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Overview: Oxycodone/aspirin is a combination medicine that is used to treat severe pain. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, sleepiness, dizziness, or constipation. Talk to your health care provider right away if you have confusion, shortness of breath, or trouble staying awake or feel like your pain is getting worse instead of better. Before taking oxycodone/aspirin, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are taking.

Uses

What is oxycodone/aspirin used for?

Oxycodone/aspirin is a combination medicine that is commonly used to treat severe pain.

Oxycodone/aspirin may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does oxycodone/aspirin work (mechanism of action)?

Oxycodone/aspirin works to change how your body feels and responds to pain. Oxycodone is an opioid medicine. It works by binding to and activating specific receptors in your body, which causes pain relief. Aspirin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine (NSAID). It works to stop a substance called prostaglandin, which helps lower inflammation.

How is oxycodone/aspirin supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Percodan

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 4.8355 mg/325 mg oral tablets

How should I store oxycodone/aspirin?

Oxycodone/aspirin should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). Store in a cool, dry place.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of oxycodone/aspirin?

The most common side effects of oxycodone/aspirin are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Constipation
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Tiredness or drowsiness
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Stomach pain

There may be other side effects of oxycodone/aspirin that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of oxycodone/aspirin?

While less common, the most serious side effects of oxycodone/aspirin are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Oxycodone/aspirin may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking oxycodone/aspirin and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Risk of Misuse and Addiction. Misusing oxycodone/aspirin can lead to serious side effects like coma or death. Misuse means taking a medicine in a way other than how it was prescribed. Take oxycodone/aspirin exactly as prescribed. Tell your health care provider if you feel that oxycodone/aspirin is not working. Call your health care provider right away or go to the nearest emergency room if you have any of the following serious symptoms.

  • Sudden confusion or feeling disoriented
  • Feeling paranoid
  • Suicidal thoughts or actions
  • Seizures
  • Trouble breathing

Breathing Problems. Oxycodone/aspirin may cause slow or shallow breathing, especially if you have breathing problems from another condition or take other medicines that can slow your breathing. Tell your health care provider if you have severe sleepiness or trouble breathing, especially when you start oxycodone/aspirin or when your dose is increased. Get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Changes in the color of your skin, including a bluish color to your lips and fingernails
  • Confusion
  • Shortness of breath
  • Feeling dizzy, lightheaded, or fainting
  • Changes in your heart rate or rhythm, such as a fast, slow, pounding or skipping heartbeat
  • Slow or shallow breathing
  • Excessive sleepiness or trouble staying awake

Reduced Adrenal Function. Long-term use of oxycodone/aspirin can cause your body’s adrenal glands to stop making as much cortisol (the stress hormone). This is known as adrenal insufficiency. This is especially a concern if you have been taking a corticosteroid by mouth, such as prednisone, and you stop it and switch to oxycodone/aspirin. Adrenal insufficiency can get worse if your body is under stress because of fever, surgery, or trauma. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following symptoms of adrenal insufficiency.

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Weakness, tiredness, or lack of energy
  • Low blood pressure or dizziness

Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension). Oxycodone/aspirin may cause low blood pressure. If you feel faint or dizzy, lie down. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of low blood pressure.

  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Confusion
  • Feeling weak or tired

Reye’s Syndrome. Children or teenagers who have chicken pox, the flu, or flu-like symptoms should not take oxycodone/aspirin to treat these things. Taking oxycodone/aspirin to treat an infection caused by a virus can lead to Reye’s syndrome. If your child or teenager is taking oxycodone/aspirin and shows signs like changes in their behavior, nausea, and vomiting, contact your health care provider. Behavioral changes, nausea, or vomiting could be early signs of Reye’s syndrome.

