Oxycodone patient information
You have been given at least one of the following medications to take home, and to self administer for pain control after you leave hospital. This patient information sheet is designed to provide information to patients and their relatives on how to self-adminster pain-control following discharge from the hospital. We advise that you also read the Consumer Medicine Information brochure provided with each of the medications.
Paracetamol
Paracetamol or Panadol is the most frequently prescribed medication for pain control. Paracetamol when taken regularly reduces the need for stronger medication. Therefore you should continue to take paracetamol, as prescribed, usually 2 tablets (1000mg) every six hours, while ever you have pain. Do not take more than 8 tablets (4grams) per day.
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
If appropriate the doctor may prescribe NSAIDs for pain control after hospital. Ibuprofen is the most common NSAID. Ibuprofen works in a different way to paracetamol therefore if you are prescribed ibuprofen do not stop taking your paracetamol tablets. Rather take the ibuprofen tablets, usually 2 (400mg) 3 hours after the paracetamol tablets and repeat the cycle every six hours. Always take your ibuprofen tablets with food or with a full glass of milk. Do not take NSAIDs for more than 3 to 4 days unless specifically ordered by the doctor. If you run out of ibuprofen before 3-4 days you can purchase more, without a prescription, from the supermarket or chemist shop.
Oxycodone
Oxycodone may also be prescribed for you to take home and self-administer for pain control. Oxycodone is a strong drug and should be used when the paracetamol and ibuprofen are not sufficient to control pain. Do not stop taking the paracetamol and ibuprofen, rather continue to take these tablets as well as the oxycodone capsules.
When swallowed by mouth oxycodone will take approximately 20 minutes to begin to lessen the pain. Most patients are prescribed 1-2 capsules (5-10mgs) to be taken every 4-6 hours. If you feel 'light-headed' after taking 2 capsules this may mean that 2 capsules are too much, therefore 1 capsule every 4-6 hours might be a better way for you to take the medication.
Some people feel a liitle sleepy when they are administered oxycodone. This is a normal occurence and you are advised to take advantage of the effect of the oxycodone and have a sleep. Also oxycodone can cause constipation therefore you are advised to drink lots of water and to eat fruit, prunes or other natural laxatives while taking oxycodone. If constipation occurs a mild aperient can be purchased from the chemist.
Other important points to remember
- Because your reactions may be slower and you may feel sleepy, you should not drive or operate heavy machinery after you have taken oxycodone
- Do not crush or break the oxycodone capsule
- If your pain continues after your supply of oxycodone runs out you should contact the office of the Specialist Doctor who operated on you/admitted you to hospital.
A guide to the best times to take your pain control medication
| 7am before rising | 10am with food | 1pm | 4pm with food | 7pm | 10pm with food | 1am | 4am with food |
paracetamol | x |
| x |
| x |
| x |
|
ibuprofen |
| x |
| x |
| x |
| x |
oxycodone | x* |
| x* |
| x* |
| x* |
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* if required
- when your oxycodone supply runs out or you know longer require strong pain medication it is generally a good idea to continue to take parcaetamol and ibuprofen (if prescribed) at the suggested times
- after 3-4 days, or sooner if your pain is no longer troublesome, discontinue the ibuprofen
- if mild pain or discomfort persists, continue to take regular paracetamol at the recommended times (during daylight hours) until you are pain free.
- night time doses should be omitted if you are sleeping