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What is Oxycontin
 Oxycontin
is in a class of drugs called narcotic analgesics. It is a
pain reliever.
Oxycontin
is used to treat moderate-to-severe pain.
Oxycontin
may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this
medication guide.
General medical information about Oxycontin
Do not crush, chew, or break controlled-release forms
of oxycodone such as Oxycontin. Swallow them whole. They
are specially formulated to release oxycodone slowly into
your system. Breaking them would cause too much drug to
be released into the blood at one time leading to a potentially
fatal dose of oxycodone.
Use caution when driving,
operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities.
Oxycontin will cause drowsiness or dizziness. If you experience
drowsiness or dizziness, avoid these activities.
Avoid alcohol while taking Oxycontin. Alcohol will greatly
increase the drowsiness and dizziness caused by Oxycontin
and could be dangerous.
Oxycontin may increase the
effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including
antidepressants, other antihistamines, other pain relievers,
anxiety medicines, seizure medicines, and muscle relaxants.
Dangerous sedation, dizziness, or drowsiness may occur if
Oxycontin is taken with any of these medications.
Never take more Oxycontin than is prescribed for you. Taking
too much Oxycontin could result in serious side effects,
even death. If your pain is not being adequately treated,
talk to your doctor.
Do not share this medication
with anyone else.
Who should not take Oxycontin
Oxycontin is habit forming and should only be used
under close supervision by patients with an alcohol or drug
addiction.
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have:
- kidney disease;
- liver
disease;
- asthma;
- urinary retention;
-
an enlarged prostate;
- hypothyroidism;
-
seizures or epilepsy;
- gallbladder disease;
-
a head injury; or
- Addison's disease.
You
may not be able to take Oxycontin, or you may require a
dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment
if you have any of the conditions listed above.
Oxycontin
is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is
unlikely to cause birth defects. However, Oxycontin may
cause addiction and withdrawal symptoms, difficulty breathing,
as well as other harmful effects in a newborn baby when
taken during pregnancy. Do not take Oxycontin without first
talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
Oxycontin
may cause addiction and withdrawal symptoms, difficulty
breathing, and sedation in a nursing infant. Do not take
Oxycontin without first talking to your doctor if you are
breast-feeding a baby.
How should take Oxycontin Take Oxycontin exactly as directed by your doctor.
If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist,
nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each
dose with a full glass of water.
Oxycontin can be
taken with food or milk if stomach upset occurs.
Never take more Oxycontin than is prescribed for you. Taking
too much Oxycontin could result in serious side effects,
even death. If your pain is not being adequately treated,
talk to your doctor.
Do not crush, chew, or break
controlled-release forms of oxycodone such as Oxycontin.
Swallow them whole. They are specially formulated to release
oxycodone slowly into your system. Breaking them would cause
too much drug to be released into the blood at one time
leading to a potentially fatal dose of oxycodone.
Occasionally, empty Oxycontin tablets may be passed out
in the stool. This is not a problem. The active medication
has been absorbed in the body and the empty tablet shell
may appear in the stool.
To ensure that you get a
correct dose, measure the liquid form of oxycodone with
a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not with a regular
table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device,
ask your pharmacist where you can get one.
Do not
stop taking Oxycontin suddenly if you have been taking it
continuously for more than 5 to 7 days. Stopping suddenly
could cause withdrawal symptoms and make you uncomfortable.
Your doctor may want to gradually reduce the dose.
Increasing the amount of fiber and water (six to eight full
glasses) in your diet may alleviate constipation.
Do not share this medication with anyone else.
Store
Oxycontin at room temperature away from moisture and heat
and out of the reach of children. When treatment with Oxycontin
is no longer needed, any remaining medication should be
destroyed by flushing down the toilet.
If you miss a dose: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Do
not take a double dose of this medication. Wait the prescribed
amount of time before taking the next dose.
What happens if you overdose: Seek emergency medical attention.
Symptoms
of an Oxycontin overdose include slow breathing, seizures,
dizziness, weakness, loss of consciousness, coma, confusion,
tiredness, cold and clammy skin, and small pupils.
Avoid while taking Oxycontin Avoid alcohol while taking Oxycontin. Alcohol will
greatly increase the drowsiness and dizziness caused by
Oxycontin and could be dangerous.
Oxycontin may increase
the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including
antidepressants, other antihistamines, other pain relievers,
anxiety medicines, seizure medicines, and muscle relaxants.
Dangerous sedation, dizziness, or drowsiness may occur if
Oxycontin is taken with any of these medications.
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing
other hazardous activities. Oxycontin will cause drowsiness
or dizziness. If you experience drowsiness or dizziness,
avoid these activities.
Possible side effects of Oxycontin If you experience any of the following serious side
effects, stop taking Oxycontin and seek emergency medical
attention or contact your doctor immediately:
- an
allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your
throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
- slow, weak breathing;
- seizures;
-
cold, clammy skin;
- severe weakness or dizziness;
or
- unconsciousness.
Other, less serious
side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take
Oxycontin and talk to your doctor if you experience
-
constipation;
- dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, or decreased
appetite;
- dizziness, tiredness, or lightheadedness;
- muscle twitches;
- sweating;
- itching;
- decreased urination; or
- decreased sex
drive.
Do not stop taking Oxycontin suddenly if you
have been taking it continuously for more than 5 to 7 days.
Stopping suddenly could cause withdrawal symptoms and make
you uncomfortable. Your doctor may want to gradually reduce
the dose.
Side effects other than those listed here
may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect
that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect Oxycontin Oxycontin may increase the effects of other drugs
that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, other
antihistamines, pain relievers, anxiety medicines, seizure
medicines, and muscle relaxants. Dangerous sedation, dizziness,
or drowsiness may occur if Oxycontin is taken with any of
these medications.
Drugs
other than those listed here may also interact with Oxycontin.
Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription
or over-the-counter medicines. |
