How should I use oxycodone?
Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Never take
oxycodone in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Tell your doctor if the medicine
seems to stop working as well in relieving your pain.
Take the pill form of this medicine with a full
glass of water.
Do not crush, chew, or break an extended-release tablet. Swallow the pill whole. It
will release medicine slowly in the body. Breaking the pill would cause too much of the drug to
be released at one time.
Measure the liquid form of oxycodone with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a
regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you
can get one.
Drink plenty of water daily to help prevent
constipation while you are using
oxycodone. Ask your doctor about ways to increase the
fiber in your
diet. Do not use a
stool
softener (
laxative) without first asking your doctor.
Do not stop using oxycodone suddenly, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal
symptoms. Talk to your doctor about how to avoid withdrawal symptoms when stopping the
medication.
Never crush a tablet or other pill to mix into a liquid for injecting the drug
into your vein. This practice has resulted in death with the misuse of oxycodone and
similar prescription drugs.
Store this medication at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and light.
Keep track of how many pills have been used from each new bottle of this medicine.
Oxycodone is a drug of abuse and you should be aware if any person in the household is using
this medicine improperly or without a prescription.
After you have stopped using this medication, flush any unused pills down the toilet.
Throw away any unused liquid oxycodone that is older than 90 days.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Since oxycodone is sometimes used as needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If
you are using the medication regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is
almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and wait until your next regularly scheduled
dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Extended-release oxycodone is not for use on an as-needed basis for pain.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this
medicine.
An overdose of oxycodone can be fatal.
Overdose symptoms may include extreme drowsiness, muscle weakness, confusion, cold
and clammy skin, pinpoint pupils, shallow breathing, slow heart rate, fainting, or coma.
What should I avoid while using oxycodone?
Do not drink alcohol while you are taking this medication. Dangerous side effects or
death can occur when alcohol is combined with oxycodone. Check your food and medicine
labels to be sure these products do not contain alcohol.
Oxycodone can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be
careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.
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