Oxycodone
Oxycodone Hydrochloride (ox-i-KOE-done hye-droe-KLOR-ide)
Treats moderate to severe pain. Rapid-release oxycodone is a narcotic that is used for immediate pain relief.
Brand Name(s):Roxicodone , Oxy IR , Eth-Oxydose , Oxecta
There may be other brand names for this medicine.
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:
You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to oxycodone, codeine, hydrocodone, dihydrocodeine, morphine, Tylenol® No. 3, Tylox®, or Vicodin®. You should not use this medicine if you have serious breathing problems (such as severe asthma or respiratory depression) or a serious bowel problem called paralytic ileus.
How to Use This Medicine -
Capsule, Liquid, or Tablet
• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Your
dose may need to be changed several times in order to find out what works
best for you. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor
tells you to.
• If this medicine upsets your stomach, it may be taken with food.
• If you cannot swallow the extended-release capsule, you may open it and
pour the medicine into a small amount of soft food such as pudding, yogurt,
or applesauce. Stir this mixture well and swallow it without chewing.
• Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral
syringe, or medicine cup.
• Swallow the Oxecta(R) tablet whole with water. Do not break, crush, chew,
or dissolve it. Do not pre-soak, lick, or wet the tablet before placing it in the
mouth. Also, do not give this medicine through nasogastric or feeding tubes.
• Drink plenty of fluids to help avoid constipation.
• Use only the brand of this medicine that your doctor prescribed. Different
brands may not work the same way.
If a dose is missed:
• If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can.
If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and
skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed
dose.
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from
heat, moisture, and direct light. Oxycodone can cause serious unwanted
effects if taken by adults who are not used to strong narcotic pain medicines,
children, or pets. Make sure you store the medicine in a safe and secure
place to prevent others from getting it.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to
dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Flush the
unused tablets down the toilet.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with
anyone.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.
• Tell your doctor if you are using any medicines that make you sleepy. These
include sleeping pills, cold and allergy medicine, narcotic pain relievers, and
sedatives.
Warnings While Using This Medicine:
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you
have kidney disease, liver disease, lung disease or other breathing problems
(such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD], emphysema),
kyphoscoliosis (curvature of the spine with breathing problems), heart
disease, low blood pressure, problems with urination, an under active thyroid,
Addison's disease, gallbladder disease or gallstones, pancreas problems,
prostate problems, or a stomach disorder. Tell your doctor if you have a
history of head injury, brain tumor, depression, psychosis (a mental disease),
seizures, or alcohol or drug abuse.
• This medicine may be habit-forming. If you feel that the medicine is not
working as well, do not use more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor
for instructions.
• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly without asking your doctor. You may
need to slowly decrease your dose before stopping it completely.
• Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting may occur when you get up suddenly
from a lying or sitting position. Getting up slowly may help lessen this
problem. Also, lying down for a while may relieve the dizziness or
lightheadedness.
• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines,
or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
• This medicine may cause constipation. This is more common if you use it for a
long time. Ask your doctor if you should also use a laxative to prevent and
treat constipation.
• Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are
using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or
tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blue lips, fingernails, or skin.
• Decrease in how much or how often you urinate.
• Extreme weakness, shallow breathing, uneven heartbeat, sweating, or cold or
clammy skin.
• Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting.
• Severe constipation or vomiting.
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
• Feelings of extreme happiness or sadness.
• Headache.
• Itching skin.
• Lack or loss of strength.
• Nausea, vomiting, or mild constipation.
• Sleepiness or unusual drowsiness.
• Trouble sleeping.
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088
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The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Last Updated: 09/19/2012
Copyright © 09/19/2012 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#7426
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