oxycodone ER
OxyContin is an extended-release (long-acting) form of oxycodone. It's an opioid that's used to treat long-term pain when non-opioid pain medications alone don't provide enough relief. OxyContin is approved for adults and certain children aged 11 years and older, and it's also available as a lower-cost generic. The tablets are taken by mouth every 12 hours. Common side effects include constipation, nausea, and sleepiness. Oxycodone (OxyContin) is a controlled substance because it has a warning for misuse and dependence.
What is Oxycodone (OxyContin)?
What is Oxycodone (OxyContin) used for?
Long-term pain that isn't relieved by non-opioid pain medications alone
How Oxycodone (OxyContin) works
Oxycodone (OxyContin) is an opioid. It attaches to certain mu-opioid receptors in your brain to lower how much pain you feel.
Drug Facts
More on Oxycodone (OxyContin) essentials
Get your GoodRx coupon
What are the risks and warnings for Oxycodone (OxyContin)?
Oxycodone (OxyContin) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Potential for addiction and misuse
Risk factors: Personal or family history of alcohol or substance use disorder | Personal or family history of mental health problems
Oxycodone (OxyContin) is a controlled substance that has a risk for misuse and addiction. Take the medication exactly as prescribed. Don't change how much or how often you take it without talking to your prescriber first.
Misusing oxycodone (OxyContin) can raise the risk for serious and possibly life-threatening side effects, such as dangerously slow breathing, not able to stay awake, addiction, and opioid overdose. You'll be prescribed the lowest amount of oxycodone (OxyContin) that's necessary to manage your pain for the shortest period of time possible.
Because of the risk for misuse and addiction, oxycodone (OxyContin) is only available through a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) program called the Opioid Analgesic REMS program. Your prescriber and pharmacy must register with the program, receive training on proper medication use, and discuss with you about how to safely take oxycodone (OxyContin).
Dangerously slow breathing (respiratory depression)
Risk factors: Taking medications that can cause slow breathing | Drinking alcohol | Older age | Being frail | Medical conditions that cause breathing problems (e.g., COPD, asthma, head injury) | Taking too much oxycodone (OxyContin)
Oxycodone (OxyContin) can cause dangerously slow breathing, which can be life-threatening. This can happen to anyone and at recommended doses. But the risk is greatest when you first start treatment or when your dose goes up.
Don't drink alcohol while you're taking oxycodone (OxyContin). Also don't take oxycodone (OxyContin) with medications that slow your body down (e.g., benzodiazepines, other opioids, muscle relaxants). This can put you at risk for having dangerously slow breathing.
Your prescriber will recommend that you have naloxone (Narcan) to carry with you at all times. Naloxone is a medication that can reverse slowed breathing from opioids. Use naloxone, call 911, and get medical help right away if you or your loved one notices that you have trouble breathing or have bluish-colored lips, fingers, or toes.
Risk for opioid overdose
Risk factors: History of opioid use disorder | Previous opioid overdose | Taking high doses of oxycodone (OxyContin) | Taking more opioids than prescribed | Alcohol use
Take oxycodone (OxyContin) exactly as prescribed. Taking too much medication or taking it more often than prescribed can lead to an overdose. It can be very dangerous if someone accidentally swallows the medication. Be sure to keep oxycodone (OxyContin) out of reach from children, pets, and visitors to prevent accidental exposure or overdose.
Symptoms of an opioid overdose include not responding to sound or touch, extremely slow breathing, slow heartbeat, extreme sleepiness, and cold or clammy skin. Be sure you and your loved ones know how to recognize an overdose. Your prescriber will recommend getting naloxone (Narcan) — either by prescription or over the counter. Naloxone can help treat an opioid overdose. Carry naloxone with you at all times; use it and call 911 right away if an overdose happens.
Difficulty concentrating and extreme sleepiness
Risk factors: Taking high doses of oxycodone (OxyContin) | Age 65 years or older | Drinking alcohol | Taking other medications that can cause sleepiness
Oxycodone (OxyContin) can cause extreme sleepiness and lower your ability to think, react, and focus. Don't drink alcohol with oxycodone (OxyContin). Also don't take oxycodone (OxyContin) with other medications that can cause sleepiness or "brain fog" (e.g., benzodiazepines, muscle relaxants, sleep medications). Otherwise, these side effects might worsen.
Make sure you know how oxycodone (OxyContin) affects you before driving a car or doing activities that require your concentration. Talk to your prescriber right away if you feel too sleepy from the medication.
Drug interactions
Oxycodone (OxyContin) interacts with many medications. Let your care team know what medications you're taking to make sure they're safe for you to take together. Also speak with your care team first before making any changes to your medications because sudden dose adjustments can be harmful.
