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Overview: Oxycodone is a medicine that is used to help treat severe pain. Common side effects include constipation, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, headache, and dizziness. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how oxycodone affects you. Talk to your health care provider if you get confused or feel like your pain is getting worse instead of better. Oxycodone comes in several forms, including a tablet, capsule, and liquid that you take by mouth. 

Uses

What is oxycodone used for?

Oxycodone is commonly used to treat severe pain. 

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

How does oxycodone work (mechanism of action)?

Oxycodone works to change how your body feels and responds to pain by binding to and activating specific receptors in your body.

How is oxycodone supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Oxycontin
  • Roxicodone
  • Xtampza ER

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 9 mg, 13.5 mg, 18 mg, 27 mg, 36 mg extended-release oral capsules
  • 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg, 60 mg, 80 mg extended-release oral tablets
  • 5 mg oral capsules
  • 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg oral tablets
  • 5 mg/5 mL, 100 mg/5 mL oral solution

How should I store oxycodone?

Oxycodone should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. Protect from light and moisture. 

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of oxycodone?

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

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Headache
  • Constipation (see below)
  • Drowsiness
  • Itching
  • Dizziness
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Feeling unusually weak or tired
  • Dry mouth
  • Sweating
  • Stomach pain

There may be other side effects of oxycodone 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?

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

Severe Allergic Reactions. Oxycodone may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking oxycodone 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 can lead to serious side effects, such as coma or death. Misuse means taking a medicine in a way other than how it was prescribed. Take oxycodone exactly as prescribed. Tell your health care provider if you feel that oxycodone 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 may cause slow or shallow breathing, especially when you start oxycodone or when your dose is increased. You may be at higher risk if you have breathing problems from another condition or take other medicines that can slow your breathing. Ask your health care provider about keeping naloxone available, as this can be used to reverse the effects of oxycodone. Get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Changes in the color of your skin, including 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

Increase in Pain Sensitivity. Oxycodone tablets can cause hyperalgesia and allodynia. Hyperalgesia is when your body becomes more sensitive to pain and can cause things that normally cause pain to feel more painful than usual. Allodynia is a condition where things that do not usually cause you pain, such as wearing glasses or brushing your hair, cause you pain. Call your health care provider if you are having more pain, pain from things that would normally not cause you pain, or pain in other parts of your body. If your pain increases, do not take extra doses of oxycodone.

Reduced Adrenal Function. Long-term use of oxycodone 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. 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

Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension). Oxycodone 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

Sphincter of Oddi Spasm. The sphincter of Oddi is a muscular valve in your body that controls the flow of bile and digestive juices from the pancreas into the small intestine. When this valve spasms, it may feel like getting a tight muscle cramp, causing pain and blocking the flow of these juices, which can lead to discomfort and digestive problems. This is more likely to happen if you do not have a gallbladder. Stop taking oxycodone and get emergency help if you have new or worse stomach pain or pain in the upper right side of your stomach area that travels to your back or shoulder, with or without nausea and vomiting. 

Constipation. Some people taking oxycodone have had severe constipation. Some needed to go to the hospital. Staying hydrated, eating fresh fruits and vegetables, and increasing your fiber intake may help reduce your risk of constipation. Follow your health care provider’s instructions on other ways to manage constipation. Tell your health care provider if you are having trouble with constipation.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use oxycodone?

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

  • Oxycodone
  • Oxycontin
  • Roxicodone
  • Xtampza ER
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

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

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

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

What should I know about oxycodone before using it?

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

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

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

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

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

Your health care provider may ask you to keep a medicine called naloxone on hand. Naloxone is a medicine that can be used as an emergency treatment for an opioid overdose and works by reversing the effects of oxycodone. Make sure you or your caregiver knows when and how to use naloxone. Talk to your health care provider or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Taking oxycodone for a longer period of time may make it hard for you to get pregnant or get your partner pregnant. Talk to your health care provider to learn more. 

Throw away any unused or expired oxycodone by taking the medicine to a U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) collection site or a medicine take-back program. You can also flush oxycodone down the toilet. You can find out more on how to properly throw away your medicines at www.fda.gov/drugdisposal.

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

  • Irritability
  • High or low energy or low mood
  • Feeling restless 
  • Changes in sleep habits
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
  • Electric shock-like feelings
  • Confusion

Use the measuring cup or oral syringe that comes with your oxycodone oral liquid prescription to measure your dose of medicine. A household spoon is not an accurate measuring device and may cause you to take the wrong dose. 

If you cannot swallow oxycodone extended-release capsules, you can open the capsule and sprinkle the medicine onto soft food (applesauce, pudding, ice cream, or jam) or into a cup of water. Swallow the food/medicine or water/medicine mixture immediately. 

Do not chew, cut, or crush oxycodone extended-release tablets. They should be swallowed whole.

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

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 is right for you.

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

Alcohol Use Disorder or Substance Use Disorder. Talk to your health care provider if you use or used to use street drugs or have or had a problem using alcohol or prescription medicines or live with someone with this problem. 

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

  • Mental health problems
  • Head injury or brain problems, such as brain tumor or high pressure in your skull
  • Seizures
  • Liver, kidney, or thyroid problems
  • Problems peeing
  • Pancreas or gallbladder problems
  • Breathing problems, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  • Low blood pressure

Other Medicines and Supplements. Oxycodone may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking oxycodone, 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 may cause harm to a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take oxycodone while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. If you take oxycodone on a regular basis during pregnancy, your baby may have opioid withdrawal symptoms that can be life-threatening. Tell your health care provider if you took oxycodone during your pregnancy, especially near the end of your pregnancy.

Breastfeeding. Oxycodone 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 while breastfeeding. If you breastfeed while taking oxycodone, tell your health care provider right away if your baby is more sleepy than usual, and get emergency help if your baby is having trouble breathing or is limp.

Interactions

Does oxycodone interact with foods or drinks?

Oxycodone extended-release capsules should be taken with food. This helps keep the blood levels of the medicine consistent. Other forms of oxycodone can be taken with or without food. Ask your pharmacist if you have any questions about how to take your medicine. 

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

Does oxycodone 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.

  • Any other medicine that causes dizziness and sleepiness, such as prescription pain medicines, sleep medicines, or medicines for anxiety
  • 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
  • Carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol, and others) or phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek, and others), which are medicines commonly used to treat seizures
  • 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 muscle relaxant, such as carisoprodol (Soma), cyclobenzaprine, metaxalone, or tizanidine (Zanaflex)
  • An antipsychotic, which is a medicine for certain mental health conditions
  • Any other opioid, such as codeine, fentanyl, morphine, or tramadol, which is a medicine used for certain types of pain
  • A selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), such as fluoxetine, paroxetine, or sertraline, or a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), such as duloxetine or venlafaxine, which are medicines commonly used for anxiety and depression
  • A tricyclic antidepressant, such as amitriptyline, nortriptyline, or protriptyline, even if it is not used for depression
  • A triptan, such as eletriptan (Relpax), sumatriptan (Imitrex and others), or 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, nalbuphine, pentazocine, and others, which is a medicine used to treat certain types of pain or opioid use disorder
  • 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

Many other medicines may alter the blood levels of oxycodone. 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. 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?

If you or someone else has used too much oxycodone, 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?

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