Oxycodone belongs to a class of medications called opioid analgesics. It works by inhibiting nerve signal transmission of pain in the brain and nervous system. Oxycodone is taken for at least one week and is for long term pain relief, for example in chronic pain management for cancer patients.
Oxycodone is available as an oral solution, a concentrated oral solution, a capsule, a tablet, a prolonged-release tablet and an extended-release tablet to be taken with or without food.
For moderate to severe pain
Adult
Immediate-release tablet, capsule, solution and concentrated solution: Initially 5 mg every 4-6 hours. The dose may be increased if necessary according to the severity of the pain. The maximum dose is 400 mg per day, however, some patients may require higher doses than the maximum daily dose.
Prolonged-release and extended-release tablet: Initially 10 mg every 12 hours. The dose may be increased if necessary according to the severity of the pain. The maximum dose is 200 mg every 12 hours, however, some patients may require higher doses than the maximum daily dose.
Child 12-17 years
Immediate-release tablet, capsule, solution and concentrated solution: Initially 5 mg every 4-6 hours. The dose may be increased if necessary according to the severity of the pain.
Prolonged-release and extended-release tablet: Initially 10 mg every 12 hours. The dose may be increased if necessary according to the severity of the pain.
Child 8-11 years
Prolonged-release and extended-release tablet: Initially 5 mg every 12 hours. The dose may be increased if necessary according to the severity of the pain.
Child 1 month – 11 years
Immediate-release tablet, capsule, solution and concentrated solution: Initially 200 mcg every 4-6 hours. The dose may be increased if necessary according to the severity of the pain.
Common side effects of Oxycodone include constipation, dizziness and drowsiness, dry mouth, euphoric mood, flushing, hallucinations, nausea and vomiting (more common on initiation), and respiration depression (with high dose). Like all opioid medications, people can become tolerant or addicted to Oxycodone, which can result in withdrawal symptoms when you try to stop the medicine.
Common dosing schedule:
Immediate-release formulations are taken every 4-6 hours, while modified release formulations are taken every 12 hours. Oral Oxycodone can be taken with or after a meal to minimize gastrointestinal discomfort.
This schedule is for reference only, adjustments may be made according to individual needs.
Some common medications Oxycodone may interact with:
Please notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the above medication, dosage adjustments might be needed.
In Hong Kong, Oxycodone is a prescription only medicine, and requires a prescription from a doctor to be purchased in a pharmacy. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.
For more information about drug names and ingredients, you can visit Hong Kong’s Drug Office at https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk
Need more information?
For detailed information about the use of Oxycodone in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for questions about drug interactions, please check with your pharmacist or doctor.
Disclaimer: our goal is to provide you with the most relevant drug information and common dosage for Hong Kong. This information does not constitute medical advice. For specific treatment recommendations and advice, always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, and follow the instructions included with your specific medicine.
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