Percocet® (Oxycodone/Acetaminophen)

  • Percocet®, also known as oxycodone with acetaminophen is an opiate pain medication.

  • Refer to your medication bottle to know how often you should take Percocet. As an opiate, Percocet can result in addiction, abuse, and misuse, which can lead to overdose and death. Do not take a higher dose or more often than prescribed and stop taking it as soon as it is unneeded. Seek medical attention IMMEDIATELY, by calling 911, if you take too much Percocet.

    Since Percocet can cause stomach upset and nausea, it is recommended to take it with food.

  • Percocet can be very sedating and cause dizziness. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery while taking Percocet. Use precautions to avoid falling.

    Percocet can also cause constipation. It is advisable to take a stimulant laxative such as Senna® while taking oxyccodone with acetaminophen to help prevent constipation.

    Percocet can cause itching. If constipation is persistent or itching is severe, there are medications that can help. Contact your doctor or pharmacist for recommendations.

  • Percocet contains Tylenol® also known as acetaminophen. While taking Percocet, be sure to check other medications (especially combination cold medicines) to make sure they do not contain acetaminophen. To avoid life-threatening liver damage, avoid taking more than 4000 mg of acetaminophen in 24 hours.

    Percocet slows down your breathing and your heart rate. Avoid other sedatives and CNS depressants - alcohol, sleeping pills, pain medication, muscle relaxants as well as some anxiety medications including benzodiazepines – while taking Percocet. If you have questions or concerns about taking Percocet with a previously prescribed medication or over-the-counter medication or supplement, contact your pharmacist.

  • If you have other medical conditions, including but not limited to lung problems, bowel and gut problems or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, contact your primary care doctor to make sure it is okay to take Percocet.

  • Accidental ingestion of medicine, especially by children, can result in a fatal overdose. Never give anyone else your prescription medication. Keep your medicine secure, out of sight and reach of children, and in a location not accessible by others, including visitors to your home.

  • To dispose of unwanted, unused or expired medications, contact your local police station or visit www.fda.gov/drugdisposal for information about drug-takeback programs.

DISCLAIMER: This information is meant to be a quick overview of your medication. It is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. This video does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients, or recommend therapy. This information is a reference resource designed as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge, and judgment of healthcare practitioners in patient care. The absence of a warning for a given drug or combination thereof in no way should be construed to indicate safety, effectiveness, or appropriateness for any given patient. For more detailed information, refer to the paperwork that you received with your medication or contact your doctor or pharmacist.

REFERENCES: Daily Med, US National Library of Medicine & National Institute of Health. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/index.cfm