Palexia Vs Endone: Uses, Side Effects, And Which Works Better For Pain

If you are suffering from body pain and see no result from pain medicine it is time to switch to opioid pain killers. And we cannot talk about opioid pain treatment without discussing about Tapentadol and Oxycodone. But which of these two is a better treatment option for you?

In this blog, Palexia vs Endone, we will compare and see which among Tapentadol (Palexia) and Oxycodone (Endone) is the right treatment option for you.

What Is Palexia?

Palexia is a prescription medication containing Tapentadol, an analgesic that belongs to the class of centrally acting opioid analgesics. It is used for the management of moderate to severe acute and chronic pain where other non-opioid pain medicines are ineffective [1].

In Australia, Palexia is one of the primary branded formulations of Tapentadol which is available in both immediate-release (Palexia IR) and extended-release (Palexia SR) forms. In addition to Palexia, other Tapentadol options may also be available, such as Aspadol and Topcyta, which is another brand formulation of Tapentadol. These medicines are manufactured in India and offer the same effectiveness as Palexia at a much affordable price.

What Is Endone?

Endone is the brand name for the pain medicine Oxycodone. It is used for short-term management of severe body pain [2]. Oxycodone is a semi-synthetic opioid pain medicine that is prescribed for treating moderate to severe body pain.

Similarities Between Palexia And Endone

The key similarities between Palexia and Endone are listed below.

Palexia Vs Endone: Key Differences

Despite their similarities, both Palexia and Endone differ in a few aspects. Knowing them is important to make an informed decision.

Active Compound

The Palexia tablet is formulated with Tapentadol as the active compound, whereas Endone tablet contains Oxycodone as the active compound.

Mechanism of Action

Even though both these pain medicines bind to the same mu-opioid receptor to help in managing pain, but Tapentadol offers a dual mechanism of action which Oxycodone does not. This is why Tapentadol offers a better pain management option with a lower risk of side effects. Tapentadol also inhibits norepinephrine reuptake and increases the level of norepinephrine and serotonin in the body which helps in lowering body pain [3].

Onset of action

It takes about 30 minutes for Tapentadol IR tablets to work. Whereas, Oxycodone tablets take about 10 to 30 minutes to start working [4].

Palexia Vs Endone Strength

The brand drug Endone is primarily available in the dosage strength of 5mg. Whereas, Palexia tablet is available in 50 mg, 75 mg, and 100 mg tablets.

Dosage Conversion

A dosage conversion chart published by the NHS, UK, suggests that 20mg of Oxycodone tablet is equivalent to a 100mg tablet of Tapentadol [5].

Effectiveness: Which Works Better?

A 2013 study comparing Tapentadol IR tablet with Oxycodone IR tablet suggests that both these pain medicines have a comparable effectiveness and safety profile for managing lower back pain. However, Tapentadol have a better gastrointestinal tolerability reducing the risk of constipation and vomiting [6].

Another study published in 2022 indicates that both oxycodone and tapentadol are effective for pain control. However, oxycodone caused more side effects and required more medical care than Tapentadol [7]. Taking these studies into consideration it will be safe to say that both these opioid pain medicine offer a similar effectiveness but Tapentadol offer a better tolerability and fewer side effects.

Endone Vs Palexia- Side Effects And Safety Profile

The Tapentadol side effects include:

• heartburn
• drowsiness
• headache
• irritability
• anxiety
• stomach pain
• dry mouth
• insomnia

The side effects of Oxycodone include-

• nausea
• extreme drowsiness
• difficulty swallowing
• chest pain
• vomiting
• seizures
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• unusual snoring
• loss of appetite

Withdrawal And Dependence

Both Palexia and Endone can lead to physical dependence and withdrawal if used regularly and then stopped abruptly. However, the risk of experiencing the withdrawal symptoms may vary. Endone has a strong opioid activity and a high potential for dependence, tolerance, and addiction. It often produces euphoria, which can increase the likelihood of misuse and make withdrawal more intense. Palexia on the other hand carries a slightly lower risk of addiction and tends to cause milder withdrawal symptoms.

Withdrawal from either palexia or endone medication can include:

• anxiety
• sweating
• muscle aches
• insomnia
• nausea
• diarrhea
• cravings.

Symptoms usually start within 12 to 24 hours of the last dose and can last up to a week or more. To minimize withdrawal and dependence risks, both medications should always be stopped gradually under medical guidance.

Endone Vs Tapentadol- Cost And Availability

The price of Palexia 50mg is about $ 1 per tablet in Australia [8]. Whereas, higher doses like Topcynta 100mg tablet are also priced at $1 per pill in online pharmacies like IyrinHealth. On the other hand, the price of 5mg of Endone is $21.95 for 10 tablets ($2.1 per tablet) [9].

Choosing The Right Option

Both Tapentadol and Oxycodone are effective opioid pain medicine that helps in managing body pain. However, studies show that Palexia has a lower risk for gastrointestinal side effects is a better option for people with stomach issues. It is also a more affordable option for managing moderate to severe pain. On the other hand, Endone is a better option for you if you are looking for a quicker pain relief. However, both these medicines are prescription drugs and must be used only after consulting a doctor.

Palexia Vs Endone- Bottom Line

Both Palexia and Endone are effective opioid pain medications prescribed for treating moderate to severe pain, especially when other treatments are not sufficient.

Palexia offers a dual mechanism of action targeting pain through opioid receptor binding while also inhibiting norepinephrine reuptake. This unique feature not only enhances its pain control but also contributes to a better gastrointestinal tolerability and fewer side effects compared to Endone. Tapentadol also has a lower risk of dependence and withdrawal making safe for long-term pain use.

Endone, on the other hand is a trusted and fast acting pain medicine for short-term use. From a cost and safety perspective, Palexia is more affordable and better-tolerated option. Both medications are Schedule 8 (S8) controlled substances in Australia and should be used strictly under a doctor’s supervision.