Oxycodone
Pronunciation: ok-see-KOH-dohn.
- Generic name
- oxycodone
- Brand names
- Endone, Oxynorm
- Drug class
- Opioid analgesic
Availability and supply rules vary by country
Trade names by country: United States · Canada
Australia: · Full directory
What oxycodone is and how it works
Uses, formulations, monitoring, and supply rules can differ by patient, product, and country. Follow the exact local product information and professional advice.
Mechanism of action: how oxycodone works
Oxycodone is a semi-synthetic opioid agonist that primarily binds to mu-opioid receptors in the central nervous system. This binding inhibits ascending pain pathways, alters the perception and response to pain, and produces generalized CNS depression. It also has weak activity at kappa and delta opioid receptors. (1) (2)
What oxycodone is used for
Management of moderate to severe acute pain
Management of moderate to severe acute pain (2)
Management of moderate to severe chronic pain
Management of moderate to severe chronic pain (2)
Post-operative pain management
Post-operative pain management (2)
Cancer-related pain management
Cancer-related pain management (2)
Before taking oxycodone
Do not take / not appropriate for
- Severe respiratory depression, acute or severe bronchial asthma, known or suspected gastrointestinal obstruction (including paralytic ileus), hypersensitivity to oxycodone. (Contraindication) (2)
Tell your clinician about
(2)How to take oxycodone
- General Instructions: Take oxycodone exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not increase your dose, take it more frequently, or use it for longer than directed.. Adult Dosing: Initial dosing varies by formulation and pain severity. For immediate-release: 5–15 mg orally every 4–6 hours as needed. Extended-release: typically 10 mg orally every 12 hours, adjusted as needed.. Pediatric Dosing: Not routinely recommended for children; dosing should be individualized and supervised by a pediatric pain specialist if used.. Administration: Swallow tablets/capsules whole with water. Do not crush, chew, or dissolve extended-release forms. Oral solution should be measured carefully with a dosing syringe.. When To Seek Review: Do not stop suddenly without consulting your doctor, as withdrawal symptoms may occur. Your doctor will guide you on how to taper the dose safely.. Storage: Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep out of reach of children and dispose of unused medication safely.
- This page does not provide a dose calculator. Dosing must follow the prescriber, pharmacist, or product label.
Procedures and treatment changes
Tell the treating team before surgery, procedures, or any medicine change. Do not alter treatment without the responsible clinician. (2)
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. do not take an extra dose to catch up.
Overdose
In case of overdose, call emergency services immediately. Symptoms may include extreme drowsiness, slow or shallow breathing, pinpoint pupils, or loss of consciousness. Naloxone may be administered by healthcare professionals as an antidote. (2)
Side effects
Side effects and their urgency vary; report severe, persistent, or concerning symptoms to a healthcare professional.
Nausea
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Constipation
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Drowsiness
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Vomiting
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Dizziness
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Respiratory depression
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Addiction
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Serious warnings
FDA BOXED WARNING — Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse — serious
Symptoms: FDA BOXED WARNING — Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse: Oxycodone exposes users to risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse, which can lead to overdose and death. Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression: serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression may occur, especially when starting oxycodone or following a dose increase; proper dosing and titration are essential. Accidental Ingestion: accidental ingestion of oxycodone, especially by children, can result in a fatal overdose. Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome: prolonged use of oxycodone during pregnancy can result in neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome, which may be life-threatening if not recognized and treated; delivery should be planned where neonatology expertise is available. CYP3A4 Interaction: concomitant use with CYP3A4 inhibitors, or discontinuation of a co-administered CYP3A4 inducer, can result in a fatal oxycodone overdose. Interaction with Benzodiazepines or Other CNS Depressants: concomitant use of oxycodone with benzodiazepines or other central nervous system depressants, including alcohol, may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death — reserve concomitant prescribing for patients with no adequate alternative, use the lowest effective doses and durations, and monitor for respiratory depression and sedation.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Oxycodone can cause life-threatening respiratory depression, especially when starting or increasing the dose — serious
