OxyContin
Oxycodone Hydrochloride Oral tablet, extended-release
What is this medicine?
OXYCODONE (ox i KOE done) is a pain reliever. It is used to treat constant pain that lasts for more than a few days. It is used by people who have been taking an opioid or narcotic pain medicine.
How should I use this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth with a full glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Do not cut, crush or chew this medicine. Swallow only one tablet at a time. Do not wet, soak, or lick the tablet before you take it. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice. Read More ›
OxyContin can be used to treat the following conditions:
- migraine
- moderate pain
- myalgia
- neuropathic pain
- postherpetic neuralgia
- severe pain
A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
breathing problems
confusion
feeling faint or lightheaded, falls
trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine
trouble swallowing
unusually weak or tired
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
What may interact with this medicine?
alcohol
antihistamines
carbamazepine
certain medicines used for nausea like chlorpromazine, droperidol
erythromycin
ketoconazole
medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
medicines for pain including pentazocine, buprenorphine, butorphanol, nalbuphine, tramadol, and propoxyphene
medicines for sleep
muscle relaxants
naloxone
naltrexone
narcotic medicines for pain
nilotinib
phenobarbital
phenytoin
rifampin
ritonavir
voriconazole
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
Where should I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children. This medicine can be abused. Keep your medicine in a safe place to protect it from theft. Do not share this medicine with anyone. Selling or giving away this medicine is dangerous and against the law.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed. Flush any unused medicines down the toilet. Do not use the medicine after the expiration date.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
Addison's disease
brain tumor
drug abuse or addiction
head injury
if you frequently drink alcohol-containing drinks
kidney disease or problems going to the bathroom
lung disease, asthma, or breathing problems
mental problems
stomach or intestine problems
trouble swallowing
an unusual or allergic reaction to oxycodone, codeine, hydrocodone, morphine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Tell your doctor or health care professional if your pain does not go away, if it gets worse, or if you have new or a different type of pain. You may develop tolerance to the medicine. Tolerance means that you will need a higher dose of the medication for pain relief. Tolerance is normal and is expected if you take this medicine for a long time.
Do not suddenly stop taking your medicine because you may develop a severe reaction. Your body becomes used to the medicine. This does NOT mean you are addicted. Addiction is a behavior related to getting and using a drug for a non-medical reason. If you have pain, you have a medical reason to take pain medicine. Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to take. If your doctor wants you to stop the medicine, the dose will be slowly lowered over time to avoid any side effects.
You may get drowsy or dizzy when you first start taking the medicine or change doses. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that may be dangerous until you know how the medicine affects you. Stand or sit up slowly.
This medicine will cause constipation. Try to have a bowel movement at least every 2 to 3 days. If you do not have a bowel movement for 3 days, call your doctor or health care professional.
You may see empty tablets in your stool. Do not worry. The medicine is in your body.
Your mouth may get dry. Drinking water, chewing sugarless gum, or sucking on hard candy may help. See your dentist every 6 months.
Who should not take OxyContin?
Check with your doctor if you have any of the following:
abrupt discontinuation, alcoholism, angina, asthma, biliary tract disease, bladder obstruction, breast-feeding, cardiac arrhythmias, cardiac disease, children, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), constipation, dehydration, dental work, diarrhea, driving or operating machinery, esophageal stricture, females, geriatric, GI disease, GI obstruction, head trauma, heart failure, hepatic disease, hypotension, hypovolemia, ileus, increased intracranial pressure, infants, inflammatory bowel disease, labor, neonates, obstetric delivery, oliguria, opioid-naive patients, pancreatitis, pregnancy, prostatic hypertrophy, pulmonary disease, renal disease, renal failure, renal impairment, respiratory depression, respiratory insufficiency, seizure disorder, seizures, shock, substance abuse, surgery, ulcerative colitis, urethral stricture, urinary retention
Copyright: © 2000-2010 The StayWell Company, 780 Township Line Road, Yardley, PA 19067. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
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