Sometimes the pain we experience can be so severe that it cannot be controlled with a regular painkiller. At such times, a doctor may prescribe you a stronger painkiller. One such painkiller is this medicine, which comes in the form of a liquid, which is a combination of two drugs called acetaminophen and oxycodone. Let's talk about this in simple terms today.
What is this medicine? What is it used for?
Simply put, it's a medication that helps control moderate to severe pain. Doctors usually recommend it when other painkillers don't work or when they can't be used.
Two types of medicine have been added to this:
1. Acetaminophen: This is another name for the paracetamol we all know.
2. Oxycodone: This is a drug that belongs to the opioid class of strong painkillers.
These two work together to block pain signals to the brain, reducing pain.
Things you should tell your doctor before taking medication
Before using this medicine, you should definitely tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions. This is very important for your safety.
| Medical condition/habit | Description |
|---|---|
| Brain diseases and head injuries | Conditions such as brain tumors and head injuries. |
| Drug or alcohol addiction | If you have a past or current drug or alcohol addiction. If you drink alcohol frequently. |
| Liver or kidney disease | If you have any liver or kidney disease. |
| Breathing difficulties | Asthma or other lung diseases, difficulty breathing. |
| Other medical conditions | Heart disease, low adrenal gland function, intestinal or stomach problems, seizures. |
| Use of other medications | If you have taken MAOI antidepressants (e.g. Marplan, Nardil) in the past 14 days. |
| Allergies | If you are allergic to acetaminophen, oxycodone, or any other medicines, foods, or dyes. |
| Pregnancy and breastfeeding | If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding. |
How exactly do I use this medicine?
Since this is a liquid medicine, it is very important to measure it accurately.
- Drink with a glass of water: Drink a full glass of water after taking the medicine.
- Correct measurement: Measure the exact amount your doctor tells you to take. Use a special syringe, cup, or spoon provided by the pharmacy for this. Do not use household teaspoons , as they are not accurate.
- With or without food: This medicine can be taken before or after meals. However, if you experience stomach upset, it is best to take it with food.
- Do not exceed the dosage: Never take more than the amount or frequency prescribed by your doctor.
- Do not share this medicine with others: This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not share it with anyone else for any reason .
What to do if you overdose?
If you think you have taken too much medicine, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . This is an emergency, do not delay.
Things to keep in mind when using the medicine
We need to be very careful when taking such a powerful medicine.
Tolerance and Addiction are two different things!
As you continue to take this medicine for a while, your body may become accustomed to it. This means that the dose you took before may no longer be enough to control your pain (tolerance). This is normal, and it is not addiction . Addiction is the use of a medicine without a medical reason, with the intention of getting high. Taking this medicine on the advice of your doctor for your pain is not addiction.
- Do not take other types of paracetamol: This medicine already contains acetaminophen (paracetamol). Therefore, do not take other medicines containing paracetamol (e.g. Panadol, Calpol) with this. Doing so may cause liver damage.
- Avoid alcohol: Avoid drinking alcohol completely while taking this medication. The combination of alcohol and this medication can cause dangerous side effects.
- Drowsiness and dizziness: This medicine may make you feel drowsy or dizzy. Therefore, avoid activities that require alertness, such as driving or operating machinery . Do not get up or sit down suddenly.
- Constipation: Constipation is a common side effect of this medication. If you have difficulty passing stool for more than 3 days, tell your doctor. Eating plenty of vegetables, fruits, and water can help with this.
- Know about Naloxone: Naloxone is an emergency treatment for opioid overdose. Talk to your doctor about how to take this medication and where to get it. It's also important for you and your family to be aware of the symptoms of an overdose (severe drowsiness, difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness).
Other medications that may interact with the medicine
Tell your doctor about all the medications, vitamins, and herbal remedies you are taking. This medicine can interact with many other medications. Be especially careful about the following:
- Alcohol
- Medicines for allergies, coughs, and colds (Antihistamines)
- Medications for sleep or anxiety
- Some medications for depression (e.g. Amitriptyline, Fluoxetine)
- Some antiviral drugs for HIV/AIDS
- Some medications for fungal infections (e.g. Ketoconazole)
- Other strong painkillers or cough syrups containing opioids
- Muscle relaxants for surgery
Possible side effects of the medicine
Like all medications, this one can have side effects. Some are serious, some are common.
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergies | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Breathing difficulties | Slow breathing, difficulty breathing, extreme drowsiness, unconsciousness. |
| Symptoms of liver damage | Pain in the upper right abdomen, loss of appetite, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark yellow/brown urine. |
| Low blood pressure | Dizziness, fainting, blurred vision. |
| Skin blisters | Skin redness, blistering, peeling (even inside the mouth). |
| Side effects that are usually not serious (but tell your doctor if they persist) | |
| Constipation | Constipation |
| Dizziness and drowsiness | Dizziness and Drowsiness |
| Dry mouth | Dry mouth |
| Nausea/vomiting | Nausea/Vomiting |
How to store and dispose of medicine safely?
This is very important. This medicine can have dangerous consequences if it falls into the wrong hands.
- Keep away from children and pets.
- Lock it in a safe place to protect it from theft.
- Once your treatment is complete, dispose of any remaining medication properly . Ask your pharmacy or hospital for advice. Some countries have take-back programs. Otherwise, sometimes you may be advised to flush it down the toilet, but check with your doctor to make sure.
Take-Home Message
- This is a powerful medicine for severe pain. Follow the doctor's instructions exactly.
- Never take more than the recommended dose. Use an accurate measuring device.
- Avoid alcohol completely while taking this medicine. Do not take other medicines containing paracetamol.
- If you notice a serious side effect such as severe drowsiness or difficulty breathing , go to the ETU immediately.
- Keep the medicine locked up in a safe place out of the reach of children . Do not share it with anyone.
- If you have any questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor.
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