OxyContin

Generic name: Oxycodone hydrochloride

What is OxyContin?

OxyContin is a controlled-release form of the narcotic painkiller oxycodone. It is prescribed for moderate to severe pain when continuous, around-the-clock relief is needed for an extended period of time. It contains enough medicine to last up to 12 hours.

What is the most important information I should know about OxyContin?

You should only use OxyContin exactly the way your doctor tells you to, and it should only be used for the condition for which it was prescribed.

Be sure to swallow OxyContin tablets whole or it will not work properly for 12 hours. If broken, crushed, or chewed, the tablets quickly release a potentially fatal overdose of oxycodone.

Abusing OxyContin by chewing the tablets, snorting crushed tablets, or dissolving and injecting their contents can slow down or stop breathing and lead to death. Injecting OxyContin can also kill the tissue around the injection site and trigger heart and lung problems.

OxyContin 80 mg and 160 mg tablets are only for those who are opioid-tolerant. If these tablets are given to patients who have never been exposed to opioids before, it may cause severe medical consequences, including death.

The empty shell of the OxyContin tablet sometimes appears in the stool. This is not a reason for concern.

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.

This drug is not intended for occasional "as needed" use, and should never be taken more often than directed. If you suffer episodes of increased pain, check with your doctor; do not change the dosage on your own.

Do not give OxyContin to other people, even if they have the same symptoms you have.

Sharing is illegal and may cause severe medical problems, including death. Make sure to keep your tablets in a secure place to prevent theft from others. OxyContin contains a narcotic painkiller that can be a target for prescription drug abusers. Selling or giving away OxyContin is dangerous and illegal.

Who should not take OxyContin?

Do not take OxyContin if: your doctor did not prescribe OxyContin for you; your pain is mild or will go away in a few days; your pain can be controlled by occasional use of other painkillers; you have severe asthma or severe lung problems; you have had a severe allergic reaction (includes a severe rash, hives, breathing problems, or dizziness) to codeine, hydrocodone, dihydrocodeine, or oxycodone (such as Tylox, Tylenol with Codeine, or Vicodin); you had surgery less than 12 to 24 hours ago and you were not taking OxyContin just before surgery; you have or are suspected to have a condition called paralytic ileus (paralysis of the intestine).

What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of OxyContin?

Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medication you are taking before beginning treatment with OxyContin. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have trouble breathing or lung problems, head injury, liver or kidney problems, adrenal gland problems (such as Addison's disease), convulsions or seizures, alcoholism, hallucinations or other severe mental problems, past or present substance abuse or drug addiction.

What is the usual dosage?

The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.

Adults: OxyContin is taken every 12 hours. The tablets come in strengths of 10, 20, 40, 80, and 160 milligrams. The starting dose of OxyContin is determined by your physical condition, the type of painkillers you've been taking, and your tolerance for narcotics. The doctor will adjust the dose until you have little or no pain when OxyContin is supplemented with no more than 2 doses of a second painkiller. The dose of OxyContin can be increased every 1 or 2 days. If a higher dose has excessive side effects, the doctor will adjust it downward and increase the dosage of supplemental painkillers.

OxyContin is not for use in children.

How should I take OxyContin?

Take each dose with a full glass of water. OxyContin can be taken with food or milk if stomach upset occurs. Do not crush, chew, or break OxyContin. Swallow OxyContin whole.

Do not abruptly stop taking OxyContin all at once if you have been taking it for more than a few days. Your doctor will instruct you on how to stop taking OxyContin slowly to avoid withdrawal symptoms.

What should I avoid while taking OxyContin?

Avoid alcohol while taking OxyContin. Alcohol will greatly increase the drowsiness and dizziness caused by OxyContin and could be dangerous. Also, avoid taking OxyContin with other medications that will make you sleepy because they can increase the drowsiness and dizziness caused by OxyContin and can be dangerous.

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

What are possible food and drug interactions associated with OxyContin?

If OxyContin is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining OxyContin with the following: alcoholic beverages; antipsychotic drugs such as Compazine, Mellaril, Stelazine, and Thorazine Butorphanol (Stadol); centrally-acting anti-emetics; general anesthetics (propofol, etomidate, thiopental); muscle relaxants such as Flexeril, Robaxin, and Skelaxin Nalbuphine (Nubain); narcotic painkillers such as Demerol, Percodan, and Vicodin Pentazocine (Talacen, Talwin NX); sleep aids such as Ambien, Halcion, and Sonata; sleep-inducing antihistamines such as Benadryl and Phenergan.; and tranquilizers such as Ativan, Librium, Valium, and Xanax.

What are the possible side effects of OxyContin?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.

Side effects may include: constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, headache, itching, nausea, sweating, vomiting, weakness

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.

Can I receive OxyContin if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

OxyContin should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately.

OxyContin makes its way into breast milk. Nursing is not recommended if you are taking OxyContin. It may harm your baby.

What should I do if I miss a dose of OxyContin?

Take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once unless your doctor tells you to.

How should I store OxyContin?

Store at room temperature in a secure place out of reach of children. Protect from light. Dispose of unused tablets by flushing them down the toilet. Protect from theft.