Drug Notes

Oxymorphone (Rectal)

Oxymorphone (ox-i-MOR-fone)

Treats moderate to severe pain, helps anesthesia work better during surgery, and eases anxiety caused by heart-related breathing problems. This medicine is a narcotic analgesic (pain medicine).

Brand Name(s):

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Suppository

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
• Never take rectal suppositories by mouth.
• Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine. Remove the foil or wrapper from the suppository before inserting it.
• To make the suppository easier to insert, you may use a lubricating gel such as K-Y® Jelly, but do not use petroleum jelly (Vaseline®).
• Lie on your left side with your left leg straight or slightly bent, and your right knee bent upward. Gently push the pointed end of the suppository into the rectum about 1 inch.
• Keep lying down for about 15 minutes to keep the suppository from coming out before it melts. Then, wash your hands again.

If a dose is missed:

• 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.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• You may store the suppositories in the refrigerator, but do not freeze them.
• Flush all leftover medicine down the toilet after you have finished your treatment. Also flush old medicine after the expiration date has passed. This medicine is one of only a few medicines that should be disposed of this way. Ask your pharmacist about the best way to dispose of the used medicine applicator and container.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. 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.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are using cimetidine, or if you are using phenothiazines (such as Compazine®, Phenergan®, Serentil®, Thorazine®), muscle relaxers, or an MAO inhibitor (such as Eldepryl®, Marplan®, Nardil®, Parnate®).
• Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol. Make sure your doctor knows if you are taking a medicine for depression or nerve problems, such as amitriptyline, doxepin, or nortriptyline. Tell your doctor about all other medicine you are using.
• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding, or if you are allergic to any other pain medicine. Tell your doctor if you have asthma, emphysema, sleep apnea, or other breathing problems. Make sure your doctor knows if you have stomach problems, digestion problems (such as diarrhea, blocked intestines, or irritable bowel syndrome), or pain in your abdomen (belly). Tell your doctor if you have a history of heart disease or rhythm problems, low blood pressure, or circulation problems.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you have liver or kidney disease, thyroid problems, pancreas or gallbladder problems, or a history of seizures. Tell your doctor if you have Addison's disease, prostate problems, or trouble urinating. Make sure your doctor knows if you have a history of depression, mental illness, or alcoholism. Tell your doctor if you have a history of a head injury, brain tumor, or other brain problems. Let your doctor know if you have glaucoma or any condition that causes increased pressure in your eye.
• 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.
• Using too much of this medicine can cause serious side effects or even death. Symptoms of an overdose include: Extreme dizziness or weakness, shortness of breath, slow heartbeat or breathing, seizures, and cold, clammy skin. In case of overdose, seek immediate medical care.
• Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. This medicine may interact with general anesthesia (sleeping medicine) and other medicines used during surgery and certain procedures. This medicine may also affect the results of certain medical tests.
• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.
• This medicine may make you dizzy, lightheaded, or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert. Change positions slowly when getting up from a lying or sitting position.
• This medicine may cause constipation, especially with long-term use. Ask your doctor if you should use a laxative to prevent and treat constipation.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Abdominal pain.
• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Confusion, hallucinations (sensing things that are not there), extreme change in behavior, or fainting.
• Slow breathing, or a heartbeat that is too slow or too fast.
• Trouble having a BM (constipation), trouble urinating, or urinating less than normal.

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

• Weakness, mood changes, or trouble sleeping.
• Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite.
• Headache, or warmth or redness in your face, neck, arms, or upper chest (flushing).

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