Sometimes the pain we experience is so severe that it can't be controlled with a regular painkiller, right? Think about the pain that comes after a major surgery, a serious accident, or the pain that comes with some cancers. To control moderate to severe pain that can't be controlled with regular medications, your doctor may prescribe a special, stronger painkiller. Acetaminophen; Oxycodone is one such drug. Since it is very strong, it is very important to be aware of it and use it properly. So let's talk about this today.
What is Acetaminophen; Oxycodone?
Simply put, this is a combination of two types of medication.
1. Acetaminophen: This is something you've probably heard of before. Paracetamol, which we usually take for fever and body aches, is a drug of this type.
2. Oxycodone: This is the strongest part of this medicine. It belongs to the opioid group of painkillers. It works by going directly to the brain and blocking the transmission of pain signals. That is why it is used to control severe pain.
When these two are combined, they can provide good relief from severe pain.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this medication
Since this is a very strong medicine, it is extremely important to inform your doctor about any other medical conditions you have. If you have any of the following conditions, be sure to tell your doctor before taking this medicine.
| Disease or condition | Why is it important? |
|---|---|
| Liver disease | This is because the acetaminophen (paracetamol) in this medicine can affect the liver. |
| Kidney disease | Because the kidneys remove medication from the body, if their function is impaired, the medication can accumulate in the body. |
| Breathing difficulties (asthma, lung disease) | Because oxycodone can slow breathing, it can be dangerous for people who already have breathing problems. |
| Frequent drinking of alcohol | The combination of alcohol and this medication can cause severe liver damage and excessive drowsiness. |
| Head injury, Brain tumor | This medication can increase pressure in the brain and mask symptoms. |
| Drug addiction or history of addiction | Oxycodone is a type of opioid that carries a risk of addiction. |
| Allergies | If you are allergic to acetaminophen, oxycodone, or other opioids. |
| Being pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding | It is essential to seek medical advice as this medication may affect the baby. |
Additionally, tell your doctor if you have conditions such as heart disease, low adrenal gland function, intestinal problems, seizures, or if you have taken MAOI antidepressants in the past 14 days.
How to use the medicine correctly?
- Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water .
- Take only the prescribed amount, at the prescribed time, as prescribed by your doctor . Never increase the dosage at will.
- If you experience stomach upset, take it with or after a meal.
- If you are over 65 years of age, you may be more sensitive to the effects of this medicine. Therefore, your doctor may prescribe a lower dose. Be aware of this.
- If you are giving it to children, special care is needed. Talk to your doctor about it.
Warning: This medicine has been prescribed for you only . Never give this medicine to anyone else. It is dangerous and illegal.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Take the next dose 12 hours later. Never take two doses at once to make up for a forgotten one.
Possible risks and side effects during use
You need to be very careful about some things when using this medicine.
1. Interactions with other drugs and alcohol
This medicine can interact with other medicines and cause dangerous conditions. In particular,
- Alcohol: Do not drink alcohol while taking this medication for any reason. It can cause excessive drowsiness, difficulty breathing, and serious liver damage.
- Other medications that cause drowsiness: Taking this with allergy, cough, cold, sleeping, or anxiety medications can cause excessive drowsiness and slow breathing.
- Other medications: Some medications for depression, fungal infections, HIV, and seizures may interact with this.
Therefore, give your doctor a complete list of all the medications you take (including vitamins, herbal products, and over-the-counter medications) .
2. Overdose
Taking more than the prescribed dose is very dangerous. If this happens, symptoms such as excessive sleepiness, very slow breathing, and loss of consciousness may occur. If you or someone else thinks you have taken too much of this medicine, go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital .
3. Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) Dangers - This is very important!
Don't forget, this medicine you are taking already contains acetaminophen (paracetamol). Therefore, do not take Panadol, Paracetamol or other cough/cold medicines containing paracetamol (e.g. Panadeine) while taking this medicine. If you do, the acetaminophen can enter the body in excess and cause serious, even life-threatening, liver damage . If you have a fever, ask your doctor before taking any other medicine.
4. Tolerance and sudden discontinuation
When you take this medicine for a long time, the dose you were taking before may no longer be enough to control the pain. This is called tolerance. It is normal. But at that time, do not increase the dose on your own, but tell your doctor .
Also, do not stop taking this medicine suddenly without your doctor's advice. Doing so may cause withdrawal symptoms. If you need to stop taking the medicine, your doctor will gradually reduce the dose.
5. Drowsiness and constipation
This medicine may make you feel drowsy or dizzy. Therefore, do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you.
Constipation is very common with opioids. If you have difficulty having a bowel movement for more than 3 days, tell your doctor.
What are the possible side effects?
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergies | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Slow breathing (CNS depression) | Slow or shallow breathing, excessive sleepiness, and confusion. |
| 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. |
| Side effects that are common but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Constipation | Dizziness |
| Drowsiness | Dry mouth |
| Headache | Nausea/Vomiting |
How to store and dispose of medicine safely?
Since this is a medication with a risk of abuse, keep it in a safe place out of reach of children and pets, and out of reach of theft .
It is important to properly dispose of expired or unused medications. Some pharmacies have programs that accept unused medications. It is best to drop them off at a designated location. If that is not possible, sometimes flushing them down the toilet is recommended. However, check with your doctor for advice.
Take-Home Message
- Acetaminophen; Oxycodone is a very strong painkiller that is prescribed by a doctor only for severe pain.
- Take the medicine only in the dose and at the time prescribed by the doctor . Never change the dose on your own.
- Do not share this medicine with anyone else . It may be dangerous to their life.
- Inform your doctor about all other medications (including vitamins) you are taking.
- Avoid taking paracetamol (Panadol) separately while taking this medicine. It can cause severe liver damage.
- If you experience dangerous symptoms such as excessive sleepiness and difficulty breathing, go to an emergency room (ETU) immediately .
- Keep any medicine left over after use in a safe place out of the reach of children.
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