oxycodone hydrochloride at a glance
Medicine class
Strong opioid analgesic
Main role
Treating severe pain that requires an opioid
Available forms
Immediate-release capsules, oral liquids, prolonged-release tablets and injection or infusion
What is oxycodone hydrochloride used for?
Selected UK products are licensed for pain requiring a strong opioid. Exact indications and approved ages vary by formulation.
Severe pain that can be adequately managed only with opioid analgesics.
Moderate to severe pain associated with cancer or surgery, where specified by the product licence.
How does oxycodone hydrochloride work?
Oxycodone acts at opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, particularly mu receptors. It reduces the perception and emotional impact of pain, but can also slow breathing, cause sedation and reduce bowel movement.
oxycodone hydrochloride preparations and strengths
Capsule
Route: Oral
Strengths: 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg
Modified-release tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg, 60 mg, 80 mg, 120 mg
How to take oxycodone hydrochloride
Follow the label for the exact formulation supplied. Immediate-release and prolonged-release products are not interchangeable without clinical review.
Swallow capsules whole with water.
Measure oral liquid only with the supplied oral syringe or measuring device; concentrated and standard liquids differ.
Swallow prolonged-release tablets whole; do not split, chew or crush them.
Oral oxycodone can generally be taken with or without food.
Injection or infusion is given by a healthcare professional.
Avoid alcohol and grapefruit juice during treatment.
oxycodone hydrochloride side effects
Common or expected effects
- Constipation
- Feeling or being sick
- Sleepiness, tiredness or dizziness
- Headache
- Itching or rash
- Dry mouth
- Confusion
Get urgent medical advice
- Slow, weak or shallow breathing
- Severe sleepiness, reduced consciousness or collapse
- Severe allergic reaction with swelling or breathing difficulty
- Marked dizziness or fainting from low blood pressure
- Severe abdominal swelling, pain or vomiting that could indicate bowel obstruction
- Agitation, sweating, fever, tremor or muscle rigidity suggesting serotonin toxicity
oxycodone hydrochloride in pregnancy
Oxycodone may sometimes be used during pregnancy when the expected benefit of treating severe pain outweighs potential risks. Evidence remains limited. Use near delivery or prolonged exposure can cause breathing problems or withdrawal in the newborn. Do not stop regular treatment suddenly without advice.
oxycodone hydrochloride while breastfeeding
Oxycodone is not preferred during breastfeeding because it can cause infant sedation and slowed breathing, although cautious use may sometimes be considered after an individual assessment. Monitor an exposed infant for unusual sleepiness, poor feeding, poor weight gain, pallor, constipation or slow breathing.
oxycodone hydrochloride interactions
Check prescribed, non-prescribed and herbal products because interactions can alter oxycodone exposure or increase toxicity.
Alcohol
Increases sedation and the risk of dangerous breathing suppression; avoid alcohol.
Benzodiazepines and other sedatives
Can cause profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma or death.
Common questions about oxycodone hydrochloride
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Can oxycodone hydrochloride make me sleepy?
Yes. Sleepiness, tiredness and dizziness are common, especially when treatment starts or with other sedating substances. Do not drive or operate machinery if affected.
Can I drink alcohol with oxycodone hydrochloride?
No. Alcohol can substantially increase sleepiness and the risk of slow or stopped breathing.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.