Oxycodone Oral Tablet

Oxycodone is used to treat moderate to severe pain in adults. This drug is a controlled substance. That means it can only be used under a doctor’s close supervision.

This medication comes in the form of an extended-release tablet or an immediate-release tablet, extended-release capsule or an immediate-release capsule, or solution. All forms of this drug are taken by mouth.

Oxycodone immediate-release tablets are available as the brand-name drugs Oxaydo, Roxicodone, and Roxybond. The extended-release tablets are available as the brand-name drug Oxycontin. The extended-release capsules are available as the brand-name drug Xtampza ER. The immediate-release tablets, capsules, and solution are available as generic drugs.

The more common side effects of this drug include nausea, vomiting, constipation, headache, dizziness, or drowsiness.

This drug should be used very carefully. Use of oxycodone can lead to addiction, abuse, or misuse. This can result in overdose or death. Follow your doctor’s instructions closely to stay safe while using this drug.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

• FDA warning See Details

• Addiction and abuse warning See Details

• Decreased breathing rate See Details

• Accidental ingestion See Details

• Pregnancy warning See Details

• Drug interaction See Details

• Drug interaction See Details

What is oxycodone?

Oxycodone is a controlled substance. That means it can only be used under a doctor’s close supervision.

This drug comes in the form of an extended-release tablet or an immediate-release tablet, extended-release capsule or an immediate-release capsule, or solution. All forms of this drug are taken by mouth. (Immediate-release drugs are released into the bloodstream right away. Extended-release drugs are released into the bloodstream slowly over time.)

Oxycodone immediate-release tablets are available as the brand-name drugs Oxaydo, Roxicodone, and Roxybond. Oxycodone extended-release tablets are available as the brand-name drug Oxycontin. The extended-release capsules are available as the brand-name drug Xtampza ER. There are no brand-name versions of the immediate-release capsules or solution.

Oxycodone immediate-release tablets, immediate-release capsules, and solution are available as generic drugs. There is no generic version of the extended-release tablets or extended-release capsules. Generic drugs usually cost less. In some cases, they may not be available in every strength or form as the brand-name version.

Oxycodone may be used as part of a combination therapy. This means you may need to take it with other medications.

Why it's used

Oxycodone is used to treat moderate to severe pain. It can be used short-term or long-term, depending on your condition.

How it works

Oxycodone belongs to a class of drugs called opioid agonists. A class of drugs is a group of medications that work in a similar way. These drugs are often used to treat similar conditions.

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More Common Side Effects

The adult side effects for this drug can vary from the side effects for children.

• Adult side effects for oxycodone can include:

  • nausea and vomiting
  • constipation
  • headache
  • dizziness
  • lightheadedness
  • drowsiness
  • weakness or lack of energy
  • severe itching
  • dry mouth
  • sweating
  • trouble falling or staying asleep

• Children’s side effects for oxycodone (the extended-release tablets only) can include:

  • nausea and vomiting
  • constipation
  • headache
  • fever

If these effects are mild, they may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If they’re more severe or don’t go away, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious Side Effects

Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 9-1-1 if your symptoms feel life-threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency. Serious side effects and their symptoms can include the following:

• Serious breathing problems. Symptoms can include:

  • slowed breathing
  • very shallow breathing (little chest movement with breathing)
  • fainting
  • dizziness
  • confusion

• Severely low blood pressure. Symptoms can include

  • dizziness or lightheadedness (especially if you get up too fast after sitting or lying down)

• Seizures

• Physical dependence (addiction) and withdrawal when stopping the drug. Symptoms can include:

  • restlessness
  • irritability or anxiousness
  • trouble sleeping
  • increased blood pressure
  • fast breathing rate
  • fast heart rate
  • dilated pupils (enlargement of the dark center of your eyes)
  • teary eyes
  • runny nose
  • yawning
  • nausea, vomiting, and a loss of appetite
  • diarrhea and stomach cramps
  • sweating
  • chills
  • muscle aches and backache

• Abuse or addiction to oxycodone. Symptoms can include:

  • taking more of the drug than your doctor prescribes
  • taking the drug regularly even if you don’t need it
  • continuing to use the drug despite negative reactions from friends, family, your job, or the law
  • ignoring regular duties of your life
  • taking the drug secretly or lying about how much you’re taking

• Adrenal insufficiency. Symptoms can include:

  • long-lasting tiredness
  • muscle weakness
  • pain in your abdomen

• Androgen deficiency. Symptoms can include:

  • tiredness
  • trouble sleeping
  • decreased energy

Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs affect each person differently, we cannot guarantee that this information includes all possible side effects. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always discuss possible side effects with a healthcare provider who knows your medical history.

