qué es la oxicodona
Oxycodone is a strong opioid made in the lab. It works on the brain’s opioid receptors. The FDA says it’s okay to use for serious pain when other treatments don’t work. qué es la oxicodona
It’s also for ongoing pain that needs constant treatment. But, oxycodone can lead to addiction and dependence.
What is Oxycodone?
Oxycodone is a semi-synthetic opioid medication. It works on the brain and nervous system to lessen pain. It’s an opioid analgesic used for severe pain relief.
Qué es la oxicodona
La oxicodona es un medicamento con receta, un opiáceo semisintético. Actúa sobre los receptores opioides mu, kappa y delta. Se utiliza para aliviar el dolor intenso. La oxicodona modifica cómo el cerebro y el sistema nervioso responden al dolor.
Oxycodone has a chemical formula of C18H21NO4 and a molecular weight of 315.364 g/mol. It’s soluble in water at 166 mg/mL at 20 °C. The bioavailability is 100% via intravenous and up to 87% via oral.
It has a half-life of 3-4.5 hours and is mainly excreted through urine, with 19% found unchanged.
In 2019, oxycodone was the 49th most prescribed drug in the US, with over 14 million prescriptions. It’s used for moderate to severe pain and comes in immediate-release and controlled-release forms. First made in Germany in 1916 from thebaine, it’s on the World Health Organisation’s List of Essential Medicines.
| Chemical Composition | Pharmacological Properties |
|---|---|
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Oxycodone is highly addictive and often abused. It can cause feelings of euphoria, depression, hallucinations, slow heart rate, and low blood pressure. It’s important to know about its interactions with certain medications that can change how it works.
Indications for Oxycodone Use
Oxycodone is a semi-synthetic opioid used for managing pain. It’s for when other pain relief methods don’t work. The immediate-release form is for moderate to severe pain. The extended-release type is for severe pain that needs ongoing treatment.
It’s not for mild pain or when non-opioid drugs can help. Studies show oxycodone is stronger than morphine. It’s effective against neuropathic pain, postherpetic neuralgia, Tourette syndrome, and restless leg syndrome.
| Indication | Oxycodone Formulation |
|---|---|
| Acute or chronic moderate-to-severe pain | Immediate-release |
| Severe pain requiring continuous, long-term opioid treatment | Extended-release |
OxyContin®, a controlled-release oxycodone, has two phases of release. This makes it easier to adjust and manage severe pain. Since 2004, oxycodone has been available in Spain, offering more options for pain relief.
“Oxycodone has a therapeutic effect that is mainly analgesic, anxiolytic, and sedative, with a higher bioavailability than morphine.”
Mechanism of Action
How Does Oxycodone Work?
Oxycodone is a semi-synthetic opioid that works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain. This action reduces pain signals and leads to less pain. It also makes you feel more relaxed overall.
Oxycodone mainly affects MU receptors in the brain. These receptors are linked to feeling pain relief and a sense of happiness. This is why oxycodone is so effective at easing pain and making people feel better.
Using oxycodone for a long time can lower hormone levels, causing hypogonadism. This is a side effect that doctors need to watch for.
Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) happens when babies are exposed to drugs in the womb. It can cause problems with the brain, stomach, and lungs.
Oxycodone affects the glutamatergic system in the brain. This system is important for how our brains and behaviour change. Understanding how oxycodone works with this system helps us understand its effects.
The way oxycodone works is by binding to opioid receptors in the brain. This leads to pain relief and a calming effect. Doctors must consider the drug’s effects on hormone levels and the risk of NAS when prescribing it.
Dosage and Administration
Oxycodone comes in immediate-release and extended-release forms. You can find it in tablets, capsules, and oral solutions. The immediate-release oxycodone is taken every 4 to 6 hours for pain. The extended-release type is taken every 12 hours. The right dose depends on how much pain you have, your age, and other health factors.
Make sure to swallow extended-release oxycodone tablets and capsules whole. Don’t crush, chew, or dissolve them. This keeps the medicine working right and stops the whole dose from being released too fast.