Some medications can raise the level of oxycodone (OxyContin) in your body, which can raise your risk for serious side effects like potentially life-threatening slowed breathing. Medications that can lead to this type of interaction include erythromycin and ritonavir (Norvir), among others.
Other interactions, such as with rifampin (Rifadin) or carbamazepine (Tegretol), can lower the levels of oxycodone (OxyContin) in your body. This can cause the opioid medication to work less well to manage your pain. These interactions might also lead to withdrawal symptoms.
Harm to newborn babies
Long-term use of oxycodone (OxyContin) during pregnancy can cause your unborn baby to become dependent on the medication. This is because the opioid medication can pass through the placenta to your unborn baby.
Once your baby is born, they can have withdrawal symptoms, such as high-pitched crying, poor feeding behavior, trembling, abnormal sleep patterns, and even seizures. This condition is called neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome and can be life-threatening if not recognized and treated in time. Let your healthcare professional (HCP) know if you've taken oxycodone (OxyContin) during pregnancy or if you notice these symptoms in your baby.
Physical dependence and withdrawal
Risk factors: Long-term use of oxycodone (OxyContin)
If taken regularly for a long time, oxycodone (OxyContin) can cause physical dependence. This means that your body relies on the medication to function. And you might experience withdrawal if you lower your dose too quickly or suddenly stop taking the medication. Withdrawal symptoms include anxiety, restlessness, irritability, runny nose, yawning, sweating, and chills.
Don't suddenly lower your dose or stop taking oxycodone (OxyContin) suddenly without talking to your prescriber first. If needed, your prescriber will slowly lower your dose over time to prevent withdrawal symptoms. Talk to an HCP if you have concerns about taking oxycodone (OxyContin) because of the risk for withdrawal.
Low blood pressure
Oxycodone (OxyContin) can cause extremely low blood pressure. For example, your blood pressure might suddenly drop when you stand from a sitting or lying down position. This can lead to dizziness and fainting. To avoid falling, get up slowly if you've been sitting or lying down. Talk to an HCP if dizziness or lightheadedness doesn't go away.
Low adrenal hormone levels
Risk factors: Taking oxycodone (OxyContin) for longer than 1 month
Some people taking opioids like oxycodone (OxyContin) have had low adrenal hormone levels. This might be more likely to happen after taking opioids for longer than 1 month. Tell your HCP if you have symptoms of low adrenal hormone levels, such as tiredness, dizziness, weakness, not feeling hungry, nausea, and vomiting. If your adrenal hormone levels are too low, you might need to stop oxycodone (OxyContin) and get treated with corticosteroids.
Seizures
Risk factors: History of seizure conditions
If you've had a seizure in the past, oxycodone (OxyContin) can raise the risk of having seizures more often. Opioids can also raise your risk of seizures in certain situations. Get medical help immediately if you have a seizure while you're taking oxycodone (OxyContin).
What are the side effects of Oxycodone (OxyContin)?
Common Side Effects
- Constipation (23%)
- Nausea (23%)
- Sleepiness (23%)
- Dizziness (13%)
- Itching (13%)
- Vomiting (12%)
- Headache (7%)
- Dry mouth (6%)
- Weakness (6%)
- Sweating (5%)
Other Side Effects
- Stomach pain
- Chills
- Shortness of breath
- Rash
- Unusual dreams
Serious Side Effects
- Dangerously slow breathing: trouble breathing; bluish-colored lips, fingers, or toes
- Accidentally taking too much (overdose): not responding to sound or touch, slowed breathing, slow heartbeat, extreme sleepiness, cold or clammy skin
- Opioid withdrawal: anxiety, suicidal thoughts, restlessness, irritability, runny nose, yawning, sweating, chills, wide pupils
- Serious allergic reaction: itchy, red rash (hives); shortness of breath; chest tightness; swelling of lips, tongue, throat, face, or eyes
Source: DailyMed
More on Oxycodone (OxyContin) side effects
The following side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- CNS depression—slow or shallow breathing, shortness of breath, feeling faint, dizziness, confusion, difficulty staying awake
- Low adrenal gland function—nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, unusual weakness or fatigue, dizziness
- Low blood pressure—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, blurry vision
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Pros and cons of Oxycodone (OxyContin)
Pros
Might help with long-term pain that's not completely relieved with non-opioid pain relievers
Pain-relieving effects last for 12 hours after a dose
Cons
Only available as a tablet that must be swallowed whole
Not used to treat sudden pain
Must slowly lower the dose to stop the medication after long-term use to avoid withdrawal symptoms
Pharmacist tips for Oxycodone (OxyContin)
Oxycodone (OxyContin) is meant to be taken every 12 hours for long-term pain that lasts throughout the day. Don't take oxycodone (OxyContin) as needed for quick pain relief.
