OXYCONTIN 40mg Tablets/Controlled-release

What is OXYCONTIN 40mg

OXYCONTIN 40mg is a prescription-strength opioid analgesic that contains Oxycodone Hydrochloride as its active ingredient. This medication is designed as a controlled-release tablet that delivers oxycodone over a 12-hour period, providing long-acting relief for moderate to severe chronic pain that requires continuous opioid treatment.

• Brand Name: OXYCONTIN
• Generic Name: Oxycodone Hydrochloride
• Form: Oral controlled-release tablet
• Strength: 40 mg
• Packaging: 20 tablets (10s Blister × 2)
• Drug Class: Opioid analgesic (Schedule II controlled substance)

OXYCONTIN 40mg is typically prescribed to opioid-tolerant patients who need continuous pain management and have already been stabilized on lower opioid doses. It is not intended for short-term pain or for use in patients new to opioid therapy due to its potency and risk of respiratory depression, misuse, and dependence.

How to use OXYCONTIN 40mg

OXYCONTIN 40mg must be taken exactly as prescribed by a qualified healthcare provider experienced in opioid therapy. Its controlled-release formulation ensures stable pain relief for 12 hours and must be taken on a strict schedule to maintain therapeutic effectiveness and minimize risk.

• Dosing Frequency: Every 12 hours (twice daily)
• Administration:
  • Swallow whole with a full glass of water.
  • Do not chew, break, crush, or dissolve the tablet.
  • Can be taken with or without food; taking it with food may reduce nausea.
• Missed Dose:
  • If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered unless it's close to the next dose.
  • Do not double dose to make up for a missed dose.
• Alcohol Warning: Avoid alcohol during treatment. It can increase the risk of fatal respiratory depression.

Regularly communicate with your doctor about the medication's effectiveness and any side effects. Do not stop using OXYCONTIN 40mg suddenly without medical advice; it should be tapered gradually to avoid withdrawal symptoms.

Mode of Action OXYCONTIN 40mg

OXYCONTIN 40mg exerts its pain-relieving effect primarily through activation of the central nervous system’s opioid receptors, specifically the mu-opioid receptors.

• Opioid Receptor Binding:
  • Binds to mu-opioid receptors in the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral tissues.
  • Inhibits pain signal transmission and alters the perception of pain.
• Controlled-Release Mechanism:
  • Slowly releases oxycodone over 12 hours.
  • Ensures sustained plasma concentrations, reducing the need for frequent dosing.
• Other Effects:
  • May induce sedation and a sense of euphoria (which contributes to its abuse potential).
  • Suppresses cough reflex and decreases gastrointestinal motility (leading to constipation).

The duration of action allows for consistent pain control with fewer fluctuations in analgesia compared to short-acting opioids. However, these same properties mean that overdose or misuse can lead to life-threatening respiratory depression and other serious complications.

OXYCONTIN 40mg Interactions OXYCONTIN 40mg

Oxycodone has significant interactions with other drugs and substances. These interactions may enhance its effects, increase toxicity, or reduce its effectiveness.

• Central Nervous System Depressants:
  • Examples: Alcohol, benzodiazepines, muscle relaxants, antipsychotics
  • Effect: Increased risk of sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death.
• CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 Inhibitors:
  • Examples: Ketoconazole, ritonavir, erythromycin
  • Effect: Increase oxycodone levels, enhancing effects and toxicity.
• CYP3A4 Inducers:
  • Examples: Rifampin, carbamazepine, phenytoin
  • Effect: Decrease oxycodone efficacy due to increased metabolism.
• MAO Inhibitors:
  • Effect: Severe, unpredictable CNS interactions. Avoid concurrent use or within 14 days.
• Serotonergic Agents:
  • Examples: SSRIs, SNRIs, triptans
  • Effect: Risk of serotonin syndrome.

Always provide your doctor with a complete list of medications, including over-the-counter products and supplements, before starting OXYCONTIN 40mg. Avoid starting or stopping medications without medical advice.

Dosage of OXYCONTIN 40mg

OXYCONTIN 40mg is a high-strength opioid formulation and should only be used by patients who are already opioid-tolerant. The dosage must be individualized based on the patient’s level of opioid experience, clinical response, and risk factors.

• Usual Dose for Opioid-Tolerant Adults: 40 mg every 12 hours
• Not for Opioid-Naïve Patients: Initiating treatment at this strength can lead to fatal respiratory depression.
• Dose Titration:
  • Adjust in 25% to 50% increments based on pain relief and tolerability.
  • Allow 24-48 hours between dosage adjustments.
• Maximum Dose: No absolute limit, but doses above 80 mg/day require close supervision due to increased risks.

Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration to minimize the risk of adverse effects. If pain persists or worsens, reassess the pain source and consider multimodal treatment strategies.

Possible side effects of OXYCONTIN 40mg

Like other opioids, OXYCONTIN 40mg may cause side effects, some of which can be serious. Patients should be monitored regularly during treatment to manage side effects effectively.

• Common Side Effects:
  • Constipation
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Fatigue and drowsiness
  • Dry mouth
  • Headache
  • Itching
• Serious Side Effects:
  • Respiratory depression
  • Low blood pressure
  • Severe sedation or confusion
  • Adrenal insufficiency
  • Seizures (rare)
• Allergic Reactions:
  • Skin rash
  • Facial swelling
  • Breathing difficulties

Seek immediate medical help for signs of overdose, including slow or shallow breathing, extreme drowsiness, or unresponsiveness. Constipation should be proactively managed with hydration, dietary fiber, or stool softeners.

OXYCONTIN 40mg Contraindications OXYCONTIN 40mg

OXYCONTIN 40mg should not be used in certain patient populations due to the risk of serious or life-threatening reactions. Always evaluate a patient’s full medical history before prescribing.

• Known hypersensitivity to oxycodone or any of the tablet components
• Significant respiratory depression in unmonitored settings
• Acute or severe bronchial asthma
• Paralytic ileus (suspected or confirmed)
• Obstructive gastrointestinal conditions
• Concurrent use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
• Opioid-naïve individuals or those with low opioid tolerance

Extreme caution is needed in patients with head injuries, impaired consciousness, hepatic or renal dysfunction, and a history of substance use disorders.

Storage of OXYCONTIN 40mg

Proper storage of OXYCONTIN 40mg is crucial to preserve its effectiveness and to prevent accidental ingestion, misuse, or theft.

• Storage Temperature: Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F); excursions permitted to 15°–30°C
• Humidity: Keep in a dry environment, away from excessive moisture
• Packaging: Store tablets in original blister packs to protect from light and tampering
• Keep Out of Reach: Store in a secure place, preferably locked, and away from children or unauthorized individuals
• Disposal: Dispose of unused or expired tablets through official take-back programs. If unavailable, follow FDA guidelines for safe disposal

Never share this medication with others. Proper storage helps reduce the risk of accidental overdose, environmental contamination, and diversion for abuse.