Oxycodone ( Oxycontin ) 80mg/650 Acetaminophen

Description

OxyContin, which contains oxycodone, is a controlled-release oral medication used for the management of moderate to severe pain when continuous, around-the-clock opioid analgesia is required for an extended period. It is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance due to its potential for abuse similar to morphine.

Prescribers and pharmacists should be cautious about the increased risk of misuse, abuse, or diversion when prescribing or dispensing OxyContin. It should not be used on an as-needed basis but rather as a continuous treatment for chronic pain.

Patients who are considered opioid tolerant are those who have been taking specific doses of opioids for at least one week or longer, such as oral morphine, transdermal fentanyl, oxycodone, hydromorphone, or oxymorphone. OxyContin tablets with strengths of 60 mg, 80 mg, or a single dose greater than 40 mg should only be used in opioid-tolerant patients due to the potential for fatal respiratory depression in individuals not accustomed to the effects of opioids.

Individuals with a personal or family history of substance abuse or mental illness are at increased risk for opioid abuse. Before prescribing opioids, patients should be assessed for their risk of abuse or addiction, and routine monitoring should be conducted for signs of misuse, abuse, or addiction.

It is crucial to take OxyContin tablets whole without cutting, breaking, chewing, crushing, or dissolving them. Altering the tablets can lead to the rapid release and absorption of a potentially fatal dose of oxycodone.

Concomitant use of OxyContin with certain medications that inhibit cytochrome P450 3A4, such as certain antibiotics, antifungal agents, and protease inhibitors, can increase oxycodone plasma concentrations, potentially leading to heightened adverse effects and respiratory depression. Patients receiving OxyContin and a CYP3A4 inhibitor should be closely monitored, and dosage adjustments may be necessary.

OxyContin tablets are available in various strengths and contain oxycodone hydrochloride as the active ingredient. The tablets also include inactive ingredients such as butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), hypromellose, polyethylene glycol 400, polyethylene oxide, magnesium stearate, and titanium dioxide. Different tablet strengths may contain additional inactive ingredients, including iron oxides and polysorbate 80.