Roxicet

Generic name: Oxycodone hydrochloride and acetaminophen

Drug class: Narcotic analgesic combinations

Dosage form: Tablet, oral solution

Route of administration: Oral

Dose: The usual adult dosage is one tablet every 6 hours as needed for pain. The total daily dose of acetaminophen should not exceed 4 grams. (Maximum daily dose is 12 tablets.)

Mechanism of action: Oxycodone is an opioid analgesic that binds to specific receptors known as mu opioid receptors, blocking pain signals on their way to the brain. Acetaminophen is a less potent pain reliever that increases the effects of oxycodone and can also help reduce a fever.

Drug usage cases:

• Relief of moderate to severe pain

Drug contraindications:

• Hypersensitivity to oxycodone, acetaminophen, or any component of the formulation
• Significant respiratory depression
• Acute or severe bronchial asthma
• Known or suspected gastrointestinal obstruction, including paralytic ileus
• Concurrent use with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or within 14 days of discontinuing MAOIs

Side effects:

• Lightheadedness
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness or sedation
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Euphoria
• Dysphoria
• Constipation
• Pruritus
• Skin eruptions
• Urticaria
• Erythematous skin reactions
• Thrombocytopenia
• Neutropenia
• Pancytopenia
• Hemolytic anemia
• Agranulocytosis (rare)
• Hepatic necrosis (in high doses)
• Renal tubular necrosis
• Hypoglycemic coma

Warnings:

• Risk of addiction, abuse, and misuse, which can lead to overdose and death
• Respiratory depression, which can be life-threatening
• Use with alcohol or other central nervous system depressants can increase the risk of serious adverse effects
• Risk of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome if used during pregnancy
• Potential for liver damage due to acetaminophen content, especially with high doses or chronic use
• Risk of serotonin syndrome when used with other serotonergic drugs
• Potential for severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis
• Use with caution in patients with a history of seizures, head injury, or gastrointestinal obstruction
• May impair the ability to perform tasks requiring mental alertness, such as driving

Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding:

Roxicet is classified as a Category C drug for pregnancy, indicating that risk to the fetus cannot be ruled out. It should only be used during pregnancy if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Oxycodone and acetaminophen are excreted in breast milk; therefore, caution should be exercised when administering Roxicet to a nursing woman. The decision to discontinue nursing or the drug should be made based on the importance of the drug to the mother and the potential risks to the infant.