Oxycodone is an opioid narcotic analgesic drug approved by FDA in 1976 and is used to treat moderate to severe pain and for the treatment of diarrhea, pulmonary edema.
- The medication comes in the form of a concentrated liquid, liquid, capsule, tablet, and extended-release tablet. The extended-release tablets are used in patients who need round-the-clock pain relief.
Mechanism
- The exact mechanism of action is unknown but may involve stimulation of opioid receptors in the brain. It does not eliminate the sensation of pain but decreases discomfort by increasing the tolerance to pain. In addition to tolerance to pain, oxycodone also causes sedation and depression of respiration.
- There are serious health issues associated with using this drug, including severe or life-threatening breathing problems, particularly in the first Three days of treatment and any time the dose is increased.
- This medicine may be addicting with long-term use. This drug is a strong analgesic that can put you at risk for abuse, misuse, And addiction, Misuse or abuse of this drug can lead to overdose and death.
Oxycodone Side effects
- Common side effects may include:dry mouth,nausea,loss of appetite,vomiting,dizziness,constipation,headache,itching,tired feeling,sweating. stop using oxycodone and call your doctor at once if you have: seizure (convulsions), shallow breathing, slow heartbeat, confusion, cold, clammy skin, severe weakness or dizziness.
Pregnancy
- Oxycodone falls into category B. There aren’t any well-done studies that are done in humans with this drug. however in animal studies, pregnant animals were given this medication, and therefore the babies didn’t show any medical problems associated with this medication.
Dosage
- Recommended Adult Dose for Pain is 5 to 15 mg orally every 4 to 6 hours as in immediate release While recommended dose for chronic Pain is 10 mg orally twice a day in extended release.
- Keep oxycodone out of the reach of children. Accidental overdose by a child is dangerous and can lead to death.