Oxycodone

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Harshi Dhingra, M.D.

Last Reviewed: Oct 19, 2022

Directions


How To Use Oxycodone

Take the immediate-release oxycodone dosage forms (tablets, capsules, and oral solution) by mouth every 4-6 hours as directed by your doctor. You can take the dose with or without food. The immediate-release formulations can be taken as needed for pain relief or on a scheduled basis. 

The extended-release tablets of oxycodone (Oxycontin) are to be taken every 12 hours with or without food. Do not crush, chew, cut, or dissolve the extended release tablets (Oxycontin).

Extended-release capsules of oxycodone (Xtampza ER) are to be taken every 12 hours with food. Take the capsule with the same amount of food each time. If you have problems swallowing the extended-release capsule, you can open it and sprinkle its contents on some soft foods like pudding, applesauce, yogurt, or ice cream. Consume the mixture right away; do not store it for later use. Flush the empty capsule shells down the toilet. 

If you are taking Oxaydo tablets, swallow the tablet with a full glass of water immediately after putting it in your mouth. Do not lick, soak, or wet the tablet before putting it in your mouth. Do not cut or crush an Oxaydo tablet.

Carefully measure liquid medicine with a dose-measuring device such as an oral syringe. The concentrated solution of oxycodone may need to be mixed in some juice or soft food. Follow your doctor’s directions carefully. Swallow the mixture immediately; do not store it to use later on.

Read the prescription label carefully and take oxycodone exactly as instructed by your doctor. This medicine can be habit-forming. Do not take a higher or lower dose or take it more or less frequently than prescribed. 

Your doctor may start you on a low dose of oxycodone and increase the dose if your pain is not controlled. If you experience side effects, your doctor may decrease the dose. After you take oxycodone for a period of time, you can develop tolerance, meaning your body becomes used to the medicine and you may need a higher dose to control your pain. 

Do not stop taking oxycodone without talking to your doctor first. Stopping this medicine abruptly can lead to withdrawal symptoms like restlessness, yawning, runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, chills, sweating, joint pain, muscle aches, weakness, anxiety, mental depression, irritability, sleep problems, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cramps, loss of appetite, fast breathing, and fast heartbeat. Your doctor will gradually reduce your oxycodone dose.

Missed dose: If you are taking oxycodone on a scheduled basis and forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose according to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses together to make up for a missed dose.

Storage: Store oxycodone at room temperature (between 15-30° C or 59-86° F) away from moisture, heat, and direct light in a tightly closed container. Do not store medications in the bathroom, where they can be exposed to moisture and heat. Keep all medications safely out of reach of children and pets.

Unused medicine: Unused or expired oxycodone should be disposed of in a way that children, other people, and pets cannot get to them. Do not throw oxycodone in the trash or flush it down the toilet. The best way to dispose of expired or unneeded oxycodone is through your local waste disposal company or a medicine take-back program. Learn more about proper medication disposal

NOTEThis medication guide is a summary and may not contain all possible drug information on oxycodone. The information contained here may not be up-to-date. This sheet is for information purposes only. If you have questions about oxycodone, talk to your healthcare professionals for medical advice.


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Discounted prices for oxycodone (Roxicodone)
 start at $14.35.


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