Oxycodone
Oxycodone is a pain reliever that is used to treat moderate to severe pain. Oxycodone extended-release tablets and capsules are used to treat severe pain in persons who will require pain medication around the clock for a prolonged period of time and who will not respond to other treatments. Oxycodone extended-release tablets and capsules should not be used to treat pain that can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Oxycodone extended-release tablets, extended-release capsules, and concentrated solution should only be used to treat persons who have been exposed to opioid drugs for at least one week and have become accustomed to its effects.
Opiate (narcotic) analgesics, such as oxycodone, belong to a group of drugs known as narcotic analgesics. It works by altering the brain’s and nervous system’s responses to pain.Oxycodone may also be used with acetaminophen (Oxycet, Percocet, Roxicet, Xartemis XR, and others); aspirin (Percodan); and ibuprofen (Oxycet, Percocet, Roxicet, Xartemis XR, and others). Only information on the usage of oxycodone alone is included in this monograph. If you’re taking an oxycodone combination medication, read the label carefully to learn about all of the components and contact your doctor or pharmacist for further information.
How should oxycodone be used?
Oxycodone is available in the form of a liquid, a concentrated liquid, a tablet, a capsule, an extended-release (long-acting) tablet (Oxycontin), and an extended-release capsule (Xtampza ER). The solution, concentrated solution, pill, and capsule are commonly taken every 4 to 6 hours with or without meals, either as required for pain or on a regular basis. The Oxycontin extended-release pills are taken every 12 hours with or without meals. Take the extended-release capsules (Xtampza ER) with meals every 12 hours; consume the same quantity of food each time. Follow the instructions on your prescription label carefully, and if there is anything you don’t understand, ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain it to you. Take oxycodone precisely as prescribed by your doctor.
If you’re taking Oxaydo pills, take them one at a time and drink lots of water. Swallow the pill whole or immediately after it has been placed in your mouth. Before putting the pills in your mouth, do not soak, moisten, or lick them. Oxaydo pills should not be chewed or crushed. and don’t use a nasogastric tube to administer them (NG tube; a tube threaded through the nose to deliver food and medication directly to the stomach).
If you have problems swallowing extended-release capsules (Xtampza ER), gently open the capsule and sprinkle the contents over soft foods like applesauce, pudding, yoghurt, ice cream, or jam. Flush the empty capsule shells down the toilet as soon as possible. Do not keep the mixture in the fridge for later use.
If your pain is not managed, your doctor will likely put you on a low dosage of oxycodone and gradually increase it. After using oxycodone for a while, your body may develop used to the drug. In this case, your doctor may need to raise your dosage to keep your pain under control. If you have adverse effects, your doctor may reduce your dosage. Discuss how you’re feeling throughout your oxycodone therapy with your doctor.
