Percocet Oral Uses
This combination medication is used to relieve moderate to severe pain. Oxycodone is a narcotic pain reliever (opiate-type) that acts on certain centers in the brain to give you pain relief. Acetaminophen is a non-narcotic pain reliever.
How to use Percocet OralTake this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor. If you have nausea, you may take this drug with food. Consult your doctor or pharmacist about other ways to decrease nausea (such as taking antihistamines, lying down for 1 to 2 hours with as little head movement as possible). Follow your doctor’s instructions exactly. Your doctor may instruct you to take this medication only as needed for shorter periods of pain (such as after surgery) or on a regular schedule for ongoing pain (such as cancer pain).
If you are taking this medication as needed, remember to take it as the first signs of pain occur. If you wait until the pain has worsened, the medication may not work as well.
If you are using the liquid form of this medication, measure the dose carefully using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose.
The dosage is based on your medical condition, use of other pain medications, and response to treatment. Do not increase your dose without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.
Your doctor may also direct you to take long-acting narcotic medications or to use narcotic patches for ongoing pain. In that case, this medication might be used for sudden (breakthrough) pain only as needed. Also follow your doctor’s or pharmacist’s instructions for safely using non-narcotic pain relievers (such as acetaminophen, naproxen, ibuprofen). Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
If this medication has been used regularly for a long time or in high doses, withdrawal symptoms (such as runny nose, irritability, trouble sleeping, sweating, stomach cramps, diarrhea) may occur if you suddenly stop this medication. To prevent withdrawal reactions, your doctor may reduce your dose gradually. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details, and report any withdrawal reactions immediately.
When this medication is used for a long time, it may not work as well. Your doctor may need to increase your dose or change your medication. Talk with your doctor if this medication stops working well.
Along with its benefits, this medication may rarely cause abnormal drug-seeking behavior (addiction). This risk may be increased if you have abused alcohol or drugs in the past. Take this medication exactly as prescribed to lessen the risk of addiction.
This medication contains acetaminophen. Do not take more acetaminophen than recommended (see Side Effects section).
Tell your doctor if your pain persists or worsens.
Percocet Oral Side Effects
Nausea, vomiting, constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, increased sweating, dry mouth, lightheadedness, loss of appetite, or weakness may occur. Some of these side effects may decrease after you have been using this medication for a while. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.
To prevent constipation, maintain a diet adequate in fiber, drink plenty of water, and exercise. Consult your pharmacist for help in selecting a laxative (such as a stimulant type with stool softener).
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: slow/shallow breathing, fainting, slow/fast/irregular heartbeat, mental/mood changes (such as agitation, hallucinations, confusion), difficulty urinating, vision changes.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: change in the amount of urine, seizures.
If you do not have liver problems, the adult maximum dose of acetaminophen is 4 grams per day (4000 milligrams). If you take more than the maximum daily amount, it may cause serious (possibly fatal) liver disease. Seek immediate medical attention if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage: persistent nausea/vomiting, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine, stomach/abdominal pain, extiredness.