Symptoms: Oxycodone can cause life-threatening respiratory depression, especially when starting or increasing the dose. Risk of addiction, abuse, and misuse is high. Accidental ingestion, especially by children, can result in fatal overdose. Use in pregnancy may cause neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome. Concomitant use with benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants increases risk of respiratory depression and death.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Contraindications recorded in the clinician database — serious
Symptoms: Contraindications recorded in the clinician database: Contraindications: Severe respiratory depression, acute or severe bronchial asthma, known or suspected gastrointestinal obstruction (including paralytic ileus), hypersensitivity to oxycodone.<br>Precautions: Use with caution in elderly, debilitated, hepatic or renal impairment, head injury, hypothyroidism, prostatic hypertrophy, or history of substance abuse.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Interactions
| Medicine or test | Effect | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Recorded interactions | Oxycodone interacts with other central nervous system depressants (such as benzodiazepines, alcohol, sedatives), increasing the risk of respiratory depression, profound sedation, coma, or death. CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., certain antibiotics, antifungals) can increase oxycodone levels, while CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampin, phenytoin) can decrease its effectiveness. Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications and supplements you are taking. | (1) |
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age
Pregnancy
Prolonged opioid use during pregnancy can cause neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (see boxed warning). Available human data with oxycodone in pregnant women are insufficient to establish a drug-associated risk of major birth defects or miscarriage. In animal studies, oxycodone given during organogenesis at several times the human dose did not show teratogenicity, but published studies found neurobehavioral effects in the offspring of rats treated with oxycodone at clinically relevant doses. Based on the animal data, pregnant women should be advised of a potential risk to the fetus. Discuss any pregnancy or plans for pregnancy with your prescriber. (2)
Breastfeeding
Oxycodone passes into breast milk. Data from a study of 76 breastfeeding women taking immediate-release oxycodone for postpartum pain found doses under 60 mg/day are unlikely to cause clinically relevant exposure in the breastfed infant (average milk-to-plasma ratio 3.2; relative infant dose about 1.3% of the weight-adjusted maternal dose); no adverse events were attributed to oxycodone in the 70 infants studied. Because of oxycodone's known adult effects, breastfed infants should still be monitored for excess sedation and breathing problems. Discuss breastfeeding with your prescriber. (2)
Children
Frequency: Not applicable.. Weight Based: Not recommended for pediatric use.. Max Daily Dose: Not applicable.. Max Single Dose: Not applicable.. Age Restrictions: Safety not established in children. (2)
Renal_impairment
Renal: because oxycodone is substantially excreted by the kidney, clearance may decrease in renal impairment. Start with a lower-than-usual dose and titrate carefully, with regular evaluation for respiratory depression, sedation, and low blood pressure. Hepatic: because oxycodone is extensively metabolized by the liver, clearance may decrease in hepatic impairment. Start with a lower-than-usual dose and titrate carefully, with the same monitoring for respiratory depression, sedation, and low blood pressure. (2)
Hepatic_impairment
Renal: because oxycodone is substantially excreted by the kidney, clearance may decrease in renal impairment. Start with a lower-than-usual dose and titrate carefully, with regular evaluation for respiratory depression, sedation, and low blood pressure. Hepatic: because oxycodone is extensively metabolized by the liver, clearance may decrease in hepatic impairment. Start with a lower-than-usual dose and titrate carefully, with the same monitoring for respiratory depression, sedation, and low blood pressure. (2)
Monitoring
(2)Storage
Store oxycodone at 20-25°C (68-77°F); brief excursions between 15-30°C (59-86°F) are permitted. Protect from moisture. Because of the risk of accidental ingestion, misuse, and diversion, store oxycodone securely, out of sight and reach of children, and in a location not accessible by others, including visitors to the home; dispose of unused medication properly (for example through a drug take-back program).
Professional information
Clinician-facing context only. This section does not replace current product labeling.
General
Indication: Management of moderate to severe acute pain
Dose summary: Initial dose: 5-15 mg every 4-6 hours as needed for pain.
Renal context: The FDA label states that because oxycodone is substantially excreted by the kidney, its clearance may decrease in patients with renal impairment. Initiate therapy with a lower-than-usual dose of oxycodone and titrate carefully, regularly evaluating for adverse events such as respiratory depression, sedation, and hypotension. (1) (2)
Hepatic guidance
The FDA label states that because oxycodone is extensively metabolized in the liver, its clearance may decrease in patients with hepatic impairment. Initiate therapy with a lower-than-usual dose of oxycodone and titrate carefully, regularly evaluating for adverse events such as respiratory depression, sedation, and hypotension.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take for oxycodone to start working?
