OxyContin (Oxycodone Extended-Release)

OxyContin (oxycodone hydrochloride extended-release) is a prescription
opioid analgesic used for certain patients with severe and persistent
pain when alternative treatment options are inadequate.

OxyContin carries serious risks, including
opioid safety and misuse,
respiratory depression, overdose, physical dependence, and addiction.
It should be used only under the direction of a qualified healthcare
professional.

Overview

OxyContin is an extended-release formulation designed to release
oxycodone over an extended period. It is not intended to be used as an
as-needed pain medicine. Current prescribing information recommends
reserving extended-release/long-acting opioids for severe and persistent
pain when alternative treatments are inadequate.

Learn more about
opioid safety and
prescription medication safety.

Uses

OxyContin may be prescribed for severe and persistent pain requiring
treatment with an extended-release opioid when other appropriate options
are inadequate.

Treatment decisions should always be made by a qualified healthcare
professional based on the patient’s medical history, current medicines,
opioid exposure, and individual treatment needs.

Common Side Effects

Possible adverse effects can include:

• Constipation
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Itching
• Dry mouth
• Sweating
• Weakness

Drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired coordination can affect the ability
to drive or operate machinery safely.

Read more about
opioid side effects.

Serious Side Effects

Serious adverse effects can include severe or life-threatening
respiratory depression, extreme sedation, loss of consciousness,
allergic reactions, and overdose.

If someone taking an opioid has very slow or stopped breathing,
cannot be awakened, or loses consciousness, seek emergency medical
assistance immediately.

Warnings and Precautions

OxyContin has important warnings concerning addiction, abuse, misuse,
respiratory depression, accidental ingestion, and overdose.

Combining opioids with alcohol, benzodiazepines, or other central
nervous system depressants can increase the risk of profound sedation,
respiratory depression, coma, and death.

See our
drug interaction information
for additional educational resources.

Dependence, Tolerance and Withdrawal

Repeated opioid use can result in tolerance and physical dependence.
Physical dependence is not necessarily the same as opioid use disorder.

Stopping opioid treatment suddenly after prolonged use may cause
withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, restlessness, sweating, muscle
aches, nausea, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and insomnia.

Learn more about
opioid withdrawal and dependence.

Safe Administration

Extended-release OxyContin tablets should be swallowed whole. They
should not be crushed, chewed, dissolved, or otherwise altered because
doing so can cause rapid release of oxycodone and increase the risk of
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Overdose

Possible signs of opioid overdose include extreme sleepiness,
inability to wake, slowed or stopped breathing, unconsciousness,
coma, and death.

If an overdose is suspected, seek emergency medical assistance
immediately. Naloxone is an opioid overdose-reversal medication that
can temporarily restore breathing, but emergency medical evaluation
remains necessary.

See our
overdose prevention and emergency information.

Storage and Disposal

Prescription opioids should be stored securely and kept away from
children and anyone for whom the medication was not prescribed.

Follow local pharmacy or healthcare-authority instructions for the
appropriate disposal of unused medication.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is OxyContin a prescription medication?

Yes. OxyContin is a prescription opioid medication and should be used
only under appropriate medical supervision.

Can OxyContin cause dependence?

Repeated opioid use can result in physical dependence and tolerance.
A healthcare professional should guide any changes or discontinuation
of treatment.

Can OxyContin be taken with alcohol?

Combining opioids with alcohol can increase the risk of serious
sedation and respiratory depression and can be life-threatening.

Important Safety Information

OxyContin has serious and potentially life-threatening risks.
Always follow the prescribing professional’s instructions and consult
a qualified healthcare professional with questions about treatment.

Contact a healthcare professional
 | 
Opioid Safety
 | 
Drug Interactions
 | 
Side Effects

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Medical Disclaimer:
This content is provided for general educational purposes and does not
replace advice from a qualified healthcare professional, an official
prescribing information document, or individualized medical care.