Oxycodone
NHS information about the medicine oxycodone, including what it's used for, who can take it, how to take it and side effects.
What oxycodone is for
Oxycodone is a type of medicine called an opioid. It's used to treat pain, for example after an operation or a serious injury, or pain from cancer.
It's often used for moderate to severe pain when other painkillers, such as paracetamol and ibuprofen, have not worked.
How to take oxycodone
Oxycodone usually comes as tablets, capsules and a liquid you swallow.
There are some long-acting (prolonged release) tablets that work in a different way and are taken less often.
How much you need to take and for how long depends on why you're taking it.
Always check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine. Ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice if you're not sure how to take it or have any problems taking it.
When taking oxycodone:
- swallow tablets or capsules whole with a glass of water
- take it with or without food
- use the syringe or cup that comes with liquid oxycodone to help you measure out the right dose
Side effects of oxycodone
Like all medicines, oxycodone can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.
Common side effects
Common side effects of oxycodone include:
- constipation
- feeling sick (nausea) or being sick (vomiting)
- feeling sleepy or tired
- feeling dizzy
- confusion
- headaches
- itchy skin or rash
If you feel dizzy or sleepy after taking oxycodone, do not drive, ride a bike or use machinery until you no longer have these symptoms.
More about side effects
These are not all the side effects of oxycodone.
For a full list, see the leaflet that came with your medicine or search for your medicine leaflet on the electronic medicines compendium website.
You can report any side effects you get on the Yellow Card website
Who can and cannot take oxycodone
Most adults and children aged 12 years and over can take oxycodone. Children aged 1 month and over may sometimes be prescribed it.
Oxycodone is not suitable for some people. For example, it may not be suitable if:
- you've had an allergic reaction to oxycodone or another opioid painkiller
- you have a liver or kidney condition
- you have a lung condition, such as asthma
- you have ever had an addiction to alcohol, prescription medicines or recreational drugs
- you have an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) or overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
- you have an enlarged prostate
- you have low blood pressure (hypotension)
- you have a head injury
Before taking oxycodone, tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions.
Breastfeeding and oxycodone
Tell your doctor if you're breastfeeding. Oxycodone is not usually used while breastfeeding because there's a risk it could cause side effects in your baby.
A doctor may recommend it if the benefits outweigh the risks, or they may recommend a different painkiller.
If you're taking oxycodone while breastfeeding, speak to a healthcare professional or call NHS 111 if you have any concerns about your baby.
Pregnancy and oxycodone
Tell your doctor if you're trying for a baby, pregnant or you get pregnant while taking oxycodone.
Oxycodone is sometimes used during pregnancy if needed. Your doctor will talk to you about the risks and benefits of taking it while you're pregnant.
Taking oxycodone with other medicines, food and drink
There are some medicines, herbal remedies and supplements that may not mix well with oxycodone.
These include:
- other opioid painkillers such as codeine and co-codamol
- medicines for mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety
- medicines for high blood pressure
- some antihistamines
- medicines to control seizures or fits such as gabapentin or pregabalin
- the herbal supplement St John's wort
- recreational drugs, such as cannabis, cocaine or heroin
Before taking oxycodone, tell your doctor if you're taking any other medicines, herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.
Food, drink and alcohol with oxycodone
Do not drink grapefruit juice while taking oxycodone.
It's also best not to drink alcohol because it can make you feel sleepy and increase the risk of serious side effects.
Find out more about your medicine
To find out more about your medicine, you can:
- check the leaflet that comes with it
- search for your medicine leaflet on the electronic medicines compendium website
- speak to a pharmacist or doctor for advice
