Oxycodone and Acetaminophen Capsules

Generic name: Oxycodone and Acetaminophen

Drug class: Analgesic combination

Dosage form: Capsules

Root of administration: Oral

Dose: Oxycodone 5 mg and Acetaminophen 325 mg per capsule; typical adult dosage is 1 capsule every 4 to 6 hours as needed for pain, not exceeding 4,000 mg of acetaminophen per day.

Mechanism of action: Oxycodone is an opioid analgesic that binds to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, altering the perception and response to pain. Acetaminophen is a non-opioid analgesic that inhibits prostaglandin synthesis in the central nervous system, reducing pain and fever.

Drug usage cases:

• Management of moderate to severe pain
• Postoperative pain relief
• Acute injury-related pain
• Chronic pain conditions when other analgesics are insufficient

Drug contra indications:

• Hypersensitivity to oxycodone, acetaminophen, or any component of the formulation
• Severe respiratory depression
• Acute or severe bronchial asthma
• Hypercapnia
• Known or suspected gastrointestinal obstruction, including paralytic ileus
• Severe hepatic impairment or active liver disease
• Concurrent use with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or within 14 days of discontinuation

Side effects:

• Common: Drowsiness, dizziness, constipation, nausea, vomiting, headache, dry mouth, sweating
• Serious: Respiratory depression, hypotension, bradycardia, seizures, hepatotoxicity, allergic reactions (e.g., rash, pruritus, anaphylaxis)
• Rare: Adrenal insufficiency, serotonin syndrome, physical dependence, withdrawal symptoms upon abrupt discontinuation

Warnings:

• Risk of addiction, abuse, and misuse, which can lead to overdose and death
• Serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression
• Accidental ingestion, especially by children, can lead to fatal overdose
• Prolonged use during pregnancy may result in neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome
• Risk of hepatotoxicity due to acetaminophen; avoid exceeding recommended dosage
• Use with caution in patients with a history of substance abuse, depression, or mental health disorders
• Monitor for signs of misuse, abuse, and addiction
• Use with caution in elderly patients due to increased sensitivity to opioids
• May impair the ability to perform tasks requiring mental alertness; avoid driving or operating heavy machinery

Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding:

Use during pregnancy is not recommended due to potential risks to the fetus, including neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome. If used during pregnancy, the drug should be prescribed only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Use during breastfeeding is not recommended, as oxycodone is excreted in breast milk and may cause respiratory depression in the nursing infant. If the drug is used, monitor the infant for signs of respiratory depression and sedation.