Dr. Ogbru received his Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy in 1995. He completed a Pharmacy Practice Residency at the University of Arizona/University Medical Center in 1996. He was a Professor of Pharmacy Practice and a Regional Clerkship Coordinator for the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy from 1996-99.
Jay W. Marks, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist. He graduated from Yale University School of Medicine and trained in internal medicine and gastroenterology at UCLA/Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM:Oxycodone is a strong narcotic pain-reliever and
cough suppressant similar to morphine, codeine, and hydrocodone. The precise
mechanism of action is not known but may involve stimulation of opioid
(narcotic) receptors in the brain. Oxycodone does not eliminate the sensation of
pain but decreases discomfort by increasing tolerance to pain. In addition to
tolerance to pain, oxycodone also causes sedation and respiratory depression.
Acetaminophen is a non-narcotic pain-reliever and antipyretic (fever reducer).
Acetaminophen relieves pain by elevating the threshold to sensing pain. It
reduces fever through its action on the heat-regulating center of the brain. The
combination of oxycodone and acetaminophen achieves greater pain relief than
either taken separately. The FDA approved oxycodone/acetaminophen combinations
in February 1980.
STORAGE: Oxycodone/acetaminophen should be stored at room temperature in a
sealed, light- resistant container.
PRESCRIBED FOR: Oxycodone/acetaminophen is prescribed for the relief of
moderate to moderately-severe pain.
DOSING: The dose of oxycodone/acetaminophen is variable and depends on the
needs of the patient and specific circumstances. The usual dose is one tablet
every six hours as needed. The maximum oxycodone/acetaminophen dose is 60 mg/4 g
per day.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Oxycodone, like other narcotic pain-relievers, increases
the effect of drugs that slow brain function, such as alcohol, barbiturates,
skeletal muscle relaxants, for example, carisoprodol (Soma), cyclobenzaprine
(Flexeril), and benzodiazepines such as diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam
(Ativan). Combined use of muscle relaxants or benzodiazepines and oxycodone may
lead to increased respiratory depression.
Since oxycodone causes constipation, the use of antidiarrheals, for example,
diphenoxylate (Lomotil) and loperamide (Imodium), in persons taking oxycodone,
can lead to severe constipation.
Drugs which stimulate and also block opioid receptors, for example,
pentazocine, nalbuphine (Nubain), butorphanol (Stadol), and buprenorphine
(Subutex) may reduce the effect of oxycodone and may precipitate withdrawal
symptoms.
A fatty meal may increase the absorption of oxycodone by 27%.
PREGNANCY: Safety of oxycodone/acetaminophen during
pregnancy has not been
established. Newborns of mothers who were taking oxycodone for a prolonged
period may exhibit respiratory depression or withdrawal symptoms.
NURSING MOTHERS: Small amounts of oxycodone are secreted in
breast milk and
may cause side effects in the newborn.
SIDE EFFECTS: The most frequent adverse reactions of oxycodone/acetaminophen
include lightheadedness, dizziness, sedation, nausea, and vomiting. Other side
effects include drowsiness, constipation, and spasm of the ureter, which can
lead to difficulty in urinating.
Oxycodone can depress breathing and, therefore, is used with caution in
elderly, debilitated patients and in patients with serious lung disease.
Oxycodone can impair thinking and the physical abilities required for driving or
operating machinery. Oxycodone can be habit-forming. Mental and physical
dependence can occur but are unlikely when used for short-term pain relief.
Drug-induced liver diseases are diseases of the liver that are caused by physician-prescribed medications, OTC medications, vitamins, hormones, herbs, illicit (“recreational”) drugs, and environmental toxins. There are three types of liver toxicity; dose-dependent toxicity, idiosyncratic toxicity, and drug allergy. The types of liver disease drugs cause include: mild elevations of blood levels of liver enzymes, hepatitis, necrosis, cholestasis, steatosis, cirrhosis, mixed disease, fulminant hepatitis, and blood clots.
Tylenol liver damage (acetaminophen) can occur from accidentally ingesting too much acetaminophen, or intentionally. Acetaminophen is a drug contained in over 200 OTC and prescription medications from NyQuil to Vicodin. Avoiding unintentional overdoses include reading medication labels, write down the dosages of medications you are taking, do not drink excessive alcohol while taking acetaminophen. In severe cases, a liver transplant may be necessary.
Drug addiction is a chronic disease that causes drug-seeking behavior and drug use despite negative consequences to the user and those around him. Though the initial decision to use drugs is voluntary, changes in the brain caused by repeated drug abuse can affect a person's self-control and ability to make the right decisions and increase the urge to take drugs. Drug abuse and addiction are preventable.
Chronic pain is pain (an unpleasant sense of discomfort) that persists or progresses over a long period of time. In contrast to acute pain that arises suddenly in response to a specific injury and is usually treatable, chronic pain persists over time and is often resistant to medical treatments.
Tylenol is currently the most popular painkiller in the United States.
Americans take over 8 billion pills (tablets or capsules) of Tylenol each year.
Acetaminophen is the general
(generic) name for Tylenol, which is a brand name. Although acetaminophen is
contained in over 200 medications, most of them do not have the name "Tylenol"
on their labels. Moreover, just about every patient with liver disease in my
practice invariably asks:
"Is it safe for me to take Tylenol?" or
"How much
Tylenol can I take?"
These questions highlight the public's awareness of the
potential for acetaminophen to cause liver damage or injury.
Tylenol is a very
effective pain-killing (analgesic) and fever-reducing
(anti-pyretic) agent. It is also a very safe drug as long as the recommended
dosage is not exceeded. In fact, the use of Tylenol instead of
aspirin to treat
fevers in infant...
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