Uses:
Oxycodone/acetaminophen (Percocet) is a combination of oxycodone and acetaminophen. Oxycodone is an opioid pain reliever which is known as a mu receptor agonist and decreases the transmission of pain signals to relieve moderate to severe pain. Acetaminophen is the active ingredient in tylenol and adds additional benefits for pain relief.
How to Use
Take this medication by mouth with water, it can be taken with or without food.
If stomach upset occurs, you can take it with food or milk to decrease this effect.
Take it exactly as directed, do not take it more than directed.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is already almost time for your next dose, take only that next dose. Do not double up on any dose.
Important Information
Do not suddenly stop taking this medication after using it for a significant length of time, this can cause a risk of serious adverse events. As you use this medicine over time, your body can develop tolerance and may require more for the same effect. This dose not mean that you are addicted to this medication however, it is important to slowly decrease the dose over time and not stop taking it abruptly.
Do not take over the counter medications, or other medications that contain acetaminophen (the active ingredient in tylenol) while taking this medication.
Contact an emergency line if you have trouble breathing or excessive sedation while taking this medication.
Take it exactly as directed, do not take more than directed.
Be sure that your doctor is aware of all medications that you are currently taking.
Contact your doctor if your symptoms or pain gets worse, or if you notice a new type of pain.
Do not operate heavy machinery, drive a car, or engage in other activity that requires fine motor skills until you are sure of how this medication affects you.
Stand and sit slowly when first starting this medication to avoid dizziness.
Avoid alcohol consumption, alcohol can increase chances of dizziness or drowsiness.
This medication causes constipation. If you do not have a bowel movement for more than 3 days, contact your healthcare professional.
This medication can make your mouth dry, drinking water, chewing sugarless gum, or sucking on candy can help this side effect.
Be sure that your prescribing doctor is aware if you have any of the the following conditions before taking this medication
Brain tumor, chron’s disease, head injuries, heart or circulation conditions, alcohol consumption, kidney disease, liver disease, asthma or other breathing conditions, pregnancy, breastfeeding, trying to become pregnant.
Side effects that should be immediately reported to your healthcare provider
Allergic reactions(hives, itching, rashes, swelling of the face or mouth), trouble breathing, confusion, fainting or lightheadedness, severe stomach pain, excessive fatigue, yellowing of the skin or eyes.
Other Side Effects
Dizziness, vomiting, drowsiness, nausea.
Adult Dose
This medication is dosed on a case by case bases and each patient should be carefully evaluated to patient specific factors such as risk of addiction or abuse, and previous pain treatments. Opiate pain medications should be only used in patients who have pain that can not be treated with other non opiate medications. It is important to monitor the patient closely for respiratory depression over the course of treatment and within the first 24-72 hours of treatment.
Patients that are opiate naive and do not have opiate tolerance
Moderate to Severe Pain
Immediate Release Capsules or Tablets: 2.5-10mg(1-2 tablets) of oxycodone by mouth every 6 hours as needed for pain.
Liquid Doses: 5-10 mg of oxycodone by mouth every 6 hours as needed for pain.
Extended Release Tablets(Xartemis XR): 2 tablets(15 mg of oxycodone) by mouth every 12 hours given with or without food. Another dose of 2 tablets can be given 8 hours after the first initial dose if required for pain relief. This medication should be given every 12 hours after the initial doses.
Sources
1. Xartemis XR (acetaminophen; oxycodone) extended-release tablets[package insert]. Hazelwood MO: Mallinckrodt Brand Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; 2015.
2. Percocet ® oral tablets, oxycodone HCl acetaminophen oral tablets[package insert]. Malvern, PA: Endo Pharmaceuticals Inc; 2013.
3. Roxicet (TM) oral tablets, oral solution, oxycodone HCl acetaminophen oral tablets, oral solution[package insert]. Columbus, OH: Roxane Laboratories, Inc; 2012.
4. Acetaminophen/oxycodone hydrochloride oral tablets, acetaminophen/oxycodone hydrochloride oral tablets[package insert]. Corona, CA: Watson Pharma, Inc; 2011.