Oxycodone and Acetaminophen

💊 What is Oxycodone and Acetaminophen used for?

• •Management of pain severe enough to require an opioid pain medicine, when alternative treatments are inadequate
• •The label says it should be kept for patients whose alternative treatments have not been tolerated or have not provided adequate pain relief, or are not expected to do so
• •The label says it should not be used for a long time unless the pain remains severe enough to need an opioid and alternatives remain inadequate

How it works

How it is usually taken

• •Take it by mouth as a tablet.
• •The label says to take the prescribed dose as needed for pain.
• •The label says not to take more than the prescribed dose and not to change the dose on your own.
• •The label says to use the lowest dose possible for the shortest time needed. For short-term pain, it may only be needed for a few days.
• •Follow the instructions from your prescriber or pharmacist.

Comes as

• •Tablets, 5 mg oxycodone hydrochloride with 325 mg acetaminophen
• •Tablets, 7.5 mg oxycodone hydrochloride with 325 mg acetaminophen
• •Tablets, 10 mg oxycodone hydrochloride with 325 mg acetaminophen

⚠️ Oxycodone and Acetaminophen side effects

🛑 Who should not take Oxycodone and Acetaminophen, and who should be careful

The label says not to take it if

• 🚨The label lists severe asthma, trouble breathing, or other lung problems as reasons not to take it.
• 🚨The label lists a bowel blockage or narrowing of the stomach or intestines as a reason not to take it.
• 🚨The label lists a known allergy or hypersensitivity to oxycodone, acetaminophen, or any ingredient in the tablets as a reason not to take it.
• 🚨The label also lists significant breathing depression and known or suspected bowel obstruction (including paralytic ileus) as reasons not to use it.

Tell your doctor before taking it if

• •Tell your healthcare provider if you have a history of head injury, seizures, or trouble urinating.
• •Tell your healthcare provider about any liver, kidney, or thyroid problems, or any pancreas or gallbladder problems.
• •Tell your healthcare provider about any history of drug or alcohol abuse, alcohol addiction, opioid overdose, or mental health problems.
• •Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, or if you are breastfeeding.
• •Tell your healthcare provider if you live in a home with small children or with someone who has abused street or prescription drugs.
• •Tell your healthcare provider about all prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements you take.
• •The label says to tell your provider if your pain gets worse after taking it, or if you feel more sensitive to pain.

🔀 Oxycodone and Acetaminophen with other medicines, food and alcohol

The label says to discuss these with your doctor or pharmacist

• •CYP3A4 inhibitors, such as macrolide antibiotics (for example erythromycin), azole antifungals (for example ketoconazole), and protease inhibitors (for example ritonavir), can raise oxycodone levels and increase or prolong opioid effects.
• •Stopping a CYP3A4 inhibitor can lower oxycodone levels, which may reduce pain relief or cause withdrawal symptoms.
• •CYP3A4 inducers, such as rifampin, carbamazepine, and phenytoin, can lower oxycodone levels and reduce effectiveness or cause withdrawal symptoms.
• •Stopping a CYP3A4 inducer can raise oxycodone levels and may cause serious breathing problems.
• •Benzodiazepines and other central nervous system depressants can cause profound sedation, slowed breathing, coma, and death.
• •Other opioid medicines, street drugs, and alcohol can add to the risk of severe drowsiness and breathing problems.
• •The label says to tell your provider about all prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements you take.

Alcohol and food

The label says not to drink alcohol or use prescription or over-the-counter products that contain alcohol while taking this medicine. Using alcohol with it may cause overdose and death. The label does not give food instructions.

🤰 Oxycodone and Acetaminophen in pregnancy and breastfeeding

Pregnancy

The label does not say.

Breastfeeding

The label does not say.

🗓️ Storage, missed doses and taking too much

Storage

The label does not say.

If a dose is missed

The label says that if you miss a dose, you should take your next dose at your usual time.

If too much is taken

The label does not say.

🗒️ Questions to ask about Oxycodone and Acetaminophen

• Why was this specific pain medicine chosen for me instead of a non-opioid option?
• How long am I expected to need this medicine, and when should I check back with you?
• What should I do if my pain is not controlled by the dose I was prescribed?
• Which of my other medicines, vitamins, or supplements could interact with this one?
• Should I have naloxone at home, and how would I use it in an emergency?
• How should I store it safely at home, especially if children or visitors are around?
• What is the safest way to dispose of leftover tablets?

❓ Oxycodone and Acetaminophen: frequently asked questions