Oxycodone can interact with other medications, vitamins, or herbs you may be taking. An interaction is when a substance changes the way a drug works. This can be harmful or prevent the drug from working well.

To help avoid interactions, your doctor should manage all of your medications carefully. Be sure to tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, or herbs you’re taking. To find out how this drug might interact with something else you’re taking, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Alcohol interaction

Do not drink alcohol while taking oxycodone. The use of drinks that contain alcohol raises your risk of serious side effects from oxycodone. It may even result in coma or death.

Medications that might interact with this drug

Drugs you should not use with oxycodone

Do not take these drugs with oxycodone. Doing so can cause dangerous effects in the body. Examples of these drugs include:

• Buprenorphine.
  • Using this drug with oxycodone can decrease the effect of oxycodone. This means it won’t work as well. Buprenorphine can also cause withdrawal symptoms.
• Anesthesia drugs such as butorphanol, nalbuphine, and pentazocine.
  • Using these drugs with oxycodone can decrease the effect of oxycodone. This means it won’t work as well. These drugs can also cause withdrawal symptoms.

Interactions that increase your risk of side effects

• Increased side effects from other drugs: Taking oxycodone with certain medications raises your risk of side effects from these drugs. Examples of these drugs include:

  • Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), a type of antidepressant, such as tranylcypromine, isocarboxazid, phenelzine, or selegiline.
    • Increased side effects can include anxiety, confusion, slowed breathing, or coma. Do not take oxycodone if you’re taking an MAOI, or have taken an MAOI within the last 14 days.
  • Antidepressants such as doxepin, fluvoxamine, duloxetine, or venlafaxine.
    • Increased side effects can include higher levels of serotonin in your body. This can lead to a condition called serotonin syndrome. Symptoms can include agitation, restlessness, fast heartbeat, increased body temperature, nausea, or vomiting.
  • Muscle relaxants such as baclofen, cyclobenzaprine, or methocarbamol.
    • Increased side effects can include breathing problems.
  • Hypnotics such as zolpidem, temazepam, or estazolam.
    • Increased side effects can include breathing problems, low blood pressure, extreme drowsiness, or coma. Your doctor may prescribe a lower dosage of oxycodone for you.
  • Nausea and vomiting drugs such as ondansetron or promethazine.
    • Increased side effects can include breathing problems, low blood pressure, extreme drowsiness, or coma. Your doctor may prescribe a lower dosage of oxycodone for you.
  • Psychotic drugs, such as chlorpromazine, prochlorperazine, or thioridazine.
    • Increased side effects can include breathing problems, low blood pressure, extreme drowsiness, or coma. Your doctor may prescribe a lower dosage of oxycodone for you.
  • Anticholinergic drugs, such as atropine, scopolamine, or benztropine.
    • Increased side effects can include problems urinating. They can also include severe constipation, which could lead to more serious bowel problems.
  • Benzodiazepines such as lorazepam, clonazepam, temazepam, estazolam, or alprazolam.
    • Increased side effects can include severe drowsiness, slowed or stopped breathing, coma, or death. If you need to take one of these drugs with oxycodone, your doctor will monitor you closely for side effects.

• Increased side effects from oxycodone: Taking oxycodone with certain medications raises your risk of side effects from oxycodone. This is because the amount of oxycodone in your body may be increased. Examples of these drugs include:

  • Antifungal drugs such as voriconazole or ketoconazole.
    • If you take these drugs with oxycodone, your doctor may monitor you more often. They may adjust your dosage as needed.
  • Antibiotics such as erythromycin, clarithromycin, or telithromycin.
    • If you take these drugs with oxycodone, your doctor may monitor you more often. They may adjust your dosage as needed.
  • HIV drugs such as ritonavir, darunavir, or atazanavir.
    • If you take these drugs with oxycodone, your doctor may monitor you more often. They may adjust your dosage as needed.
  • Drugs such as bupropion, duloxetine, fluoxetine, paroxetine, or sertraline.
    • If you take these drugs with oxycodone, your doctor may monitor you more often. They may adjust your dosage as needed.
  • Anti-arrhythmia drugs such as amiodarone or quinidine.
    • If you take these drugs with oxycodone, your doctor may monitor you more often. They may adjust your dosage as needed.

Interactions that can make oxycodone less effective

When oxycodone is used with certain drugs, it may not work as well to treat your pain. This is because the amount of oxycodone in your body may be decreased. Examples of these drugs include:

• Antibiotics such as rifampin, rifabutin, or rifapentine.
  • If you take these drugs with oxycodone, your doctor may monitor you more often. They may adjust your dosage as needed.
• Anticonvulsants such as carbamazepine and phenytoin.
  • If you take these drugs with oxycodone, your doctor may monitor you more often. They may adjust your dosage as needed.

Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs interact differently in each person, we cannot guarantee that this information includes all possible interactions. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always speak with your healthcare provider about possible interactions with all prescription drugs, vitamins, herbs and supplements, and over-the-counter drugs that you are taking. Oxycodone Warnings

People with breathing problems

Oxycodone may slow down your breathing or cause you to have shallow breathing. If you have a breathing problem such as asthma or COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), talk with your doctor about whether this drug is safe for you. Certain people should never take oxycodone. These include people who already have slow or shallow breathing, or who have too much carbon dioxide in their blood due to poor breathing. They also include people with acute or severe asthma. For all of these people, taking this drug could harm their breathing too much and cause death.

People with gastrointestinal (GI) problems

Oxycodone can worsen certain stomach or bowel problems. This is because this drug makes it harder for food to move through your digestive tract. It can also make it harder for doctors to diagnose or find the cause of these problems. If you have a condition called a paralytic ileus, you should not take oxycodone. Or if you have any type of GI obstruction, you should not take extended-release oxycodone. The immediate-release may be used cautiously.

People with head injury

Oxycodone may cause increased pressure in your brain. It may also cause breathing problems. Both of these issues raise your risk of complications, and can cause death.

People with liver problems

Your body may process drugs more slowly. As a result, more of a drug stays in your body for a longer time. This raises your risk of side effects. Your doctor may start you on a lower dose. This can help keep levels of this drug from building up too much in your body.

People with kidney problems

If you have kidney problems or a history of kidney disease, you may not be able to clear this drug from your body well. This may increase the levels of oxycodone in your body and cause more side effects. This medication may also decrease your kidney function, making your kidney disease worse.

People with seizure problems

Oxycodone may cause or worsen seizures. If you have epilepsy, talk with your doctor about whether this drug is safe for you.

People with adrenal gland problems

If you have Addison’s disease, talk with your doctor about whether this drug is safe for you. Oxycodone may make your condition worse. Also, you’re at higher risk of side effects from this drug. Your doctor may prescribe a lower dose of this drug.

People with hypothyroidism (low thyroid)

Talk with your doctor about whether this drug is safe for you. Oxycodone could make your condition better or worse. You’re also at higher risk of side effects from this drug. Your doctor may prescribe a lower dose of this drug.

People with urination problems

If you have trouble urinating due to certain problems, talk with your doctor about whether this drug is safe for you. These problems include an enlarged prostate, a bladder obstruction, or kidney problems. Oxycodone can make it even harder for you to urinate, or make you unable to urinate. Your doctor may prescribe a lower dose of this drug.

People with pancreas and gallbladder problems

Oxycodone raises your risk of pancreatitis. If you have acute or chronic pancreatitis, this drug may worsen your condition. If you have a history of pancreatitis or gallbladder problems, you’re at higher risk of acute pancreatitis. Talk with your doctor about whether this drug is safe for you.

Pregnant women

Oxycodone immediate-release tablet, capsule, and oral solution:

These are category B pregnancy drugs. That means two things:

1. Research in animals hasn’t shown a risk to the fetus when the mother takes the drug.
2. There aren’t enough studies done in humans to show if the drug poses a risk to the fetus.

Talk to your doctor if you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Animal studies don’t always predict the way humans would respond. Therefore, this drug should only be used in pregnancy if clearly needed.

Oxycodone extended-release tablet:

This is a category C pregnancy drug. That means 2 things:

1. Research in animals has shown adverse effects to the fetus when the mother takes the drug.
2. There haven’t been enough studies done in humans to be certain how the drug might affect the fetus.

Talk to your doctor if you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant. This drug should only be used if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Note: Using oxycodone extended-release tablets for two weeks or longer during pregnancy can lead to neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome in your newborn child. Symptoms include irritability, overactive behaviors, or an abnormal sleep pattern. They also include high-pitched crying, tremors, vomiting, diarrhea, or failure to gain weight.

Women who are breast-feeding

Oxycodone may pass into breast milk and cause side effects in a child who is breast-fed.

Talk to your doctor if you breast-feed your child. You may need to decide whether to stop breast-feeding or stop taking this medication.

For seniors

The kidneys of older adults may not work as well as they used to. This can cause your body to process drugs more slowly. As a result, more of a drug stays in your body for a longer time. This raises your risk of side effects.

For children

• Oxycodone immediate-release tablet, immediate-release capsule, extended-release capsule, or oral solution:It’s not known if this drug is safe and effective for children. It shouldn’t be used in people younger than 18 years.
• Oxycodone extended-release tablet: It’s not known if this drug is safe and effective for children younger than 11 years. It shouldn’t be used in children younger than 11 years.

When to call the doctor

Call your doctor if you become pregnant while taking this drug.

