What is Percocet: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

How to take Percocet

• Take this medicine as prescribed. 

• Do not change the dose or take more than prescribed.

• Take each dose every 6 hours.

• Swallow Percocet tablets whole with a glass of water.

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature. 

• Dispose of unused Percocet tablets by flushing them down a toilet or dropping them off at a drug take-back location.

What to do if you miss a dose of Percocet

• This medicine is not safe for people with certain conditions.

• Do not use this medicine if you have:

• Allergies to oxycodone or acetaminophen

• Slowed breathing (respiratory depression)

• Serous breathing problems such as severe asthma or an active asthma attack

• Bowel blockage or narrowing

Percocet contraindications

Percocet warnings

• Tell any doctor or healthcare provider who treats you that you are using this medicine.

• Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

• Before taking Percocet, tell the prescriber if you have a history of:

  • Head injury or brain tumors

  • Seizures

  • Asthma or breathing problems

  • Liver disease

  • Kidney disease

  • Pancreas problems

  • Gallbladder problems

  • Thyroid problems

  • Urination problems

  • Drug or alcohol abuse

• Tell the doctor if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.

• Also, tell the doctor if you live with small children or with anyone who has a history of drug abuse.

• This oxycodone in Percocet can cause severe and life-threatening problems including:

  • Respiratory depression (insufficient breathing)

  • Dependence

  • Abuse

  • Withdrawal

  • Neonatal withdrawal

  • Overdose

  • Death

• Oxycodone can cause other problems such as:

  • Changes in mood and behavior

  • Sleep-related breathing problems (including sleep apnea)

  • Serotonin syndrome (when used with certain medicines). 

  • Mental and mood changes

  • Suicidal thoughts

  • Constipation or intestinal paralysis

  • Liver problems

  • Kidney problems

  • Adrenal gland problems

  • Low blood sugar

  • Low blood pressure

  • Severe allergic or skin reactions

• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. The doctor will need to slowly decrease the dose before you stop it completely.

• This medicine can be habit-forming. Do not use more than your prescribed dose. Call the doctor if the medicine is not working.

• This medicine contains acetaminophen. To avoid acetaminophen overdose, do not take other drugs like cold and flu medications that contain acetaminophen except under the advice of a doctor.

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

• Because of the risk of overdose, death, or misuse, keep Percocet securely out of the reach of children and other people.

Percocet interactions

• Some medicines can affect how Percocet works or increase the risk of side effects. Tell your doctor if you are using the following: 

  • Medicines that treat mental health issues such as depression or anxiety

  • Migraine drugs called triptans

  • Birth control pills

  • Drugs that make you pee (diuretics)

  • Anticholinergic drugs

  • Beta blockers

  • Drugs that contain acetaminophen

  • Carbamazepine, clarithromycin, erythromycin, fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, metaxalone, nefazodone, phenytoin, rifampin, or ritonavir

• Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are: 

  • Other types of opioids

  • Muscle relaxants

  • Benzodiazepines

  • Sleeping pills

  • Antihistamines

  • CBD

  • Alcohol 

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

• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

• Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice when taking Percocet.