Immediate-release oxycodone usually begins to relieve pain within 10–30 minutes, with peak effects in about 1 hour. Extended-release forms may take longer to reach peak effect.
Can I take oxycodone with food?
Oxycodone can be taken with or without food. Taking it with food may help reduce nausea.
Is oxycodone addictive?
Yes, oxycodone has a high potential for addiction, abuse, and misuse, even when taken as prescribed. Always follow your doctor's instructions closely.
What should I do if I experience constipation while taking oxycodone?
Constipation is a common side effect. Increase fluid and fiber intake, and consider using a stool softener or laxative as recommended by your doctor.
Can I drink alcohol while taking oxycodone?
No. Drinking alcohol while taking oxycodone increases the risk of dangerous side effects, including severe respiratory depression and death.
What are the signs of oxycodone overdose?
Signs include extreme drowsiness, slow or shallow breathing, pinpoint pupils, cold or clammy skin, and loss of consciousness. Seek emergency help immediately.
How should I dispose of unused oxycodone?
Unused oxycodone should be disposed of through a drug take-back program or as instructed by your pharmacist. Do not flush unless specifically directed.
What happens if I take too much Oxycodone?
Taking too much Oxycodone can lead to a dangerous overdose, characterized by severe drowsiness, pinpoint pupils, shallow breathing, and loss of consciousness. This is a medical emergency. If you suspect an overdose, seek immediate emergency medical help by calling 911 or your local emergency number. Naloxone may be administered to reverse the effects.
Is Oxycodone safe during pregnancy?
Oxycodone is generally not recommended during pregnancy due to potential risks to the fetus, including neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome. It is classified in a pregnancy category that advises caution. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, it is crucial to discuss the risks and benefits of Oxycodone with your healthcare provider to determine the safest treatment plan for you and your baby.
What is the mechanism of action of oxycodone?
Oxycodone is a semi-synthetic opioid agonist that primarily binds to mu-opioid receptors in the central nervous system. This binding inhibits ascending pain pathways, alters the perception and response to pain, and produces generalized CNS depression. It also has weak activity at kappa and delta opioid receptors. (1) (2)
What is the generic name of Oxycodone?
The generic name is oxycodone. It is sold under brand names including Endone, Oxynorm.
What class of drug is oxycodone?
Oxycodone is classed as: Opioid analgesic.
References
- Clinician-authored medicine record for OxycodoneMedGuideGlobal · Global (internal) · accessed 2026-08-07 · source 1
- Oxycodone Hydrochloride tablets, USP — FDA-approved prescribing information (Major Pharmaceuticals)U.S. FDA (via DailyMed) · United States · accessed 2026-08-07 · source 2
- OXYCODONE HYDROCHLORIDE TABLET [SPECGX LLC] — US prescribing information (DailyMed SPL)U.S. National Library of Medicine (DailyMed) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 3
- Oxycodone — patient drug information (MedlinePlus)U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 4
- Oxycodone Hydrochloride — FDA approval record (Drugs@FDA ANDA207418)U.S. Food and Drug Administration · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 5
- oxycodone — RxNorm normalized drug concept (RXCUI 7804)U.S. National Library of Medicine (RxNorm) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 6
Brand names by country
Single-ingredient oxycodone names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.
Priority countries
United States
- OxyContin15 mg, 60 mg, 10 mg, 80 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg · knoa pharma llc
- XTAMPZA ER13.5 mg, 18 mg, 27 mg, 36 mg, 9 mg · collegium pharmaceutical, inc.
- RoxyBond5 mg, 15 mg, 30 mg, 10 mg · protega pharmaceuticals inc
- Oxycodone Hydchloride5 mg, 10 mg · quality care products llc
- OXAYDO5 mg, 7.5 mg · zyla life sciences us llc
- Roxicodone15 mg, 30 mg · specgx llc
Canada
- OXYNEO
- SUPEUDOL
- OXY.IR
- APO-OXYCODONE CR
- ACT OXYCODONE CR
- PMS-OXYCODONE CR