Percocet is a prescription medication that combines two active ingredients: oxycodone (an opioid pain reliever) and acetaminophen (a non-opioid analgesic). It is commonly prescribed to relieve moderate to severe pain, such as after surgery or injury.

Percocet 30 mg pills are not standard; typically, the highest dose contains 10 mg of oxycodone. Any tablet claiming to be "Percocet 30 mg" may be counterfeit or misidentified and should be avoided unless confirmed by a healthcare provider.

Percocet uses include short-term pain control when other treatments are ineffective. It should only be used under medical supervision due to its potential for addiction and serious side effects.

What Is Percocet?

Percocet is a combination medication containing acetaminophen and oxycodone. Oxycodone is an opioid pain medication (narcotic), while acetaminophen is a less potent pain reliever that enhances the effects of oxycodone.

Percocet Uses

  • Relieves moderate to severe pain
  • Contains an opiate (oxycodone) and a non-opioid (acetaminophen) pain reliever
  • Oxycodone changes the brain's response to pain
  • Acetaminophen may also reduce fever

Secondary Uses of Percocet Tablet

  • Used in palliative care to manage pain in terminal illnesses like late-stage cancer.
  • Occasionally prescribed for chronic back pain or severe arthritis when other treatments fail.
  • May be used post-surgery when pain is not manageable with NSAIDs alone.
  • Sometimes used off-label for certain nerve-related pain under specialist guidance.

Note: These uses are considered only under strict medical supervision due to the risk of dependency and side effects.

How Does Percocet Work?

Percocet works by combining two ingredients: oxycodone and acetaminophen. Oxycodone is an opioid that changes how the brain and nervous system respond to pain, while acetaminophen enhances pain relief and can reduce fever. Together, they block pain signals in the brain and help you feel more comfortable.

Percocet does not directly affect hormones but does act on the central nervous system by binding to opioid receptors, reducing the feeling of pain.

Percocet Dosage

The typical dosage of Percocet varies depending on the strength prescribed. For adults, it is usually taken every 4 to 6 hours as needed for pain. The dosage must be strictly followed to avoid dependence or side effects. Always use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration.

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?

If you miss a dose and you're on a regular schedule, take it as soon as you remember. If it's close to your next dose, skip the missed one. Do not double the dose to catch up.

What Happens If There Is an Overdose?

An overdose of Percocet can be dangerous and possibly life-threatening. Symptoms may include:

  • Severe drowsiness
  • Slow or difficult breathing
  • Cold, clammy skin
  • Blue lips or fingernails
  • Loss of consciousness

If an overdose is suspected, seek emergency medical attention immediately. Call local emergency services or go to the nearest hospital.

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Percocet Side Effects

Percocet side effects occur due to its combination of oxycodone and acetaminophen. Oxycodone acts on the brains opioid receptors to relieve pain, which can lead to drowsiness, nausea, constipation, and dependency when used in high doses or long-term.

  • Back, leg or stomach pain
  • Cough
  • Fever with or without chills
  • Tiredness or weakness
  • Hoarseness
  • Lower back or side pain
  • Painful or difficult urination
  • Sore throat
  • Ulcers
  • Unusual bleeding or bruising
  • Bleeding gums
  • Blood in urine or stools
  • Blue lips and fingernails
  • Blurred vision
  • Chest pain or discomfort
  • Cloudy urine
  • Confusion
  • Decreased urination
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Fainting
  • Fast, noisy, or slow breathing
  • General body swelling
  • Hives or welts
  • Increased sweating
  • Muscle aches
  • Nervousness
  • Nosebleeds
  • Pounding in the ears
  • Seizures
  • Severe constipation, sleepiness, or vomiting
  • Skin blisters
  • Stomach cramps
  • Swelling of the face
  • Thirst
  • Tightness in the chest
  • Trouble breathing
  • Weakness or heaviness of the legs
  • Weight gain

Precautions for Percocet

  • Inform your doctor if you have allergies to opioids or other medications.
  • Discuss your medical history, especially brain disorders, breathing problems, liver or kidney disease, mental health conditions, and history of substance use disorder.
  • Avoid alcohol as it can increase dizziness and drowsiness.
  • Older adults may experience increased side effects.
  • Pregnant women should use it only when necessary due to potential harm to the unborn child.
  • The medication passes into breast milk; consult your doctor if breastfeeding.

