Acetaminophen Limit You Need to Know
Because both Percocet and Vicodin contain acetaminophen, the biggest safety concern for most people isn’t the opioid itself. It’s accidentally taking too much acetaminophen across multiple products. The maximum safe daily dose is 4,000 mg for adults, and going over that threshold can cause severe liver damage.
This is easier to exceed than you might think. If you’re taking Percocet 5/325 every four hours (six doses a day), that’s 1,950 mg of acetaminophen from the prescription alone. Add a couple of extra-strength Tylenol for a headache and you’re approaching the danger zone. You need to account for every product you take that contains acetaminophen, including cold medicines, sleep aids, and over-the-counter pain relievers.
Both Carry the Same Federal Restrictions
Percocet and Vicodin are both classified as Schedule II controlled substances by the DEA, the most restrictive category for medications that have accepted medical uses. This means neither can be called in by phone to a pharmacy in most states, refills require a new prescription, and both carry the same federally required warnings about the risks of addiction, misuse, respiratory depression, and fatal overdose.
Hydrocodone was reclassified from Schedule III to Schedule II in 2014, putting it on equal regulatory footing with oxycodone. Before that change, Vicodin was considered less tightly controlled, which contributed to a perception that it was “safer.” From a regulatory and addiction-risk standpoint, they are now treated identically.
Stronger Does Not Mean Better
The fact that Percocet is more potent per milligram doesn’t make it the better choice for pain relief. Doctors select between these medications based on the type and severity of pain, your medical history, and how your body metabolizes each drug. Some people get better relief from hydrocodone with fewer side effects, while others respond more favorably to oxycodone. Higher potency also means a narrower margin between an effective dose and one that causes problems, so more potent is not automatically more appropriate.