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Percocet Drug Center

Percocet (oxycodone and acetaminophen) is a combination drug consisting of oxycodone (opioid drug type) and acetaminophen (analgesic and antipyretic drug type). Percocet is available in the generic form named oxycodone and acetaminophen. Percocet is used for the management of moderate to severe pain, usually for an extended time period; it is not an "as needed for pain "(PRN) drug. The most frequent minor side effects of Percocet include GI symptoms of constipation, nausea, vomiting, and other symptoms including somnolence (sleepiness), dizziness, itching, headache, dry mouth, sweating, and decreases in the ability to feel pain.

Percocet is available as tablets in strengths of 2.5/325, 5/325, 7.5/325, 7.5/500, 10/325, and 10/650 mg tablets (oxycodone/acetaminophen strengths), with a total daily dose not to exceed 4 grams of acetaminophen to avoid liver damage; 60 mg total per day of oxycodone strength and above used only for opioid tolerant patients. The tablets should be swallowed whole because broken or chewed tablets release oxycodone too rapidly and because it is rapidly adsorbed, too concentrated levels will be present in the body which can lead to death. Serious adverse reactions which may occur with Percocet are similar to those observed with other opioid analgesics; they include respiratory depression, apnea (periodic stop of breathing), respiratory arrest, circulatory depression, hypotension (low blood pressure), shock, and death. This opioid is often a drug of choice for addictive use and can easily lead to dependency. Some patients may develop tolerance for the drug and need to be slowly weaned off the drug. Safety has not been established in children; caution or avoidance is suggested in pregnant and breastfeeding women as infants can be born with opioid tolerance and depressed respirations. In addition, low concentrations of Percocet have been found in breast milk. Patients with liver damage or who drink large amounts of alcohol may be at increased risk of liver damage due to the acetaminophen component in this combination drug.

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