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Brand Names: Oxy.IR
Common Name: oxycodone
What is this drug used for?
Oxycodone belongs to a group of medications known as opioids. It is used for the relief of moderate to moderately severe pain. It decreases pain by working on the central nervous system.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
Is there any reason not to take this drug?
Oxycodone should not be taken by anyone who:
- is allergic to oxycodone or any ingredients of the medication
- is allergic to other opioids (e.g., codeine, morphine)
- has acute asthma or other obstructive airway diseases
- has cor pulmonale
- has kyphoscoliosis (a progressive disorder of the spine)
- has head injuries
- has increased cerebral spinal fluid pressure
What about possible side effects?
Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent. The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.
The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication.
Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.
- constipation
- dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling faint
- drowsiness
- dry mouth
- headache
- lack of energy or tiredness
- nausea or vomiting
- skin itchiness
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
- depression or other mood or mental changes
- fast, slow, or pounding heartbeat
- feelings of unreality
- hallucinations
- hives, itching, or skin rash
- increased sweating
- redness or flushing of face
- ringing or buzzing in the ears
- trembling or uncontrolled muscle movements
- unusual excitement or restlessness (especially in children)
Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:
- cold, clammy skin
- confusion
- convulsions (seizures)
- fainting
- low blood pressure
- pinpoint-sized pupils
- severe dizziness
- severe drowsiness
- severe nervousness or restlessness
- shortness of breath, wheezing, or troubled breathing
- slow heartbeat
- slow or troubled breathing
- swelling of face or lips
Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.
What if I am taking other drugs?
There may be an interaction between oxycodone and any of the following:
- alcohol
- anaesthetics
- antihistamines
- barbiturates (e.g., secobarbital, phenobarbital)
- benzodiazepines (e.g., diazepam, lorazepam)
- beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol, propranolol)
- chloral hydrate
- cimetidine
- glutethimide
- MAO inhibitors (e.g., phenelzine, tranylcypromine)
- other medications that cause drowsiness
- other opioids (e.g., morphine, codeine)
- phenothiazines (e.g., chlorpromazine)
If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:
- stop taking one of the medications,
- change one of the medications to another,
- change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
- leave everything as is.
An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.
Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.
Other information:
Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.
Constipation: Constipation happens frequently while taking opioid (narcotic) pain relievers on a regular basis. For some people, particularly seniors or those confined to their bed, develop hard stools. Appropriate bowel habits are very important. Your doctor will discuss the use of stimulant laxatives, stool softeners, and other measures to be used as required.
Dependence: As with other narcotics, this medication may become habit-forming if taken for long periods of time. Drug abuse is not a problem with people who require this medication for pain relief. Withdrawal symptoms may occur if oxycodone is stopped suddenly. Those on prolonged therapy should stop the medication gradually if it is no longer required for pain control.
The following withdrawal symptoms may occur after the medication is stopped:
- body aches
- diarrhea
- difficulty sleeping
- goosebumps
- loss of appetite
- nausea
- nervousness or restlessness
- racing heart
- runny nose
- sneezing
- stomach cramps
- tremors or shivering
- unexplained fever
- unusual increase in sweating and yawning
- weakness
People who have the dose gradually reduced usually have only mild symptoms.
Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Oxycodone may impair the mental or physical abilities needed for activities such as driving a car or operating machinery. Alcohol and other sedating medications increase the risk of sedation with oxycodone. Use caution if undertaking activities requiring alertness.
Pregnancy: If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking oxycodone.
Breast-feeding: If you are breast-feeding or planning to breast-feed, talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking oxycodone.
Seniors: Seniors may be more sensitive to the effects of this medication.
Special Instructions:
The dose of oxycodone varies widely depending on the cause and severity of pain, individual medical history, and body weight.
This medication is available in immediate-release tablets and suppositories. The usual adult dose for the tablets and suppositories is 5 mg to 20 mg every 6 to 8 hours, if necessary.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose of this medication, check with your health care professional. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of reach of children.
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
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