Allergies

Oxycodone can cause a severe allergic reaction. Symptoms can include:

• trouble breathing
• swelling of your throat or tongue
• rash
• hives (itchy welts)

If you have an allergic reaction, call your doctor or local poison control center right away. If your symptoms are severe, call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Don’t take this drug again if you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to it. Taking it again could be fatal (cause death).

All possible dosages and drug forms may not be included here. Your dosage, drug form, and how often you take the drug will depend on:

• your age
• the condition being treated
• how severe your condition is
• other medical conditions you have
• how you react to the first dose

What are you taking this medication for?

Moderate to severe pain

Generic: oxycodone

Form: oral immediate-release tablet Strengths: 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg Form: oral immediate-release capsule Strengths:5 mg Form: oral immediate-release solution Strengths: 5 mg per 5 mL, 100 mg per 5 mL

Brand 1: Oxaydo

Form: oral immediate-release tablet Strengths: 5 mg, 7.5 mg

Brand 2: Roxicodone

Form: oral immediate-release tablet Strengths: 5 mg, 15 mg, 30 mg

Brand 3: Oxycontin

Form: oral extended-release tablet Strengths: 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg, 60 mg, 80 mg

Brand 4: XTAMPZA ER

Form: oral extended-release capsule Strengths: 9 mg, 13.5 mg, 18 mg, 27 mg, 36 mg

Brand 5: Roxybond

Form: oral extended-release capsule Strengths: 5 mg, 15 mg, 30 mg

 

Oxycodone immediate-release tablets, capsules, or solution:

Adult dosage (ages 18–64 years)

• Typical starting dosage: If you haven’t been treated with opioid medications before, your starting dosage can range from 5 mg to 15 mg taken every 4–6 hours as needed.
• Dosage increases: Based on your body’s response to the drug, your doctor will decide what dosage is right for you.

Child dosage (ages 0–17 years)

• It hasn’t been confirmed that this drug is safe and effective for use in children. It shouldn’t be used in people younger than 18 years.

Oxycodone extended-release tablets:

Adult dosage (ages 18–64 years)

• Typical starting dosage: If you haven’t been treated with opioid medications before, your starting dosage should be 10 mg taken every 12 hours.
• Dosage increases: Based on your body’s response to the drug, your doctor will decide what dosage is right for you.

Child dosage (ages 11–17 years)

• Oxycodone extended-release tablets can only be used for certain children. These are children that have taken and tolerated opioid medications for at least five days in a row. Your child's odoctor will determine their dosage based on the opioid drug your child had already taken.

Child dosage (ages 0–10 years)

• It hasn’t been confirmed that this drug is safe and effective for use in people younger than 11 years.

Oxycodone extended-release capsules:

Adult dosage (ages 18–64 years)

• Typical starting dosage: If you haven’t been treated with opioid medications before, your starting dosage should be 9 mg taken every 12 hours.
• Dosage increases: Based on your body’s response to the drug, your doctor will decide what dosage is right for you.

Oxycodone immediate-release tablets, immediate-release capsules, extended-release capsules, or solution:

Child dosage (ages 0–17 years)

• It hasn’t been confirmed that this drug is safe and effective for use in children. It shouldn’t be used in people younger than 18 years.

Senior dosage (ages 65 years and older)

The kidneys of older adults may not work as well as they used to. This can cause your body to process drugs more slowly. As a result, more of a drug stays in your body for a longer time. This raises your risk of side effects.

Your doctor may start you on a lowered dose or a different dosing schedule. This can help keep levels of this drug from building up too much in your body.

 Dosage Warnings

Stopping therapy: When stopping treatment after using oxycodone for a long time, your doctor should slowly lower your dose. They should monitor for symptoms of withdrawal. Symptoms can include restlessness, tearfulness, runny nose, or yawning. They can also include sweating, chills, muscle pain, or dilated pupils (enlarged dark centers of your eyes).

Switching from another opioid therapy or a combination opioid/non-opioid therapy: Your doctor will determine the equivalent (matching) dose of oxycodone. This will be based on the strength of your previous opioid medication. It will also be based on your body’s response to oxycodone.

Special Considerations

Liver disease: If you’re taking the extended-release tablets, your doctor may start you on one-third to one-half of the usual starting dose. Your dosage may be changed based on your body’s response to this drug.

Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs affect each person differently, we cannot guarantee that this list includes all possible dosages. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always to speak with your doctor or pharmacist about dosages that are right for you. Important considerations for taking oxycodone

You must take the extended-release capsules with food

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Take this drug at the time(s) recommended by your doctor

You must swallow your tablet whole

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Store this drug carefully

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A prescription for this medication is not refillable

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Travel

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Self-management

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Clinical monitoring

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Not every pharmacy stocks this drug. When filling your prescription, be sure to call ahead

Hidden costs

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Insurance

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