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Oxycodone
|
About oxycodone
| Type of medicine | Analgesics |
| Used for | To relieve severe pain, particularly cancer pain or after surgery |
| Also called | OxyContin, OxyNorm |
| Available as | capsules, controlled release tables, oral liquid form |
Oxycodone is used to relieve pain, it works on the nerves and brain to reduce the pain you feel or the need to cough.
Before taking oxycodone
Before taking oxycodone make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:
- If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
- If you suffer from liver, kidney, respiratory (breathing), prostate or thyroid problems
- If you suffer from epilepsy or hypotension (low blood pressure)
- If you are under 18 years of age
- If you have recently suffered a serious head injury
- If you have been constipated for more than a week, with or without tummy pain and bloatedness
How to take oxycodone
- If you are taking the modified release tablets that release drug slowly to give a more even effect, they should not be crushed or broken, swallow them whole or you may absorb too much drug too quickly from the gut.
Getting the most from your treatment
- Alcohol will increase any feelings of drowsiness. Avoid alcoholic drinks
- Oxycodone can cause constipation. Constipation can often be eased by eating plenty of fibre, such as wholegrain cereals, fruit, green leafy vegetables and drinking 6-8 glasses of water each day.
- Because oxycodone is a controlled drug, if you are planning a trip abroad, check with the government department HM Revenue and Customs to see if you need any documentation for your medicine. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has a list of medicines that contain controlled drugs and can tell you the amount that you are allowed to take abroad. If you need to pack more of your medicine than you are allowed you will need to apply in writing for a licence from the Home Office before you travel.
Can oxycodone cause problems
Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.
| Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine | What can I do if I experience this |
| Nausea and vomiting | It usually passes after a few days; as you adjust to the medicine. Your doctor may be able to prescribe a medicine to ease nausea. |
| Drowsiness | Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert. |
| Constipation | Try to eat a well balanced diet containing fibre and drink 6-8 glasses of water each day. Your doctor may be able to prescribe a laxative. |
| Dry mouth | If you experience this, try chewing sugar-free gum, sucking sugar-free sweets or pieces of ice. |
| Sweating | Use a cold/wet flannel or sponge placed on the forehead. |
| Dizziness | Getting up slowly should help. |
| Problems passing water (urinating) | If this occurs speak with your doctor. |
How to store oxycodone
- Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
- Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
Important information about all medicines
|
| © EMIS 2006 | DocID: 1441 |
DocRef: dils3683 |
Last Updated: 24 Oct 2006 |
Date of Next Review: 23 Oct 2008 |
Version: 22 |
The authors and editors of this article are employed to create accurate and up to date content reflecting reliable research evidence, guidance and best clinical practice. They are free from any commercial conflicts of interest.
Find out more about updating.
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