What is Oxycodone: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

How to take Oxycodone

• Take this pain medication as instructed. 

• An overdose can be dangerous. Follow directions carefully to avoid taking too much oxycodone.

• Please read the Medication Guide that comes with this medicine.

• Swallow immediate-release oxycodone tablets with a glass of water.

• Swallow an OxyContin tablet whole with a drink of water. Do not crush, chew, break, or open. 

  • Do not wet the tablet before taking it.

  • Take only one tablet at a time.

• Swallow the Xtampza ER capsule whole with a drink of water. Do not open it. 

• Measure oxycodone oral liquid medicine only with the calibrated medicine cup provided with the medicine. Do not use kitchen measuring devices to measure out a dose.

• Store oxycodone tablets, capsules, and oral solution at room temperature in a tightly closed, light-resistant container.

What to do if you miss a dose of Oxycodone

• Ask the prescriber what to do in case of a missed dose.

• Never take extra oxycodone to make up for a missed dose.

Oxycodone contraindications

• This medicine is not right for everyone. 

• Oxycodone should not be taken by people who have:

  • Known allergies to oxycodone

  • Severe lung or breathing problems

  • Stomach or bowel blockage (including paralytic ileus).

Oxycodone warnings

• Tell any doctor or healthcare provider who treats you that you are taking oxycodone.

• The prescriber will need regular visits to monitor the treatment’s effectiveness and side effects. Keep all appointments.

• Do not stop taking oxycodone until talking to the prescriber. The dose may need to be slowly decreased before it’s stopped.

• Call the doctor if you think your medicine is not working.

• Before starting oxycodone therapy, tell the prescriber if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, breastfeeding, or have:

  • Breathing or lung problems such as asthma, COPD, or sleep apnea

  • Kidney problems

  • Liver problems

  • Urination problems

  • Thyroid problems

  • Stomach or bowel problems

  • Pancreas or gallbladder problems

  • Low blood pressure

  • Slow heart rate

  • A history of seizures, head injury, or brain tumor

  • Mental health issues such as depression

  • A history of alcohol or drug abuse

• Like other opioids, oxycodone can cause serious problems including:

  • Slow breathing (respiratory depression) or stopped breathing (respiratory arrest)

  • Breathing problems while sleeping

  • Serotonin syndrome

  • Low blood pressure

  • Increased pressure inside the head

  • Adrenal gland dysfunction

  • Suicidal thoughts or behaviors

  • Drug abuse

  • Dependence

  • Overdose

  • Coma

  • Death

• Opioids can impair your judgment and cause significant drowsiness, lightheadedness, and dizziness. Do not drive or engage in any other risky activity until you know how this medicine affects you. 

• Constipation is a common side effect of opioids. Ask the prescriber about using laxatives to prevent or treat constipation.

• Opioids can cause infertility, so people trying to have a baby should consult with the prescriber.

• This medicine can be habit-forming. Do not use more than your prescribed dose. If the medicine doesn’t seem to be working, talk to the prescriber.

• Keep this medicine locked up in a secure location out of the reach of children or visitors. Oxycodone can injure or kill children or other people if they inadvertently get access to it. 

• Oxycodone is a federally controlled substance. Giving or selling this drug to anyone else is hazardous and against the law.

Oxycodone interactions

• Tell the prescriber about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements being taken, particularly:

  • Other opioids including diarrhea treatments

  • Medicines that treat depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions

  • Migraine drugs called triptans

  • Drugs that make you pee (diuretics)

• Anticholinergic drugs

• Drugs that make you sleepy such as sleeping pills, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, muscle relaxants, seizure medications, allergy medications, CBD, alcohol 

• Macrolide antibiotics such as clarithromycin

• Azole antifungal drugs such as ketoconazole

• Metaxalone, mirtazapine, Paxlovid, quinidine, rifampin, ritonavir

• Do not use this medicine if you are using or have used an MAO inhibitor within the past 14 days.

• Do not drink alcohol when taking oxycodone.

Find more information about oxycodone interactions to avoid here.