Oxycodone
Uses of Oxycodone
Oxycodone is commonly used to treat Moderate To Severe Pain.
How Oxycodone Works
Oxycodone is a synthetic opiate agonist. It will bind to opiate receptors in the brain and inhibit the ascending pain pathways thus altering the perception and response to pain sensation. It also has the effects of CNS depression.
Side Effects of Oxycodone
Nausea and vomiting, Constipation, Vasodilation, Respiratory depression, Headache, Pruritus, Insomnia, Dizziness, Asthenia, Somnolence, Hypotension
Warnings
Kidney Use With Care
For mild to moderate kidney disease, patient should be given the lowest dose of Oxycodone with careful titration to pain control and it is contraindicated to be given in patients with severe kidney impairment. Please consult your doctor.
Alcohol Not Advisable
Because Oxycodone has the effects of CNS depressants it is better to consume alcohol while on this medication. Therapy modification should be considered.
Pregnancy Maybe Safe
Prolonged use of Oxycodone is dangerous as it may cause neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS).
Driving Not advisable
Because the effects of CNS depression from taking Oxycodone, so it is not advisable to drive while on this medication because impairment of alertness and reactivity while driving is dangerous for the patient.
Liver Use With Care
For mild liver disease, patient should be given the lowest dose of Oxycodone with careful titration to pain control and it is contraindicated to be given in patients with moderate to severe liver impairment. Please consult your doctor.
Lactation Not Advisable
Oxycodone can be excreted into the breast milk and if the infant is consuming the affected milk, it can cause respiratory depression in the child and should therefore not be used in breastfeeding mothers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Written by Dr Sri Viknarajan, MD (Universiti Hasanuddin, Indonesia)
Reviewed by Dr Nur Syuhada binti Zulkifli, MD, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).
