Percodan

Generic name: Oxycodone, aspirin

What is Percodan?

Percodan is prescribed for moderate to moderately severe pain. Percodan is a combination of two pain-killing drugs—oxycodone and aspirin. Oxycodone (related to codeine) is in a class of drugs called narcotic analgesics; it relieves pain. Aspirin is a less potent pain reliever, as well as an anti-inflammatory and a fever reducer. Aspirin increases the effects of oxycodone.

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

The oxycodone in Percodan can cause physical and psychological dependence. Use this product with caution. Never take more Percodan than is prescribed for you because this may heighten your risk of serious breathing problems. If your pain is not being adequately treated, talk to your doctor.

The oxycodone in Percodan may also cause constipation. Drink plenty of water (six to eight full glasses a day) to lessen this side effect. Increasing the amount of fiber in your diet can also help to alleviate constipation.

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

Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to Percodan; the drug may cause drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, or blurred vision.

Check with your doctor before you drink alcohol or use medicines that may cause drowsiness (eg, sleep aids, muscle relaxers) while you are using Percodan; it may add to their effects.

Percodan may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting; alcohol, hot weather, exercise, alcohol, or fever may increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Sit or lie down at the first sign of any of these effects.

Percodan may cause stomach bleeding. Your risk may be greater if you drink alcohol while you are using Percodan.

Talk to your doctor before you take Percodan if you drink 3 or more drinks with alcohol per day.

Percodan may reduce the number of clot-forming cells (platelets) in your blood. Avoid activities that may cause bruising or injury. Tell your doctor if you have unusual bruising or bleeding. Tell your doctor if you have dark, tarry, or bloody stools.

Do not give Percodan to a child or teenager who has the flu, chickenpox, or a viral infection. Aspirin, an ingredient of Percodan, has been linked to a serious illness called Reye syndrome.

Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Percodan before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.

Percodan may affect your blood sugar. Check blood sugar levels closely. Ask your doctor before you change the dose of your diabetes medicine.

Percodan may interfere with certain lab tests. Be sure your doctor and lab personnel now you are taking Percodan.

Who should not take Percodan?

If you are allergic to either aspirin or oxycodone you will not be able to take Percodan. Also, Percodan cannot be used in situations where opiods cannot be used such as severe asthma or an asthma attack, nasal swelling, high levels of carbon dioxide in the blood, or if you have blockage of your bowel or other stomach or bowel problems.

In children and teenagers who have a viral infection, the aspirin in Percodan can trigger a severe, and even fatal, disorder called Reye's syndrome. Do not give Percodan to any child with an illness such as flu or chickenpox.

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

Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medication you are taking before beginning treatment with Percodan. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have: a clotting disorder, a head injury, a thyroid condition, abdominal disorders, Addison's disease, an enlarged prostate, difficulty urinating, kidney problems, seizures, a history of lung or breathing problems such as asthma, emphysema, or bronchitis, heart problems, low blood pressure, a history of alcohol or substance abuse or dependence or if you drink alcohol regularly, a history of mental or mood problems, suicidal thoughts, or suicide attempts, liver problems, or peptic ulcer disease.

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: The usual dose is one tablet every 6 hours as needed for pain. Your doctor may adjust the dosage according to the severity of pain and your response to the drug. The maximum daily dose of aspirin should not exceed 4 grams or 12 tablets.

When stopping treatment with Percodan, after at least a few weeks of therapy, dosage should be gradually reduced to prevent symptoms of withdrawal in physically dependent patients.

Children: A special formulation of Percodan called Percodan Demi is available for children. Do not give full-strength Percodan to a child.

How should I take Percodan?

Take Percodan exactly as your doctor instructs. Never take more of this medication than is prescribed for you. Too much Percodan could be harmful. Do not stop taking Percodan or change your dose without first contacting your doctor.

Take each dose of Percodan with a full glass of water. Take Percodan with food or milk if it upsets your stomach.

What should I avoid while taking Percodan?

Percodan can impair the skills you need to drive a car or operate machinery safely. Do not attempt to drive if you are not fully alert or until you know how you react to this medication.

Avoid alcohol while taking Percodan. Alcohol may increase the drowsiness and dizziness caused by Percodan and could be dangerous. Also, alcohol increases the risk of stomach bleeding when you are taking a medication that contains aspirin.

Do not give Percodan to a child or teenager who has the flu, chickenpox, or a viral infection. Contact your doctor with any questions or concerns.

Avoid activities that may cause bruising or injury.

Avoid sitting up or standing quickly, especially in the morning.

What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Percodan?

If Percodan 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 Percodan with the following: acetazolamide; alcohol; angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors; antidepressants such as amitriptyline, phenelzine, nortriptyline, and tranylcypromine; anticoagulants such as warfarin, clopidogrel, and heparin; beta-blockers; blood-thinning drugs such as warfarin; gout medications such as probenecid; major tranquilizers such as prochlorperazine, trifluoperazine, and chlorpromazine; methotrexate; nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs); oral hypoglycemic agents; other narcotic pain killers such as meperidine and oxycodone; promethazine; sleep aids such as triazolam or secobarbital; tranquilizers such as alprazolam or diazepam; and water pills.

What are the possible side effects of Percodan?

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, exaggerated feelings of well-being or sadness, itching, light-headedness, nausea, sedation, vomiting, drowsiness, stomach upset, bloody or black stools, dark urine, decreased urination, muscle pain, fever, chills, persistent sore throat, hoarseness, severe or persistent heartburn, trouble swallowing

Can I receive Percodan if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

Percodan is not recommended for pregnant women under ordinary circumstances. Inform your doctor immediately if you become pregnant. Also, consult your doctor before using Percodan while breastfeeding. Percodan has been shown to cause harm to the fetus; avoid using Percodan in the last 3 months of pregnancy.

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

Since Percodan is sometimes used as needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are taking the medication regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and wait until your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How should I store Percodan?

Store Percodan at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Percodan out of the reach of children and away from pets. Once Percodan is not longer needed, dispose of it by flushing down the toilet.