For opioid-naive adults and the elderly, the first dose is usually 10 mg of extended-release oxycodone every 12 hours. You can slowly increase the dose by 25% to 50% if needed. Always watch for any side effects.
| Oxycodone Formulation | Typical Dosing Interval | Recommended Starting Dose |
|---|---|---|
| Immediate-release | Every 4-6 hours as needed | 5-15 mg |
| Extended-release | Every 12 hours | 10 mg |
If you have kidney or liver problems, you might need a lower dose. Start with one-third to half the usual dose and watch how it works. Adjustments should be made based on how you feel.
“The starting dose for elderly or opioid-naive patients is usually 10 mg every 12 hours and can be titrated carefully with increases of 25% – 50%.”
Side Effects and Precautions
What Are the Potential Side Effects of Oxycodone?
Oxycodone is a strong opioid painkiller. It can cause various side effects. One major risk is respiratory depression, which can be dangerous, especially in the first 24 to 72 hours. It’s also a concern when the dose is increased.
Other common side effects include feeling very sleepy, constipation, nausea, and dizziness.
Oxycodone can lead to addiction because it can become habit-forming. It’s important to watch for signs of misuse or abuse. This includes taking more than the prescribed dose or using it for reasons other than pain relief.
Older people, those with liver or kidney problems, and pregnant or breastfeeding women should be extra cautious. They may be more likely to experience side effects.
| Side Effect | Incidence | Severity | Management |
|---|---|---|---|
| Respiratory Depression | Common | Severe | Close monitoring, dose adjustment, naloxone if necessary |
| Drowsiness | Very Common | Mild to Moderate | Advise patients to avoid driving or operating machinery |
| Constipation | Very Common | Moderate | Stool softeners, laxatives, increased fluid and fibre intake |
| Nausea | Very Common | Mild to Moderate | Anti-emetics, gradual dose titration |
| Dizziness | Common | Mild | Advise patients to rise slowly from a seated or lying position |
Patients should always follow their healthcare provider’s advice closely. They should report any side effects right away. Taking the right precautions and being closely monitored can reduce the risks of using oxycodone.
Interactions and Contraindications
Oxycodone is a strong opioid painkiller. It needs careful thought when taken with other medicines. Some drugs can make oxycodone more dangerous, leading to serious side effects. It’s important for patients to watch out for these interactions, especially with alcohol, benzodiazepines, and other opioids.
Combining oxycodone with certain medicines can increase its effects. This includes drugs like levoketoconazole, mavorixafor, nalmefene, naltrexone, and safinamide. These can cause more breathing problems, sleepiness, and other bad reactions. Doctors should be careful when giving oxycodone to patients taking these medicines.
Also, taking oxycodone with other medicines that slow down the brain can be risky. This includes alcohol, benzodiazepines, and other opioids. Patients should be watched closely and their doses changed if needed when taking these together.
Doctors must think about possible interactions and warnings before giving oxycodone. Patients should tell their doctors about all the medicines they take. This helps make sure oxycodone is used safely and works well.
“Careful management of oxycodone interactions and contraindications is crucial to ensure the safety and well-being of patients.”
Abuse and Addiction Potential
Is Oxycodone Addictive?
Oxycodone is a strong opioid painkiller with a high risk of abuse and addiction. Using it for a long time can make you physically and mentally dependent. Stopping it suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms. People with a history of substance abuse or mental health issues are more likely to become addicted to oxycodone.
In 2016, the National Institute on Drug Abuse found that 2.1 million people in the US had a substance use disorder linked to prescription opioids. That year, 17.5% of those dependent on opioids got specialized treatment. Sadly, 1,999 people died from an opioid overdose.
- By 2016, over 626,000 people addicted to heroin started with prescription opioids because they were easy to get and cheap.
- Less than half of those needing treatment for opioid dependence got it, and only a third used medication-assisted treatment.
- Buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist, has been shown to reduce opioid withdrawal symptoms and lower the risk of overdose death.
Doctors must watch for signs of oxycodone misuse or abuse and offer help to reduce the risk of oxycodone addiction. Patients need to know about the dangers of oxycodone dependence. They should understand the importance of sticking to their treatment plan to avoid oxycodone withdrawal and overdose.
