Drugs A - Z

Oxycodone Hydrochloride Oral tablet

A narcotic analgesic - It is used to treat moderate to severe pain

Generic Name: oxycodone

There is an FDA Alert for this drug. Click here to view it.

What is this medicine?

OXYCODONE (ox i KOE done) is a pain reliever. It is used to treat moderate to severe pain.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. If the medicine upsets your stomach, take it with food or milk. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Do not take more than you are told to take.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or health care professional if your pain does not go away, if it gets worse, or if you have new or a different type of pain. You may develop tolerance to the medicine. Tolerance means that you will need a higher dose of the medicine for pain relief. Tolerance is normal and is expected if you take this medicine for a long time.

Do not suddenly stop taking your medicine because you may develop a severe reaction. Your body becomes used to the medicine. This does NOT mean you are addicted. Addiction is a behavior related to getting and using a drug for a non-medical reason. If you have pain, you have a medical reason to take pain medicine. Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to take. If your doctor wants you to stop the medicine, the dose will be slowly lowered over time to avoid any side effects.

You may get drowsy or dizzy when you first start taking this medicine or change doses. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that may be dangerous until you know how the medicine affects you. Stand or sit up slowly.

This medicine will cause constipation. Try to have a bowel movement at least every 2 to 3 days. If you do not have a bowel movement for 3 days, call your doctor or health care professional.

Your mouth may get dry. Drinking water, chewing sugarless gum, or sucking on hard candy may help. See your dentist every 6 months.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
  • breathing difficulties, wheezing
  • confusion
  • light headedness or fainting spells

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

  • itching
  • nausea, vomiting

Last Updated: July 14, 2009
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