Drug Notes

Oxycodone, rapid release (By mouth)

Oxycodone Hydrochloride (ox-i-KOE-done hye-droe-KLOR-ide)

Treats moderate to severe pain. This medicine is a narcotic pain reliever.

Brand Name(s):

Oxaydo, Oxy IR, Roxicodone

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Capsule, Liquid, Tablet

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
• Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
• Swallow the Oxaydo? tablet whole with enough water to swallow it completely. Do not break, crush, chew, or dissolve it. Do not wet the tablet before you put it in your mouth.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Store the medicine in a secure place to prevent others from getting it. Ask your pharmacist about the best way to dispose of medicine you do not use.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how oxycodone works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
  • Amiodarone, quinidine
  • MAO inhibitor (MAOI)
  • Medicine to treat an infection (such as erythromycin, ketoconazole, rifampin)
  • Medicine to treat HIV/AIDS (such as ritonavir)
  • Medicine to treat depression or anxiety
  • Medicine to treat seizures (such as carbamazepine, phenytoin)
  • Phenothiazine medicine (such as chlorpromazine, perphenazine, prochlorperazine, promethazine, thioridazine)
• Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol. Also tell your doctor if you are using buprenorphine, butorphanol, nalbuphine, pentazocine, or a muscle relaxer.
• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, low blood pressure, lung disease or breathing problems (such as asthma, COPD), scoliosis, an enlarged prostate or trouble urinating, an underactive thyroid, Addison disease, gallbladder or pancreas problems, or stomach or bowel problems. Tell your doctor if you have a history of head injury, mental health problems, seizures, or alcohol or drug addiction.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • High risk of overdose, which can lead to death
  • Respiratory depression (serious breathing problem that can be life-threatening)
  • Low blood pressure
• This medicine may make you dizzy, drowsy, or faint. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you. Sit or lie down if you feel dizzy. Stand up carefully.
• This medicine may cause constipation, especially with long-term use. Ask your doctor if you should use a laxative to prevent and treat constipation. Drink plenty of liquids to help avoid constipation.
• This medicine can be habit-forming. Do not use more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor if you think your medicine is not working.
• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

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, trouble breathing
• Extreme dizziness or weakness, shallow breathing, slow heartbeat, sweating, cold or clammy skin, seizures
• Lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting
• Severe constipation

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Mild constipation, nausea, or vomiting
• Sleepiness, tiredness

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

Last Updated: 1/27/2017