Drug Database - OxyContin

Generic Name: oxycodone (ox-i-KOE-done)

Brand Names: M-Oxy®, OxyContin®, Oxyir®, Percolone®, Roxicodone®

Classification: Narcotic Analgesic

Issue Date: 1980

OxyContin is in a class of drugs called narcotic analgesics. It is a pain reliever. OxyContin is used to treat moderate-to-severe pain. OxyContin is also used in the treatment of Fibromyalgia pain.

Do not crush, chew, or break controlled-release forms of OxyContin such as Oxycontin. Swallow them whole. They are specially formulated to release OxyContin slowly into your system. Breaking them would cause too much drug to be released into the blood at one time leading to a potentially fatal dose of OxyContin.

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. OxyContin will cause drowsiness or dizziness. If you experience drowsiness or dizziness, avoid these activities.

Avoid alcohol while taking OxyContin. Alcohol will greatly increase the drowsiness and dizziness caused by OxyContin and could be dangerous.

OxyContin may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness including:

• antidepressants
• other antihistamines
• other pain relievers
• anxiety medicines
• seizure medicines
• muscle relaxants

Dangerous sedation, dizziness, or drowsiness may occur if OxyContin is taken with any of these medications.

Never take more OxyContin than is prescribed for you. Taking too much OxyContin could result in serious side effects, even death. If your pain is not being adequately treated, talk to your doctor. Do not share this medication with anyone else.

Take OxyContin exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each dose with a full glass of water. OxyContin can be taken with food or milk if stomach upset occurs.

Never take more OxyContin than is prescribed for you. Taking too much OxyContin could result in serious side effects, even death. If your pain is not being adequately treated, talk to your doctor.

Do not crush, chew, or break controlled-release forms of OxyContin such as Oxycontin. Swallow them whole. They are specially formulated to release OxyContin slowly into your system. Breaking them would cause too much drug to be released into the blood at one time leading to a potentially fatal dose of OxyContin.

Occasionally, empty Oxycontin tablets may be passed out in the stool. This is not a problem. The active medication has been absorbed in the body and the empty tablet shell may appear in the stool.

To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the liquid form of OxyContin with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.

Do not stop taking OxyContin suddenly if you have been taking it continuously for more than 5 to 7 days. Stopping suddenly could cause withdrawal symptoms and make you uncomfortable. Your doctor may want to gradually reduce the dose.

Increasing the amount of fiber and water (six to eight full glasses) in your diet may alleviate constipation.

Do not share this medication with anyone else. Store OxyContin at room temperature away from moisture and heat and out of the reach of children. When treatment with OxyContin is no longer needed, any remaining medication should be destroyed by flushing down the toilet.

OxyContin is habit forming and should only be used under close supervision by patients with an alcohol or drug addiction.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have:

• kidney disease
• liver disease
• asthma
• urinary retention
• an enlarged prostate
• hypothyroidism
• seizures or epilepsy
• gallbladder disease
• a head injury
• Addison's disease

You may not be able to take OxyContin, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

OxyContin is unlikely to cause birth defects. However, OxyContin may cause addiction and withdrawal symptoms, difficulty breathing, as well as other harmful effects in a newborn baby when taken during pregnancy. Do not take OxyContin without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

OxyContin may cause addiction and withdrawal symptoms, difficulty breathing, and sedation in a nursing infant. Do not take OxyContin without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Side Effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction:

• skin rash or hives
• difficulty breathing
• swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• slow, weak breathing
• seizures
• cold, clammy skin
• severe weakness or dizziness
• unconsciousness

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take OxyContin and talk to your doctor if you experience:

• constipation
• dry mouth
• nausea
• vomiting
• decreased appetite
• dizziness
• tiredness
• lightheadedness
• muscle twitches
• sweating
• itching
• decreased urination
• decreased sex drive

Do not stop taking OxyContin suddenly if you have been taking it continuously for more than 5 to 7 days. Stopping suddenly could cause withdrawal symptoms and make you uncomfortable. Your doctor may want to gradually reduce the dose.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

OxyContin may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including:

• antidepressants
• antihistamines
• pain relievers
• anxiety medicines
• seizure medicines
• muscle relaxants

Dangerous sedation, dizziness, or drowsiness may occur if OxyContin is taken with any of these medications.

There may be other drugs not listed that can affect OxyContin. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.