Introduction
What is Oxycodone: Oxycodone is an opiate-based pain reliever. Oxycodone is also marketed under the trade names Oxynorm and OxyContin. It is occasionally administered as a pill that also contains the medication naloxone (Targinact).
This medication is only offered under a limited distribution scheme known as the Opioid Analgesic REMS (Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy).
Moreover, Oxycodone belongs to the opioid analgesics family of drugs.
Availability of Oxycodone: Oxycodone is only available with a doctor’s prescription. It comes in slow-release pills, capsules, and a liquid you ingest. It can also be administered through injection. However, this is typically done in a hospital setting.
Forms of Oxycodone
Oxycodone Forms:
Oxycodone is a standard (liquid) and concentrated solution, containing more Oxycodone per milliliter of solution.
This substance comes in the following dose forms:
- Extended Release Capsule
- Extended-Release Tablet
- Tablet
- Solution
- Capsule
Even at the same dose, oxycodone extended-release capsules or tablets work differently than regular oxycodone oral solutions or tablets. The patient must not change brand unless your doctor instructs you otherwise, do not move from one brand or form to another. Combination with other medicines may encounter significant or life-threatening adverse effects.
Read the prescription carefully, and see if your doctor has recommended a standard or concentrated solution and the dose in milliliters. Utilize the dosage cup, oral syringe, or dropper with your prescription to precisely measure the number of milliliters of solution. If you have concerns about calculating your dose or how much medication you should take, consult your doctor.
Uses for Oxycodone
Use of Oxycodone: Oxycodone is used to treat severe chronic pain. It treats severe pain caused by surgery, a traumatic accident, and cancer pain.
It is also used to treat various forms of chronic pain after milder pain relievers such as paracetamol, ibuprofen, and aspirin have failed.
Moreover, this is used to avoid adverse effects such as constipation. Oxycodone effectively prevents pain signals from reaching the brain via the nerves. It impacts how your body takes and responds to pain by acting on the brain. Oxycodone liquid and pills operate quickly but fade off after 4 to 6 hours.
The primary objective of analgesic therapy in managing chronic pain associated with a terminal illness such as cancer is to keep the patient pain-free while preserving as much quality of life as feasible.
Use of extended-release Oxycodone:
Extended-release oxycodone hydrochloride tablets and oxycodone myristate capsules are used only for pain relief that is severe enough to necessitate long-term.
Daily, around-the-clock use of an opiate analgesic and for which alternative treatment choices (e.g., non-opiate analgesics, immediate-release opiates) are insufficient or ineffective. They are not intended for usage on an as-needed basis.
The higher strengths of this medicine (more than 40 mg per tablet) should be used if you have been regularly using moderate to high doses of opioid pain medication. If taken by someone who hasn’t been using opioids consistently, these strengths can lead to overdose (and perhaps death).
Use the extended-release Oxycodone only for minor discomfort that will go away in a few days. This drug should not be used on an as-needed basis.
A mental health condition affected by certain medications, recent stomach surgery, or bowel problems is attempting to conceive or being already pregnant.
Use of Opiate analgesics
Opiate analgesics should be used in conjunction with appropriate nonpharmacologic modalities (e.g., cognitive-behavioral therapy, relaxation techniques, biofeedback, functional restoration, exercise therapy, and specific interventional procedures) and other appropriate pharmacologic therapies if used for chronic pain (e.g., non-opiate analgesics, analgesic adjuncts such as selected anticonvulsants and antidepressants for certain neuropathic pain conditions)
Precautions
Before taking this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist to see whether you should discontinue or modify your usage of any other opioid medication (s). Other pain medicines may also be recommended, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen.
You must understand the guidelines of the Opioid Analgesic REMS program to avoid oxycodone addiction, abuse, and overuse. A Medication Guide and a piece of patient information should also be included with this medication. Read and carefully follow these directions. If there is new information, read it once you renew your medication. If you have any questions, see your doctor.
Only individuals who have previously taken narcotic pain relievers, often opioids, should utilize oxycodone extended-release capsules or tablets. These patients are referred to as opioid-tolerant. While you are unsure if you are allergic to opioid-tolerant or not, see your doctor before using this medication.
You must consult and inquire with your doctor or pharmacist about using Oxycodone safely with other medications. However, stopping this drug abruptly may induce withdrawal symptoms, especially if you have been taking it at high dosages for an extended period.
Your doctor may gradually reduce your dose similarly If you have any withdrawal symptoms, such as restlessness, mental/mood problems (including anxiety, difficulty sleeping, or suicidal thoughts), watery eyes, runny nose, nausea, diarrhea, sweating, muscular pains, or sudden changes in behavior, contact your doctor or pharmacist straight away.
You must avoid Oxycodone if having an MAO inhibitor (MAOI), such as isocarboxazid [Marplan®], linezolid [Zyvox®], phenelzine [Nardil®], selegiline [Eldepryl®], or tranylcypromine [Parnate®], do not take this medication. This medication may produce a severe allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis, which can be fatal and needs rapid medical intervention. If you develop a rash, itching, hoarseness, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or swelling of your hands, face, or lips while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.
Individuals who misuse OxyContin risk acquiring tolerance for the medication, which means they must take ever more significant dosages to attain the same benefits. Long-term drug usage can lead to physical dependence and addiction.
