Oxycodone

Information About Oxycodone

Uses of Oxycodone

Oxycodone is commonly used to treat moderate to severe pain.

How Oxycodone Works

Oxycodone is a synthetic opiate agonist. It will bind to opiate receptors in the brain and inhibit the ascending pain pathways thus altering the perception and response to pain sensation. It also has the effects of CNS depression.

Side Effects of Oxycodone

Nausea and vomiting, Constipation, Vasodilation, Respiratory depression, Headache, Pruritus, Insomnia, Dizziness, Asthenia, Somnolence, Hypotension

Authorship

Written By

Dr Mohd Ramzdhan Bin Mohd Masdar

MD (Crimea State Medical University)

Reviewed By

Dr Nur Syuhada binti Zulkifli

MD, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)

Oxycodone Related Warnings

Alcohol Not Advisable

Because Oxycodone has the effects of CNS depressants it is better to consume alcohol while on this medication. Therapy modification should be considered.

Pregnancy Maybe Safe

Prolonged use of Oxycodone is dangerous as it may cause neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS).

Lactation Not Advisable

Oxycodone can be excreted into the breast milk and if the infant is consuming the affected milk, it can cause respiratory depression in the child and should therefore not be used in breastfeeding mothers.

Driving Not advisable

Because the effects of CNS depression from taking Oxycodone, so it is not advisable to drive while on this medication because impairment of alertness and reactivity while driving is dangerous for the patient.

Kidney Use With Care

For mild to moderate kidney disease, patient should be given the lowest dose of Oxycodone with careful titration to pain control and it is contraindicated to be given in patients with severe kidney impairment. Please consult your doctor.

Liver Use With Care

For mild liver disease, patient should be given the lowest dose of Oxycodone with careful titration to pain control and it is contraindicated to be given in patients with moderate to severe liver impairment. Please consult your doctor.