“The opioid epidemic has generated a significant health, economic, and social burden in the United States.”
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Considerations
Using oxycodone while pregnant can be dangerous for both the mother and the baby. It may cause early birth, birth defects, and slow growth in the womb. Babies born to mothers who used oxycodone may also face neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome.
Doctors must think carefully about giving oxycodone to pregnant women. They should also know that oxycodone can get into breast milk. This makes it not safe to use oxycodone while breastfeeding because of the risks.
- Opioids in breast milk can make babies sleepy or stop breathing.
- Using opioids for a short time is usually safe for breastfeeding moms and babies.
- After a short procedure like a tooth extraction, breastfeeding can start once the mom is awake and stable.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned about the safety of medicines during breastfeeding. They stress the need to watch how they affect breastfed babies.
“Más del 14% de mujeres embarazadas en los Estados Unidos se les prescribe opioides al menos una vez durante el embarazo.”
Doctors must be careful when giving oxycodone to pregnant or breastfeeding women. They need to consider the dangers of using it during these important times.
Storage and Disposal
Storing and disposing of oxycodone safely is key for everyone’s well-being. This strong opioid should be kept in a safe spot, away from kids and pets. This prevents them from taking it by accident or on purpose.
A study found many opioid issues in Colombia were due to bad reactions. This shows how important it is to handle oxycodone carefully. Patients should watch how much they have left and tell their doctor if some goes missing. This helps stop oxycodone misuse.
When it’s time to throw away unused or old oxycodone, follow the guide or use a drug take-back programme. Ozempic, a medicine for weight control, has shown good results in tests. This shows there might be other ways to manage pain safely.
Safeguarding Oxycodone
- Put oxycodone in a secure, locked box or bag, out of kids’ and pets’ reach.
- Watch how much oxycodone you have left and tell your doctor if some is missing.
- Get rid of unused or old oxycodone by taking it to a drug take-back programme or using the guide’s instructions.
Following these steps helps stop accidental ingestion or misuse of oxycodone. This keeps everyone safe.
“Responsible oxycodone management is crucial in mitigating the risks of adverse drug reactions and misuse.”
Alternative Pain Management Options
When oxycodone isn’t suitable or is not recommended, healthcare providers have other options. These include non-opioid painkillers like acetaminophen and NSAIDs. They also consider antidepressants and anticonvulsants as alternatives.
Interventional therapies, such as nerve blocks and spinal cord stimulation, can help manage pain. A mix of different treatments can offer better pain relief and reduce opioid risks.
In Spain, over 4.5 million people live with chronic pain, with many feeling severe pain. Rheumatoid arthritis and arthrosis are the main causes. This highlights the need for alternative pain relief methods.
Non-Opioid Analgesics
- Acetaminophen (paracetamol) is often the first choice for mild pain.
- NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen and naproxen, work well for moderate pain, alone or with milder opioids.
- If NSAIDs aren’t suitable, combining acetaminophen with milder opioids is an option.
Interventional Therapies
- Nerve blocks focus on specific pain areas for relief.
- Spinal cord stimulation uses a device to send electrical impulses to the spinal cord, blocking pain signals.
Multimodal Approach
Using different types of painkillers together can improve pain relief and lower risks. This approach combines pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments for complex pain.
“Responsible opioid management is essential to prevent abuse and addiction, and strict adherence to medical instructions is recommended.”
Conclusion
Oxycodone is a strong opioid used for severe pain. It can help with both short-term and ongoing pain. But, it also has a high risk of making people dependent or addicted.
Doctors in Spain must think carefully about the pros and cons of using oxycodone. They need to keep a close eye on patients and use strategies to prevent misuse. This includes giving clear instructions on how to take the medicine and how to safely store and dispose of it.
It’s important for patients to follow their doctor’s advice and report any issues or side effects. By understanding oxycodone’s effects, risks, and safe use, both doctors and patients can manage pain safely. This helps reduce the risks linked with this strong painkiller.
Teaching patients well, monitoring them closely, and working together as a team is key. This ensures safe use of oxycodone and other opioids in Spain. With the right care and attention, oxycodone can help those with severe pain.