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Oxycodone is a narcotic drug that is similar in structure to codeine. It is used to treat pain of varying severity, has a sedative effect, and can also be used in severe RLS. Drugs containing oxycodone lead to the development of tolerance. Check what you should know about oxycodone.
Oxycodone has a strong analgesic effect. It is a drug from the group of opioids, i.e. narcotic painkillers. The structure of oxycodone is similar to codeine. It is used to treat moderate to severe pain. It also has a calming effect.
Oxycodone – action
Oxycodone is an opioid drug and is a strong pain reliever and sedative. It should be used to treat pain of varying severity, from moderate to severe.
Oxycodone – contraindications
There are situations where oxycodone cannot be administered despite its indications. The main contraindication is an allergy to oxycodone. Other contraindications include:
- severe respiratory failure with hypoxia;
- severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease;
- pulmonary heart;
- severe bronchial asthma;
- intestinal paralytic obstruction;
- pregnancy;
- breast-feeding.
Oxycodone – precautions
In some situations, special care should be taken when taking medicines containing oxycodone.
Medicines containing oxycodone should not be given to children under 12 years of age.
In addition, these preparations should be considered by the elderly, with lung, liver or kidney diseases, hypothyroidism, myxedema or Addison’s disease. Particular care should also be taken in the case of benign prostatic hyperplasia, acute organic psychosis, alcoholism, opioid addiction, epilepsy, gallstone disease, tendency to convulsions, pancreatitis, intestinal diseases, excessively high intracranial pressure, problems with blood pressure and parallel used inhibitors MAO.
Oxycodone should not be used before surgery and during the 12-24 hours following surgery. Caution should also be exercised in the case of long-term use of oxycodone, as the patient may develop tolerance to the drug, which is associated with a constant increase in the dose to maintain a satisfactory effect. Importantly, cross-tolerance to other opioids is also developing. Physical dependence develops then, and a withdrawal syndrome appears upon discontinuation of use. That is why it is so important to strictly follow your doctor’s instructions.
Oxycodone may impair physical and mental abilities, which affects the safety of driving and operating machinery. Preparations containing oxycodone should not be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
It is also essential to inform the doctor in the history of all medications taken. It is also forbidden to consume alcohol.
Oxycodone – dosage
When using oxycodone, do not exceed the recommended doses without consulting your doctor. If in doubt, always consult your doctor. The amount of doses is determined individually by the doctor. Oxycodone can be used in adults and children over 12 years of age.
Most often, the doctor recommends 10 mg of oxycodone every 12 hours at the beginning. If the patient has taken opioids before, the dose may be higher.
Oxycodone – side effects
Oxycodone can cause side effects, but they will not occur in every patient. It should also be remembered that the benefits of oxycodone are most often greater than the risk of side effects. The most common side effects include: drowsiness and even disturbance of consciousness, dizziness and headaches, constipation, nausea, vomiting and itching of the skin.
Before use, read the leaflet, which contains indications, contraindications, data on side effects and dosage as well as information on the use of the medicinal product, or consult your doctor or pharmacist, as each drug used improperly is a threat to your life or health.