Swallow oxycodone (OxyContin) tablets whole. Don't break, cut, crew, or crush the tablet. This can cause too much medication to get absorbed by the body too quickly and possibly lead to a life-threatening overdose. Talk to your prescriber about your options if you're having trouble swallowing the tablet.
Make sure to take each oxycodone (OxyContin) tablet with plenty of water. Also take one tablet at a time. Don't soak, lick, or wet the tablet before you place it in your mouth; this can put you at risk for choking.
Take oxycodone (OxyContin) exactly as prescribed. Don't change your dose or stop taking the medication without talking to your prescriber first. Sudden changes in your treatment plan can lead to accidental overdose or uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms.
Oxycodone (OxyContin) can make you sleepy, which can affect your ability to think, react, and focus. Don't drive or do activities where you need to focus until you know how this medication affects you.
Don't drink alcohol while you're taking oxycodone (OxyContin) because this can worsen sleepiness and dizziness.
It's common to get constipated while you're taking oxycodone (OxyContin). Be sure to stay hydrated and add more foods with fiber to your diet. Speak to your care team if you still get constipated even with these lifestyle changes. They can suggest medications or a change in your pain treatment to help.
Tell your care team about all the medications you're taking with oxycodone (OxyContin). Your care team will also review your medication list to make sure your medications are safe to take together. This is because oxycodone (OxyContin) can interact with other medications, like certain antidepressants and benzodiazepines, among others. These interactions can be harmful.
Always carry naloxone (Narcan) with you at all times. Naloxone is a medication that reverses the effects of oxycodone (OxyContin) in situations like an accidental overdose. Teach your loved ones about how to give naloxone to you if you can't do it yourself. Call 911 if you need to use naloxone because its effects are temporary.
Let your prescriber know if you're pregnant or breastfeeding. Oxycodone (OxyContin) is generally not recommended during pregnancy. It's also recommended to avoid taking opioid medications while you're breastfeeding. Oxycodone (OxyContin) can raise the risk of harm to your baby.
Keep oxycodone (OxyContin) out of reach from children, pets, and visitors. Ask your prescriber or pharmacist about safe options to get rid of the medication if you don't need to take it anymore. This lessens the risk for misuse and accidental overdose.
More on Oxycodone (OxyContin) tips
Frequently asked questions about Oxycodone (OxyContin)
How to save using GoodRx
Oxycodone (OxyContin) dosage forms
Typical dosing for Oxycodone (OxyContin)
Your prescriber will work with you to find the right dose for your individual needs. It's recommended to take the lowest dose possible for the shortest duration of time to manage your pain.
The typical starting dose is 10 mg by mouth every 12 hours.
Your dose might differ based on your age, your liver health, and the other medications that you're taking (specifically any medications that slow your body down).
How much does Oxycodone (OxyContin) cost?
Oxycodone (OxyContin) contraindications
Severely slowed breathing (respiratory depression)
Severe asthma
Conditions that cause blockage of the stomach passageway
Allergy to oxycodone
What is the latest news about Oxycodone (OxyContin)?
Oxycodone (OxyContin) images
Get savings updates for Oxycodone (OxyContin)
Receive price alerts, news, and other messages from GoodRx about Oxycodone (OxyContin) and other healthcare topics and relevant savings offers.By signing up, I agree to GoodRx's Terms and Privacy Policy, and to receive marketing messages from GoodRx.
References
Best studies we foundAmerican College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2017). Opioid use and opioid use disorder in pregnancy.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2021). Breastfeeding challenges: ACOG committee opinion, number 820. Obstetrics & Gynecology.
Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation. (n.d.). Respiratory depression and opioids.
Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). About opioid use during pregnancy.
Dowell, D., et al. (2022). CDC clinical practice guideline for prescribing opioids for pain — United States, 2022. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
Jansson, L. M., et al. (2019). Neonatal abstinence syndrome. Pediatric Clinics of North America.
McNicol, E., et al. (2003). Management of opioid side effects in cancer-related and chronic noncancer pain: A systematic review. The Journal of Pain.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2018). Adrenal insufficiency & Addison’s disease.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2018). Symptoms & causes of adrenal insufficiency & Addison's disease.
Purdue Pharma LP. (2023). Oxycontin- oxycodone hydrochloride tablet, film coated, extended release [package insert]. DailyMed.
Sadiq, N. M., et al. (2024). Oxycodone. StatPearls.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2022). Drug disposal: Drug take back locations.
Browse medications
View AllResearch prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.