Oxycodone/paracetamol

Oxycodone/paracetamol (also known as Percocet in North America and Endocet in Europe) is a combination drug used to treat moderate to severe pain. It contains oxycodone, a powerful opioid painkiller, and paracetamol (also known as acetaminophen), a less potent painkiller that increases the effects of oxycodone.

Pharmacology

Oxycodone is a semi-synthetic opioid synthesized from thebaine, a derivative of the opium poppy. It works by binding to mu-opioid receptors in the brain, spinal cord, and other areas of the body, reducing the perception of pain. Paracetamol is a non-opioid analgesic and antipyretic (fever reducer). It's believed to work by reducing the production of prostaglandins in the brain and spinal cord.

Medical uses

Oxycodone/paracetamol is used to manage moderate to severe acute (short-term) pain when other pain treatments such as non-opioid pain medicines do not treat your pain well enough or you cannot tolerate them. It is not recommended for long-term use due to the risk of addiction, physical dependence, and overdose.

Side effects

Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, constipation, drowsiness, and dizziness. Serious side effects may include respiratory depression and addiction. The paracetamol in the medicine increases the risk of liver damage at high doses or with chronic use.

See also

• List of combination drugs
• Opioid epidemic