Trusted, medically reviewed health information • Not a substitute for medical advice
Medically Verified MonographPrescription (Schedule II)Class: Opioid Analgesics

Oxycodone

Generic Name: Oxycodone Hydrochloride

Common Brand Names: OxyContin, Roxicodone, Xtampza ER
Dosage Form:Tablet (IR, ER), Capsule, Oral Solution
Route:Oral
Pregnancy Category:C
Last Reviewed:9/21/2026

Seek Urgent Medical Attention If:

You experience severe allergic reaction symptoms (swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat causing difficulty breathing), severe rash with skin peeling, sudden intense chest pain, or symptoms of overdose. Call emergency medical services immediately.

Uses & Medical Indications

Management of moderate to severe pain

Medical Conditions Treated:

Acute Pain, Chronic Severe Pain

Dosage & Administration Guidelines

Adult Dosage

5-15 mg every 4-6 hours PRN (IR); 10 mg every 12 hours (ER/naive)

Pediatric Dosage

Use caution, often avoided unless carefully monitored

Elderly / Geriatric Considerations

Start at lower doses, longer intervals

Maximum Dose Limit

Individualized; no absolute maximum but titrate carefully

Renal Impairment:

Start with lower doses in CrCl < 60 mL/min

Hepatic Impairment:

Start with 1/3 to 1/2 of usual dose in hepatic impairment

Side Effects & Safety Warnings

Common Side Effects

Constipation, nausea, somnolence, dizziness, vomiting

Serious Adverse Reactions

Respiratory depression, addiction, abuse, misuse, severe hypotension

Contraindications:

Significant respiratory depression, acute/severe bronchial asthma, paralytic ileus

Important Warnings & Precautions:

Boxed warnings for addiction, life-threatening respiratory depression, accidental ingestion

Interactions (Drugs, Food & Alcohol)

Drug-Drug Interactions:

Benzodiazepines, CNS depressants, CYP3A4 inhibitors/inducers

Food & Dietary Interactions:

N/A

Alcohol Interaction Warning:

Avoid completely; increases risk of fatal respiratory depression

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safety

Pregnancy Safety

Prolonged use can cause Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS)

Breastfeeding / Lactation

Excreted in milk; monitor infant for sedation and respiratory depression

Patient Counseling & Practical Advice

How to Take:

Do not crush/chew ER tablets. High risk of addiction. Prevent constipation.

What to Do if You Miss a Dose:

Take as soon as remembered if in pain. Skip if near next dose.

Recommended Monitoring & Lab Tests:

Pain relief, respiratory rate, mental status, bowel function

Related Medicines in Opioid Analgesics

Trustworthy Sources & Medical Review

Content for Oxycodone was synthesized and fact-checked against standardized regulatory monographs, official pharmacopoeias, and national health authorities:

  • Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) — National List of Essential Medicines
  • World Health Organization (WHO) — Model List of Essential Medicines 23rd List
  • Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) — Indian Pharmacopoeia Drug Monographs
  • National Health Service (NHS) — Medicines A to Z Clinical Guidelines
Reviewer Credentials: PharmD, Clinical PharmacologistLast Reviewed Date: 9/21/2026

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