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Last Updated: 12/23/2024

Oxycodone hydrochloride with acetaminophen

Drug Name(s): Endocet, Nolocet, Percocet, Prolate, generic

Class: Analgesics

Type: Opioid

Used to treat pain severe enough to require an opioid analgesic and for which alternative treatments are inadequate.

Dosage

Form(s): tablet

In a combination pill, 5 mg to 10 mg oxycodone every 6 hours as needed. (Amount of acetaminophen varies.)

Dosages for children: The dosages listed above are those typically prescribed for adults aged 18 – 65. Dosages for children can vary. Ask your doctor about the appropriate dosage for your child.

Special Instructions

Do not increase the dose on your own or stop treatment abruptly unless told to do so by a doctor.

Do not drive, operate machinery or perform other potentially dangerous activities until you know whether the medication will affect your ability to do them safely.

Potential Side Effects

Constipation; dizziness; drowsiness; itching; lightheadedness; low blood pressure; mental confusion; nausea; shortness of breath; urinary retention; vomiting

Be Aware

This medicine contains acetaminophen. Do not use with any other products containing acetaminophen. Too much acetaminophen can cause serious liver damage or death. Limit the amount of acetaminophen you take to 3,000 mg/day unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Drinking alcohol increases your risk of liver damage. Tell your doctor if you have a history of liver disease or alcohol or drug abuse, or if you have three or more alcoholic drinks daily. Also tell your doctor if you take the blood-thinning drug warfarin (Coumadin). Acetaminophen prolongs the time that drug is active in your body, increasing bleeding risk. Your doctor may need to adjust your dosage. Rarely, acetaminophen may cause serious skin reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome, which can be deadly. Stop taking acetaminophen and call your doctor if you develop a skin rash.

Opioids can slow breathing and suppress the cough reflex. Before taking an opioid, tell your doctor if you have a history of lung disease or breathing difficulties. Taking this drug with certain other drugs  including alcohol, benzodiazepines or anti-cancer agents known as CYP3A4 inhibitors  can increase the risk of dangerous side effects and death. Especially tell your doctor if you take antihistamines (allergy medications), tranquilizers, sleeping pills, muscle relaxants or other pain medication, or if you have a history of alcohol or drug abuse.

The Arthritis Foundation’s Drug Guide is meant for education — not self-medicating. The Arthritis Foundation does not endorse any products mentioned in this guide. While we endeavor to keep the information up to date, we make no representations or warranties about the completeness of the information provided.