Oxycodone - Common brands: OxyContin, OxyNorm, Longtec, Shortec

What oxycodone is for

Oxycodone is a type of medicine called an opioid. It's used to treat pain, for example after an operation or a serious injury, or pain from cancer.

It's often used for moderate to severe pain when other painkillers, such as paracetamol and ibuprofen, have not worked.

How to take oxycodone

Oxycodone usually comes as tablets, capsules and a liquid you swallow.

There are some long-acting (prolonged release) tablets that work in a different way and are taken less often.

How much you need to take and for how long depends on why you're taking it.

Always check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine. Ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice if you're not sure how to take it or have any problems taking it.

When taking oxycodone:

• swallow tablets or capsules whole with a glass of water
• take it with or without food
• use the syringe or cup that comes with liquid oxycodone to help you measure out the right dose

If you miss a dose of oxycodone

If you forget to take a dose of long-acting oxycodone and remember within 4 hours, take it as soon as you remember. Take your next dose at your usual time. If it's more than 4 hours, contact your doctor or a pharmacist for advice.

If you forget to take a dose of standard oxycodone, take it as soon as you remember, unless it's nearly time for your next dose.

If it's nearly time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose at the usual time.

Do not take 2 doses to make up for a missed dose.

If you take too much oxycodone

Taking an extra dose of oxycodone can be dangerous.

How to stop taking oxycodone

If you need to take oxycodone for a long time, your body can get used to it.

Do not stop taking it suddenly because this can cause withdrawal symptoms.

Your doctor will gradually reduce your dose over several weeks or months. Always follow your doctor's advice.

It's possible to become addicted to oxycodone. Your doctor will make sure you're only taking the amount you need to control your pain.

Talk to your doctor if you're worried about addiction.

Side effects of oxycodone

Like all medicines, oxycodone can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.

Common side effects

Common side effects of oxycodone include:

• constipation
• feeling sick (nausea) or being sick (vomiting)
• feeling sleepy or tired
• feeling dizzy
• confusion
• headaches
• itchy skin or rash

If you feel dizzy or sleepy after taking oxycodone, do not drive, ride a bike or use machinery until you no longer have these symptoms.

Serious side effects

Oxycodone can sometimes cause serious side effects, but most of them are rare.

Possible serious side effects of oxycodone include:

• an allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) – causing symptoms such as a swollen throat or tongue, a raised, itchy rash and difficulty breathing
• slow, weak or shallow breathing
• low blood pressure (hypotension) – causing symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, blurred vision and low energy

Who can and cannot take oxycodone

Most adults and children aged 12 years and over can take oxycodone. Children aged 1 month and over may sometimes be prescribed it.

Oxycodone is not suitable for some people. For example, it may not be suitable if:

• you've had an allergic reaction to oxycodone or another opioid painkiller
• you have a liver or kidney condition
• you have a lung condition, such as asthma
• you have ever had an addiction to alcohol, prescription medicines or recreational drugs
• you have an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) or overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
• you have an enlarged prostate
• you have low blood pressure (hypotension)
• you have a head injury

Before taking oxycodone, tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions.

Breastfeeding and oxycodone

Tell your doctor if you're breastfeeding. Oxycodone is not usually used while breastfeeding because there's a risk it could cause side effects in your baby.

A doctor may recommend it if the benefits outweigh the risks, or they may recommend a different painkiller.

If you're taking oxycodone while breastfeeding, speak to a healthcare professional or call NHS 111 if you have any concerns about your baby.

Pregnancy and oxycodone

Tell your doctor if you're trying for a baby, pregnant or you get pregnant while taking oxycodone.

Oxycodone is sometimes used during pregnancy if needed. Your doctor will talk to you about the risks and benefits of taking it while you're pregnant.

Find out more about taking oxycodone during pregnancy on the Bumps (Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy) website

Taking oxycodone with other medicines, food and drink

There are some medicines, herbal remedies and supplements that may not mix well with oxycodone.

These include:

• other opioid painkillers such as codeine and co-codamol
• medicines for mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety
• medicines for high blood pressure
• some antihistamines
• medicines to control seizures or fits such as gabapentin or pregabalin
• the herbal supplement St John's wort
• recreational drugs, such as cannabis, cocaine or heroin

Before taking oxycodone, tell your doctor if you're taking any other medicines, herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.

Food, drink and alcohol with oxycodone

Do not drink grapefruit juice while taking oxycodone.

It's also best not to drink alcohol because it can make you feel sleepy and increase the risk of serious side effects.