Oxycodone

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• QWhat is OxyContin CR?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  OxyContin CR is a name some people may use when referring to the medication OxyContin (oxycodone). OxyContin is prescribed for treating moderate to severe pain. OxyContin comes in a tablet that gradually releases medicine over a 12-hour period. This action is sometimes called "controlled release," and "CR" is an abbreviation for that term. However, no drug sold in the United States has the brand name OxyContin CR.
• QWho should not take oxycodone hydrochloride?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  If you have hypotension, asthma, COPD, or other breathing disorders, kidney disease, epilepsy or seizure disorders, mental illness, or a history of drug abuse you might not be able to take oxycodone hydrochloride. Thyroid conditions, gallbladder disorders, stomach, pancreas, or intestinal disorders, adrenal disorders, urinary disorders, an enlarged prostate, history of head injury or brain tumor, or a curvature of the spine are all conditions that may keep you from taking oxycodone hydrochloride. Because oxycodone hydrochloride is metabolized by the liver, those who have liver disease should receive it with caution or not at all.

  Anyone who is addicted to drugs or alcohol should not take oxycodone hydrochloride. The effects of oxycodone hydrochloride on pregnant women is not known but it should not be used unless absolutely necessary. Nursing mothers should not use oxycodone hydrochloride as it can pass through breast milk and possibly harm your baby.

• QWhat are the side effects of oxycodone hydrochloride?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  An allergic reaction to oxycodone hydrochloride can cause swelling of your face, lips, tongue, and throat, making it difficult to breathe. You may notice a rash or hives as well. Contact your doctor and get immediate medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms.

  Serious side effects that warrant calling your doctor are:

  • shallow breathing
  • slow heartbeat
  • seizure (convulsions
  • cold, clammy skin
  • confusion
  • severe weakness or dizziness
  • feeling light-headed or faint

  Contact your doctor immediately if any of these symptoms occur. Not so serious side effects, but bothersome and more likely to occur, are:

  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • constipation
  • loss of appetite
  • dizziness
  • headache
  • feeling tired
  • dry mouth
  • sweating
  • itching

  Talk to your doctor about ways to treat these symptoms.

• QWho should not take oxycodone?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  You might not be able to take oxycodone if you have low blood pressure, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or other breathing disorders, kidney disease, epilepsy or seizure disorders, mental illness or a history of drug abuse. Thyroid conditions, gallbladder disorders, disorders of your stomach or pancreas or intestines, adrenal disorders, urinary disorders, an enlarged prostate, history of head injury or brain tumor or curvature of the spine are all conditions that may keep you from taking oxycodone. Because oxycodone is metabolized by your liver, you may not be able to take it if you have liver disease.
   
  Anyone who is addicted to drugs or alcohol should not take oxycodone. The effects of oxycodone on an unborn baby are not known, so pregnant women should not take it unless absolutely necessary. Women who are breastfeeding should not take oxycodone because it can pass into breast milk and possibly harm a nursing baby.

• QWhat is oxycodone hydrochloride?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Oxycodone hydrochloride is a narcotic analgesic medication similar to morphine that is taken day and night when continuous long term pain relief is indicated. It is known by the brand name Oxycontin and comes in a time released tablet form. This medication is not used for mild short term pain or on an as needed basis. Oxycodone hydrochloride is typically not prescribed for pain following surgery, but can be used if you were taking it beforehand. Oxycodone Hydrochloride works by acting on the central nervous system to block moderate to severe pain. Oxycodone hydrochloride is available by prescription only.
• QCan I take oxycodone if I am pregnant?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Oxycodone has been classified in Pregnancy Category B by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which means that when given to animals some birth defects were seen. However, studies in animals don't always accurately predict what will happen in humans and this drug was not studied specifically in women who were pregnant.
  
  Oxycodone can cause some problems during labor and delivery by reducing the strength, duration and frequency of uterine contractions, slowing down the delivery process. And if you are taking oxycodone in the last few weeks before delivery, it may cause the baby to have breathing problems and withdrawal symptoms after he or she is born.
  
  As with all drug use during pregnancy, the benefits should outweigh any risk to both you and your baby.
  
  
• QHow does oxycodone hydrochloride interact with other drugs or food?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  CNS depressants (drugs that make you drowsy) can increase the effects of oxycodone hydrochloride. These medications include antihistamines and drugs for allergies or colds, sedatives, other prescription pain medicine or narcotics, medicine for seizures, muscle relaxants, or anesthetics. If you are taking macrolide antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin), azole-antifungal agents (e.g., ketoconazole), or protease inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir), there may be an increase in the effects of oxycodone due to an increase in concentrations of oxycodone hydrochloride in the bloodstream.

  Rifampin, carbamazepine, and phenytoin, may decrease concentrations of oxycodone hydrochloride in the bloodstream making it less effective. Let your doctor know if you are using pentazocine (Talwin), nalbuphine (Nubain), butorphanol (Stadol), or buprenorphine (Buprenex, Subutex). You may not be able to use oxycodone hydrochloride. You may just need a dosage adjustment or special tests to monitor your progress.

  Inform your doctor about any other drugs you may be taking. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal remedies, and over the counter medications. Do not take these without first consulting with your doctor. Do not start using a new medication without first alerting your doctor.

• QWhat is oxycodone?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Oxycodone is a narcotic pain reliever similar to morphine that is taken day and night for continuous long-term pain relief. The brand name drug, OxyContin, comes as a liquid, tablet and capsule that you swallow. This medication is not used for mild short-term pain relief or on an as-needed basis. Oxycodone is typically not prescribed for pain relief after surgery, but it can be used if you were taking it beforehand. Oxycodone works by acting on the central nervous system to block moderate to severe pain. Oxycodone is available by prescription only.

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• QWill I experience withdrawal symptoms after taking oxycodone?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Maybe. Oxycodone is a potent narcotic with the potential for dependence. If you have been taking oxycodone for more than a few weeks and do become physically dependent, you may experience withdrawal symptoms if you stop suddenly. Your doctor might want to decrease your dose gradually so your body has time to adjust to being without the drug.
  
  Symptoms of oxycodone withdrawal
  

  • Mood changes such as anxiety, depression, irritability
  • Restlessness
  • Runny nose, tearing, sneezing
  • Flu-like symptoms such as sweating, chills, muscle or joint aches
  • Pains or weakness
  • Sleeping problems
  • Gastrointestinal problems such as cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
  • Changes in appetite
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Difficulty breathing

  Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about physical dependence, tolerance or withdrawal symptoms while taking oxycodone.
  
  
• QIs oxycodone habit-forming?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Yes. Although physical dependence on oxycodone is possible, it is unlikely if the lowest dose is used and it is used correctly. Some people will develop a tolerance to the drug and need a higher dose to achieve the same level of pain control if they are taking the medicine for a long time.
  
  If you have been taking oxycodone for more than a few weeks and do become physically dependent you may experience withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking oxycodone suddenly, so your doctor may want to decrease your dose slowly.
  
  Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns about dependence, tolerance or withdrawal symptoms.