Stomach Bleeding. Aspirin can increase your risk of bleeding, ulcers, and tears (perforation) in your gut. The risk is higher if you have a history of stomach ulcers, bleeding problems, take higher doses of aspirin or take it for longer than directed, have poor health, are 60 or older, have liver disease, smoke, drink alcohol, or take certain other medicines. Stop taking aspirin and get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Vomit blood
  • Black or tarry poop
  • Stomach pain that does not go away
  • Upset stomach
  • Feel faint

Bleeding. Oxycodone/aspirin can increase your risk of bleeding. Oxycodone/aspirin can also affect your platelet function, which can affect how long it takes for you to stop bleeding. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following signs of severe bleeding while taking oxycodone/aspirin.

  • Pink, red, or brown urine (pee)
  • Vomit with blood that looks like coffee grounds
  • Red or black stools (looks like tar)
  • Coughing up blood or blood clots
  • Easy bruising or bleeding
  • Bleeding that does not stop
  • Nosebleeds

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use oxycodone/aspirin?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take oxycodone/aspirin.

  • Aspirin
  • Oxycodone
  • Percodan
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific oxycodone/aspirin products they stock.

Lung Problems. Oxycodone/aspirin should not be used if you have trouble breathing, severe asthma, or other lung problems. Oxycodone/aspirin can make these conditions worse.

Gut Blockage or Slowed Gut Movement. Oxycodone/aspirin should not be used if you have a blockage in your gut (bowel obstruction) or have a narrowing in your stomach or your intestines. Oxycodone/aspirin should not be used if you have a condition called paralytic ileus, where your intestines are unable to move food through them. Oxycodone/aspirin can make these conditions worse.

Hemophilia. Oxycodone/aspirin should not be used if you have a bleeding condition called hemophilia. This medicine has aspirin, which can increase your chance of bleeding.

What should I know about oxycodone/aspirin before using it?

Do not take oxycodone/aspirin unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share oxycodone/aspirin with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep oxycodone/aspirin out of the reach of children. Oxycodone/aspirin is a controlled substance because it can be misused or lead to dependence. Store oxycodone/aspirin in a safe place to protect it from theft. It is illegal to sell or give away this medicine.

Oxycodone/aspirin can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how oxycodone/aspirin affects you.

People who are 65 or older can be at greater risk of some side effects from oxycodone/aspirin. Talk to your health care provider about your risks if you are in this age group.

Oxycodone/aspirin may make it hard for you to get pregnant or get your partner pregnant. If you have concerns, talk to your health care provider.

Your health care provider may ask you to have naloxone, a medicine used to reverse the effects of oxycodone/aspirin, on hand in case of an emergency. Make sure that you and a caregiver know how to use naloxone. If you have any questions, talk to your health care provider or pharmacist.

Dispose of expired, unwanted, or unused oxycodone/aspirin right away by taking your medicine to an authorized DEA-registered collector or a drug take-back program. If one is not available, you can flush the medicine down the toilet.

If you have been taking oxycodone/aspirin on a regular basis, do not stop taking the medicine without talking to your health care provider. Stopping oxycodone/aspirin too quickly can cause serious side effects. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Anxiety, irritability, or high or low mood
  • Feeling restless 
  • Changes in sleep habits
  • Headache
  • Sweating or shaking
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
  • Electric shock-like feelings
  • Confusion

What should I tell my health care provider before using oxycodone/aspirin?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if oxycodone/aspirin is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Head injury or brain problems, such as a brain tumor or high pressure in your skull
  • Problems peeing
  • Substance use disorder or living with someone who has this problem
  • Alcohol use disorder
  • Mental health problems 
  • Liver, kidney, or thyroid problems
  • Pancreas or gallbladder problems
  • Seizures
  • Breathing problems, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  • Low blood pressure
  • Sleep apnea
  • Bleeding problems
  • Stomach ulcers
  • Mental health problems

Other Medicines and Supplements. Oxycodone/aspirin may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking oxycodone/aspirin, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. Oxycodone/aspirin may cause harm to a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, call your health care provider right away. This medicine has aspirin, which may cause harm to a fetus and complications during delivery. This medicine also has an opioid called oxycodone and may cause opioid withdrawal symptoms in your baby, which can be life-threatening. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take oxycodone/aspirin while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. Do not take oxycodone/aspirin during pregnancy without talking to your health care provider.