Note:

Do not share this medicine with others. It is against the law to share it. This medicine has only been prescribed for your current condition. Do not use it later for another condition unless your doctor tells you to do so. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you should have naloxone available to treat an overdose of opioids. Teach your family or household members about the signs of an opioid overdose and how to treat it.

Possible Interactions with Other Medications (Drug Interactions)

Percocet can interact with several medications, which may increase side effects or reduce effectiveness. Common interactions include:

  • Other opioids or sedatives: May cause extreme drowsiness or slow breathing.
  • Antidepressants (e.g., SSRIs, MAO inhibitors): Can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome or overdose.
  • Muscle relaxants or antihistamines: Can enhance sedation and impair coordination.
  • Alcohol: Intensifies drowsiness and raises the risk of liver damage from acetaminophen.

How Should Percocet Be Stored?

  • Store at room temperature, between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F).
  • Keep the tablets in their original container, tightly closed and away from moisture or heat.
  • Ensure the medicine is kept out of reach of children and pets.

What Happens If Percocet Is Not Stored Properly?

Improper storage can reduce the potency and safety of the medication. Exposure to excessive heat, humidity, or light may cause the tablets to degrade. Expired or compromised medicine should not be used and must be disposed of safely following pharmacy or local guidelines.

Percocet vs Vicodin

Percocet Vicodin
Percocet (oxycodone and acetaminophen) is a combination drug consisting of an opioid. Vicodin is a strong prescription pain medicine that contains an opioid.
This combination medicine is used to help relieve moderate to severe pain. Used to manage pain that is severe enough to require opioid pain medicine.
Brand Name: Percocet Brand Name: Vicodin
Generic Name: acetaminophen and oxycodone Generic Name: acetaminophen and hydrocodone
Percocet contains a combination of acetaminophen and oxycodone. Vicodin contains a combination of acetaminophen and hydrocodone.

Reference

Overdose of Propafenone Surreptitiously Sold as Percocet - ScienceDirect
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Frequently Asked Questions

This combination medicine is used to help relieve moderate to severe pain. It contains an opiate pain reliever (oxycodone) and a non-opioid pain reliever (acetaminophen). Oxycodone works in the brain to change the way your body feels and responds to pain. Acetaminophen may also reduce fever.

Percocet (oxycodone and acetaminophen) is a combination drug consisting of an opioid and a pain reliever and a fever reducer (analgesic and antipyretic) used for the management of moderate to severe pain, usually for a longer period of time. Percocet is available in a general form.

Back, leg, or stomach pains,Cough,Fever with or without chills,Tiredness or weakness,Hoarseness,Lower back or side pain,Painful or difficult urination,Sore throat

When you take Percocet, it is initially absorbed by your gastrointestinal tract, and the peak level of oxycodone in your blood is reached within two hours. Pain relief starts more quickly, 10 to 15 minutes after taking Percocet, largely due to the oxycodone component. Peak pain relief is often felt between 30 minutes and 1 hour after a dose. Effects are felt for four to six hours, so the medication is usually prescribed every four to six hours. However, the drug test may be significantly longer than that.

Do not take PERCOCET unless you are allergic to any of its ingredients. If you have signs of allergy, such as rash or difficulty breathing, stop taking PERCOCET and contact your health care provider immediately. Do not take more than 4000 milligrams of acetaminophen a day.

Oxycodone is the same opioid as Percocet, Oxycocet, and Endocet. Both Percocet and OxyContin relieve pain, but while Percocet relieves for about five hours, the effect of OxyContin lasts for about 12 hours.

Opioids like Percocet may cause serious health complications. The drug may increase the risk of shock to a person. It can also slow down a person's breathing, which may cause them to stop breathing completely. It is even possible to fall into a coma or die as a result of an overdose.

If you take opioids during pregnancy, they can cause serious problems for your children, such as premature birth and the withdrawal of drugs called NAS. Even if you use an opioid exactly as your health care provider says, it can still cause NAS in your child.


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.

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