Oxycodone 60 mg is a semi-synthetic opioid medication available only on prescription. This drug is red in color and round in shape. It is used for treating mild to severe pain in individuals when other weak analgesic drugs are ineffectual.
The drug can be used to get relief from pain in conditions like cancer, post-operation and surgery, and other pain conditions in patients.
The FDA approves oxycodone drugs in the United States for medical purposes. It is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance by the DEA due to its potential for abuse and dependency.
Drug Mechanism
Oxycodone pills binds to particular opioid receptors in our body. This binding blocks the pain signals from reaching the brain. The drug promotes the body to release chemicals like dopamine, enkephalins, and endorphins which help to reduce pain and induce pleasurable feelings.
Additionally, oxycodone 60 mg can enhance its sedative effects by interacting with the GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) system, a neurotransmitter that inhibits neural activity, resulting in relaxation and sedation.
Uses of Oxycodone 60 mg
Oxycodone 60 mg is a strong analgesic and is recommended to patients suffering from severe pain caused by various conditions including:
- Pain after operation
- Pain following surgery
- Injury pain
- Cancer
- Arthritis
- Steady pain
- Chronic pain
- Pain associated with a neurological disorder
Oxycodone 60 mg is only prescribed to patients who are tolerant to opioid drugs.
Available Doses of Oxycodone
IR oral tablets – 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg 20 mg
CR oral tablets – 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg, 60 mg, 80 mg
Interaction
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug include: certain pain medications (mixed opioid agonist/antagonists such as butorphanol, nalbuphine, pentazocine), naltrexone, samidorphan.
The risk of serious side effects (such as slow/shallow breathing, severe drowsiness/dizziness) may be increased if this medication is taken with other products that may also cause drowsiness or breathing problems. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other products such as other opioid pain or cough relievers (such as codeine, hydrocodone), alcohol, marijuana (cannabis), drugs for sleep or anxiety (such as alprazolam, lorazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants (such as carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine), or antihistamines (such as cetirizine, diphenhydramine).
Other medications can affect the removal of oxycodone from your body, which may affect how oxycodone works. Examples include azole antifungals (such as ketoconazole), macrolide antibiotics (such as erythromycin), mifepristone, HIV medications (such as tipranavir), rifamycins (such as rifabutin, rifampin), ritonavir, certain drugs used to treat seizures (such as carbamazepine, phenytoin), among others.
This medication may interfere with certain lab tests (such as amylase/lipase levels), possibly causing false test results. Make sure lab personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.
When and How to Take Oxycodone 60 mg Drug
Oxycodone 60 mg should strictly be taken as directed by your healthcare provider. The drug can be taken once or twice daily depending on the level of pain and should be taken at the same time every day.
Oxycodone 60 mg is not recommended for children who are below the age of 6 years.
Adverse Effects
Individuals might experience some adverse effects after consuming oxycodone 60 mg. Common side effects of oxycodone 60 mg –
- Skin rash and irritation
- Nausea
- Stomach discomfort
- Pain in the head
- The feeling of spinning (vertigo)
- Constipation
- Feeling tired
- Red eyes
Serious side effects of oxycodone 60 mg –
- Sleep apnea
- Difficulty in breathing
- Cold Skin
- Weak pulse, or slow heart rate
- Swelling in the face, tongue, throat or nose
- Seizure
- Unusual thoughts, confusion
These are only a few side effects of the drug, there may be others as well. If you experience any adverse effects, seek medical attention at your earliest convenience.
Precautions
Some precautions should be taken while consuming oxycodone 60 mg to minimize the risk of serious side effects and maintain its effectiveness.
- Avoid the consumption of alcohol while on this drug.
- Do not chew, break, or crush this drug.
- Always take the drug as prescribed by your healthcare provider, to lower the risk of side effects and overdose.
- Do not take the drug for a prolonged period, as it can lead to dependency.
- Oxycodone 60 mg can interact with certain medicines. It is advisable to inform the doctor if you are taking any other medicines.
- Patients with a medical history of respiratory disease, drug addiction, asthma, lung disease, etc., should consult with their healthcare provider before taking this drug.
- Keep the drug out of children’s reach. Even a single tablet can result in a fatal overdose of the drug in children.
- Pregnant women should consult a doctor before taking this drug, as it can affect the newborn.
- Do not abruptly stop the consumption of this drug, as it can result in serious withdrawal symptoms.
- Patients should be closely monitored for 24 to 72 hours after taking the first dose.
- Breastfeeding women should consult with their healthcare provider before taking this drug.
- While on this drug avoid performing activities that require focus and strength like driving, or working on heavy machinery to avoid the risk of miss happening.
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