It is illegal and unsafe for anybody else to take your medication. Keep any unused medication in a safe and secure location. People who are hooked on narcotics may wish to steal this medication.
Make sure that any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are taking this medication.
How to use this Oxycodone
- Use the calibrated dropper that comes with the box to measure the oral liquid concentrate. Your doctor may instruct you to combine the concentrate with a small number of fluids or food.
- Follow the directions carefully and take the pharmaceutical mixture as soon as possible.
- Use a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medication cup to measure the oral liquid.
- The usual teaspoon may not hold the required amount of liquid.
- Take only one at a time to reduce the risk of choking or difficulty swallowing. Before putting the pill in your mouth, do not soak, lick, or moisten it. Drink enough water with each pill to dissolve it thoroughly.
Oxycodone Addiction
When Oxycodone is used for an extended period, it can become habit-forming, developing mental or physical reliance. Oxycodone addiction is possible, but your doctor will explain ways to lessen your chances of getting addicted. If you only require pain medication for a limited period, such as when recuperating from surgery, one must not take Oxycodone extended-release capsules or tablets without a prescription.
Oxycodone can become addictive to patients because of opium use in this medicine; therefore, if you believe the medication is not functioning well, do not exceed the recommended dose. For more information, contact your doctor.
When you Should take Oxycodone:
People in chronic pain should not let the fear of addiction prevent them from utilizing opiates to ease their symptoms. When opioids are used, for this reason, mental dependency (addiction) is unlikely. If therapy is interrupted, physical dependency may result in withdrawal symptoms. Nevertheless, significant withdrawal adverse effects may typically be avoided by gradually lowering the dosage over months before discontinuing medication entirely.
When you should not take Oxycodone:
- Do not use this drug to ease moderate pain or in instances when non-narcotic therapy is beneficial.
- You must not take medication, and it should not be used to relieve occasional and periodic pain.
- Adults and toddlers over one month can use Oxycodone. And also, babies, small children, and the elderly are especially vulnerable to adverse effects.
- If you have ever had a negative response to Oxycodone or any other medication, tell your doctor before taking this medication.
- Avoid this if you have lung issues, asthma, difficulty breathing or alcohol addiction, a head injury or condition that causes seizures or fits, an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism), kidney or liver problems, an enlarged prostate, and low blood pressure (hypotension).
Side Effects of Oxycodone
This medication may cause breathing issues when sleeping (e.g., sleep apnea, sleep-related hypoxemia). While taking this medication, your doctor may reduce your dose if you suffer from sleep apnea (stop breathing for brief periods during sleep).
When you quickly rise from a laying or sitting posture, you may experience dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting. Getting up may help alleviate this issue. In addition, resting down for a few minutes may help ease dizziness or lightheadedness.
Oxycodone Overdose:
The dosage of the medicine will vary depending on the patient. Therefore, follow your doctor’s orders or the label’s instructions. This data only reflects the typical dosages of this medication. If your dose differs, do not modify it unless the doctor instructs you.
In addition, the number of pills you take each day, the interval between doses, and the time you take the drug are all influenced by the medical condition for which you are taking the medication people are taking.
It can cause all medications to be released at once, raising the risk of oxycodone overdose.
Firstly, if you believe you or someone else has overdosed on this medication, get immediate medical attention.
Symptoms of overdose include changes in awareness, cold, itchy skin, coughing with pink frothy respiratory secretions, reduced knowledge or ability to respond, extreme drowsiness or weakness, continued to increase dripping sweat, infrequent, quick, slow, or shallow breathing, pale or blue lips, fingernails, or skin, sleepiness or unusual tiredness, slow heartbeat, seizures, swelling in legs and ankles, or breathing problems.
If you observe any signs here, contact your doctor immediately. To treat an overdose, your doctor may also provide naloxone.
Oxycodone complications
This medication will exacerbate alcohol and other CNS depressants. Antihistamines, allergy or cold medicine, sedatives, tranquilizers, sleeping medicine, other prescription pain medicine or narcotics, seizure medicine or barbiturates, muscle relaxants, or anesthetics (numbing drugs) some dental anesthetics, are examples of CNS depressants.
Other Complications made by Oxycodone
This medication may create difficulties with the adrenal glands. If you have skin darkening, diarrhea, dizziness, fainting, lack of appetite, mental depression, nausea, skin rash, unusual fatigue or weakness, or vomiting, consult your doctor immediately.
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience anxiety, restlessness, a rapid heartbeat, fever, sweating, muscular spasms, twitching, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, etc.. These might be signs of a dangerous illness known as serotonin syndrome. If you also take other medications that alter serotonin levels in your body, your risk may be increased.
Similarly. excessive usage on a periodic level of this medication may result in infertility (unable to have children). If you intend to have children, see your doctor before using this medication.
Conclusion
Oxycodone is used to treat chronic pain when lesser pain medications like paracetamol, ibuprofen, and aspirin have failed. Only with a doctor’s prescription is Oxycodone available. It is available in the form of slow-release tablets, capsules, and a liquid that you drink.
Lastly, store the medication at room temp in a well-sealed container away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Prevent freezing. More importantly, stay out of children’s reach.
Do not retain expired or no longer-needed medications. When taken by individuals who are not acclimated to powerful narcotic pain relievers, children, or pets, Oxycodone can have dangerous side effects. To prevent others from obtaining the medication, keep it safe and secure.
