OxyContin
® (
oxycodone ER) is a long-acting opioid pain reliever. It is a narcotic and a "controlled substance" in the United States. It comes in extended-release tablets and is approved for treating moderate to severe pain.
OxyContin is made by Purdue Pharma L.P.
OxyContin tablets are specially designed to release the medication continuously over a 12-hour period. This medication contains
oxycodone, a narcotic, opioid pain reliever. It binds to opioid receptors throughout the body and produces numerous different effects. These effects include (but are not limited to):
- Pain relief
- Cough suppression
- Decreased breathing (slow or shallow breathing)
- Certain changes in the circulatory system
- Slowing of the digestive tract
- Release of histamine (which often causes itching)
- Physical dependence.
OxyContin has a significant potential for both physical and psychological dependence and abuse. In fact, it is classified as a controlled substance, meaning that there are special rules and regulations for prescribing and obtaining the medication. For instance, you must have a written OxyContin prescription (not a phoned or faxed prescription) in order to legally obtain the drug.
Because it is a very desirable drug of abuse, people often try to buy it through illegal means, such as from foreign countries or online sources that do not require a prescription. It is readily available and relatively inexpensive (at least in generic form), making it a popular drug of abuse.
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When and How to Take OxyContin
General considerations include the following:
- OxyContin comes in the form of extended-release tablets. It is usually taken twice a day.
- It is probably best to take it with food, as it can be upsetting to the stomach.
- High-fat meals may increase the level of OxyContin in the bloodstream. This is probably not a problem except for people taking the highest strength (160 mg tablets). If you take the 160 tablets, talk with your healthcare provider about any dietary precautions that may be necessary.
- Breaking, dissolving, or crushing the tablets can be very dangerous, as this will cause too much of the medication to be released too quickly.
- Do not drink alcohol while taking this medication.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Do not increase your dose without your healthcare provider's approval. Do not suddenly stop taking OxyContin, especially if you have taken it regularly for more than several weeks (see OxyContin Withdrawal).
The dosage that your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- The type and dose of other painkillers you have taken
- The severity of your pain
- How you respond to OxyContin
- Other medications you are taking
- Other medical conditions you may have.
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
Side Effects of OxyContin
As with any medicine, OxyContin can cause side effects. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. Some people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
(Click OxyContin Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking OxyContin?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking this medication if you have:
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about any other medications you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
What If I Take an Overdose?
An overdose with OxyContin can be very dangerous. If you happen to overdose on this medication, seek immediate medical attention.
How Should OxyContin Be Stored?
In general, this drug should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep this and all other medications out of the reach of children. Because it can be a desirable drug of abuse, make sure to keep it in a safe place.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you forget to take a dose of OxyContin and notice significant pain, take your missed dose right away. However, make sure to wait the recommended time before the next dose, and never take a double dose. Keep in mind that this could interfere with your normal dosing schedule in such a way that you will be required to take the medication at an inconvenient time (such as in the middle of the night).
Although generic versions of this medication were available for a while, currently this medication is not available in generic form
(see Generic OxyContin).
