OxyContin is a prescription pain medication that contains oxycodone, a powerful opioid. It is commonly prescribed for managing severe, long-term pain that doesn't respond to other treatments. OxyContin tablets are available in different strengths, including OxyContin 80 mg, and are designed for extended-release pain relief.
OxyContin uses include cancer pain, injury recovery, or chronic conditions. Common OxyContin side effects include drowsiness, constipation, nausea, and the risk of dependence or misuse.
What Is OxyContin?
Oxycodone, sold under the brand name OxyContin, among others, is an opioid medication used to treat moderate to severe pain and a common drug of abuse. It is typically administered orally and is available in both immediate-release and controlled-release formulations.
OxyContin Tablet Uses
Conditions OxyContin Treats
OxyContin is primarily prescribed for managing moderate to severe chronic pain that requires continuous, around-the-clock treatment. OxyContin tablets are commonly used in patients with cancer, severe arthritis, or back injuries. The extended-release form, including OxyContin 80 mg, helps maintain consistent pain control.
Secondary Uses of OxyContin
Though not its primary purpose, OxyContin uses may include off-label management of post-surgical pain or injury-related pain in specific cases under close supervision. However, due to its potency, careful monitoring is essential to prevent misuse.
While effective for pain relief, patients should be aware of potential OxyContin side effects, such as dizziness, fatigue, and the risk of addiction with long-term use.
How Does OxyContin Work?
OxyContin contains oxycodone, an opioid that works by attaching to opioid receptors in the brain and nervous system. This action blocks pain signals and alters the way the brain perceives pain, providing relief. It does not affect hormones directly but acts on the central nervous system to reduce pain sensation. OxyContin tablets are extended-release, offering long-lasting relief over 12 hours.
OxyContin Dosage
The dosage of OxyContin depends on the severity of the pain, patient tolerance, and medical history. Common strengths include OxyContin 80 mg, which is usually reserved for patients already opioid-tolerant. Always follow your doctor s specific instructions.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it's almost time for the next dose. Do not double the dose to catch up, as it may increase the risk of side effects or overdose.
What Happens If There s an Overdose?
An overdose of OxyContin can be life-threatening and requires emergency medical attention.
Symptoms of OxyContin Overdose May Include:
Extreme drowsiness or loss of consciousness
Slow or difficult breathing
Cold, clammy skin
Pinpoint pupils
Blue lips or fingernails
If an overdose is suspected, call emergency services immediately.
Get a second opinion from trusted experts and makeconfident, informed decisions.
OxyContin binds to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord to block pain signals. However, it also affects areas that control breathing, digestion, and alertness—leading to side effects like sedation, constipation, and respiratory depression. Prolonged use can cause physical dependence and tolerance.
While OxyContin tablets are effective for managing severe pain, they may cause serious but rare side effects that require immediate medical attention:
Severe respiratory depression (slow or stopped breathing)
Low blood pressure or fainting
Seizures
Adrenal gland suppression
Severe allergic reactions (rash, swelling, trouble breathing)
Development of opioid use disorder or dependence
Precautions
Before taking oxycodone, inform your doctor if you are allergic to it, or to other opioid pain relievers (such as oxymorphone); or if you have any other allergies. This product might contain some inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medicine, tell your doctor or pharmacist about your medical history, in particular: brain disorders (such as head injury, tumor, seizures), breathing problems (such as asthma, sleep apnea, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-COPD), kidney disease, liver disease, mental or mood disorders (such as confusion, depression), personal or family history of substance use disorder (such as ovulation).
You could get sleepy or drowsy with this drug. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you dizzy or drowsy. Don't do the driving, use big or heavy machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it'safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are taking marijuana (cannabis).
Tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use before you have surgery (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially confusion, dizziness, somnolence, and slow/slow breathing.
This medicine should only be used during pregnancy when clearly needed. It could harm an unborn child. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits. (See section Warning, too. )
This drug is passed into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Tell your doctor right away if your child has unusual sleepiness, difficulty feeding, or difficulty breathing. Before breastfeeding, consult your doctor.
Drug Interactions and Storage of OxyContin
Possible Interactions with Other Medications
OxyContin can interact with many other drugs, especially those that depress the central nervous system. Combining it with alcohol, benzodiazepines, sleep aids, muscle relaxants, or antipsychotics can increase the risk of severe sedation, respiratory depression, or overdose. Always inform your doctor about all medicines you re taking, including OxyContin tablets.
Supplements and Herbal Product Interactions
Some herbal products, such as St. John s Wort, may reduce the effectiveness of OxyContin by affecting liver enzymes. On the other hand, certain supplements that also cause drowsiness (e.g., valerian root or kava) may amplify its sedative effects. Use caution and consult your doctor before combining.
How Should OxyContin Be Stored?
Store OxyContin tablets at room temperature, ideally between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). Keep them in their original packaging and in a secure place away from children, pets, heat, and moisture.
What Happens If OxyContin Is Not Stored Properly?
Improper storage such as exposure to high temperatures, humidity, or direct sunlight can degrade the medication, reduce its effectiveness, and increase the risk of accidental misuse. Always keep OxyContin 80 mg and other strengths out of reach of children and in a dry, locked cabinet.
OxyContin vs Immediate-release Oxycodone
OxyContin
Immediate-release Oxycodone
Why is it used? Treatment of moderate to severe pain usually associated with the last stages of chronic diseases.
Why is it used? Treatment of moderate or severe pain after surgery or from any severe injury.
This medicine is used to help relieve severe ongoing pain (such as due to cancer). Oxycodone is a class of drugs known as opioid analgesics.
It works in the brain to change the way your body feels and responds to pain. The higher strengths of this drug (more than 40 milligrams per tablet) should only be used if you have been taking moderate to large doses of opioid pain medication on a regular basis. These strengths may cause overdose (even death) if taken by a person who has not regularly taken opioids.
Some common side effects are nausea, vomiting, constipation, dry mouth, weakness, sweating, lightheadedness, dizziness, or drowsiness may occur.
OxyContin contains oxycodone, a very powerful narcotic pain reliever similar to morphine. OxyContin is designed to release oxycodone slowly over time, allowing it to be used twice a day. You should never break, chew, or crush the OxyContin tablet because it causes a large amount of oxycodone to be released from the tablet at once, potentially resulting in a dangerous or fatal overdose of the drug
Disclaimer: The information provided is accurate and up-to-date to the best of our knowledge. However, it should not be considered a substitute for medical advice or consultation. We do not guarantee its completeness or accuracy. The absence of specific warnings does not mean a medicine is safe for all users. We are not responsible for any outcomes based on this information and strongly recommend consulting a doctor for any medical concerns or questions.
040 68334455
WhatsApp
Patient Portal
Home Care