Breastfeeding. Oxycodone/aspirin passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take oxycodone/aspirin while breastfeeding. If you breastfeed while taking oxycodone/aspirin, tell your health care provider right away if your baby is sleepier than usual, and get emergency help if your baby is having trouble breathing or is limp.

Interactions

Does oxycodone/aspirin interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between oxycodone/aspirin and foods or drinks.

Do not drink alcohol or use prescription or over-the-counter medicines that contain alcohol while taking oxycodone/aspirin. Drinking alcohol while taking oxycodone/aspirin can increase your risk of bleeding, overdose, and death.

Does oxycodone/aspirin interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking oxycodone/aspirin.

  • A benzodiazepine, such as clonazepam (Klonopin), diazepam (Valium and others), or lorazepam (Ativan and others), which is a medicine used for anxiety, muscle spasms, or seizures
  • A macrolide antibiotic, such as clarithromycin or erythromycin (Ery-Tab and others), which is a medicine used for bacterial infections
  • Fluconazole (Diflucan), itraconazole (Sporanox, Tolsura), ketoconazole, posaconazole (Noxafil), or voriconazole (Vfend), which are medicines used for fungal infections
  • A protease inhibitor, such as atazanavir (Reyataz), nelfinavir (Viracept), or ritonavir (Norvir), which is a medicine commonly used to treat HIV
  • Rifampin (Rifadin), which is a medicine commonly used to treat an infection called tuberculosis
  • Any medicine for seizures, such as carbamazepine, phenytoin, or valproic acid
  • A selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), such as fluoxetine, paroxetine, or sertraline, which is a medicine commonly used for anxiety and depression
  • A medicine used to treat or prevent nausea and vomiting, such as granisetron (Sancuso, Sustol), ondansetron, or palonosetron (Posfrea)
  • A serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), such as duloxetine or venlafaxine, which is a medicine commonly used for anxiety and depression
  • A triptan, such as eletriptan (Relpax), sumatriptan (Imitrex and others), and others, which is a medicine commonly used to treat migraines
  • A monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) within the past two weeks, which is a medicine usually used for depression or Parkinson’s disease
  • Linezolid, which is a medicine used to treat certain bacterial infections
  • A mixed agonist/antagonist or partial agonist opioid analgesic, such as buprenorphine (Butrans, Sublocade), butorphanol, and others, which is a medicine used to treat certain types of pain or opioid use disorder
  • A muscle relaxant, such as carisoprodol (Soma), cyclobenzaprine, metaxalone, or tizanidine (Zanaflex)
  • A diuretic, also called a water pill, which is a medicine used to reduce edema (fluid retention) and blood pressure
  • An anticholinergic medicine, which includes antihistamines and medicines commonly used for overactive bladder, Parkinson’s disease, or stomach problems
  • An angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, such as enalapril or lisinopril, which is a medicine for high blood pressure, heart failure, and certain kidney problems
  • A blood thinner, which is a medicine used to treat or prevent blood clots
  • A beta-blocker, such as atenolol (Tenormin), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL, and others), or propranolol (Inderal LA, Innopran XL), which is a medicine that may be used for certain heart conditions or to lower blood pressure
  • Methotrexate (Trexall and others), which is a medicine commonly used for rheumatoid arthritis or certain types of cancer
  • A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and others, which is in many prescription and OTC products for pain, swelling, and fever
  • A medicine for diabetes
  • A medicine for gout
  • Any other medicine that causes dizziness and sleepiness, such as prescription pain medicines, sleep medicines, or medicines for anxiety

Many other medicines may alter the blood levels of oxycodone/aspirin. Tell your health care provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with oxycodone/aspirin. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much oxycodone/aspirin?

If you or someone else has used too much oxycodone/aspirin, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of oxycodone/aspirin?

If you miss a dose of oxycodone/aspirin, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at your regular scheduled time. Do not take double or extra doses. Do not take more than your prescribed dose.