Oxycodone with APAP (also called acetaminophen) is a prescription medication available in oral tablet form. It's a controlled substance sold generically and under the brand name Percocet. Oxycodone with acetaminophen is indicated for moderate to moderately severe pain. It's considered to be addictive and should only be taken as prescribed.
Neurological
Common neurological side effects of oxycodone with acetaminophen include sedation, lightheadedness and dizziness. Less common side effects include anxiety, fear, fatigue, fainting, low body temperature, headache, impaired mental performance, impaired physical performance, seizures, a feeling of being unwell, loss of strength, coma, weakness, numb or tingling skin, loss of reality, decrease of the sense of touch, nervousness, suicidal thoughts and actions, swelling of the brain, agitation, difficulty sleeping, mood changes, confusion, tremor, unwarranted elation, decreased consciousness, hallucination, drowsiness, pupil constriction, reddened eye, vision problems, hearing loss and ringing in the ear.
Cardiovascular and Blood-related
Cardiovascular side effects are uncommon and include chest pain, fast heart rate, slow heart rate, flushing, irregular heart rhythm, high blood pressure, low blood pressure, lowered blood pressure upon standing, the sensation of the heart pounding in the chest, shock, rigid chest wall, circulatory depression and collapse - conditions in which the body does not get adequate blood flow, and life-threatening cardiac arrest (heart stoppage). Blood-related side effects are uncommon and include hemolytic anemia manifested by blood in the urine and eventual lack of urine; low platelet level; low blood sugar; high blood sugar; increased liver enzyme levels; increased bilirubin level; methemoblobinemia manifested by a bluish hue to the skin and mucous membranes; low levels of white blood cells; low levels of neutrophils (a type of white blood cell); low levels of all blood cell types; high potassium level and acid-base balance disturbances.
Respiratory
Respiratory side effects of Percocet are uncommon and include difficulty breathing, deep breathing, rapid breathing, accidental sucking in of fluid or food into the lungs, lowered rate and quality of breathing, suppression of cough reflex, swelling of the vocal cords, pulmonary edema (a dangerous fluid accumulation in the lungs) and spasms of the bronchus or vocal cords, which can be life threatening. According to 2005 Lippincott's Nursing Drug Guide, respiratory arrest can also occur, which involves the potentially fatal cessation of breathing.
Gastrointestinal
Common gastrointestinal side effects include nausea and vomiting. Less common side effects include inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, loss of appetite, dry mouth, thirst, heartburn, unusual taste, abdominal pain, abdominal swelling, gas, constipation, inflammation of the pancreas, spasms of the biliary tract, blockage of the intestine, liver inflammation and life-threatening liver damage and failure.
Urinary and Reproductive
Urinary and reproductive side effects are uncommon and include kidney disorder, kidney failure, retaining urine, voiding less urine than normal, difficulty beginning the urinary stream, spasms of the urinary tract, protein in the urine, less interest in sex and difficulty maintaining erection.
Skin-related
A common skin-related side effect of oxycodone with acetaminophen is increased sweating. Less common side effects include itching, hives, redness, swelling, yellowed skin and yellowing of the whites of the eyes.
Other
Uncommon side effects include dehydration, muscle pain and muscle breakdown. According to 2005 Lippincott's Nursing Drug Guide, a hypersensitivity reaction to the acetaminophen component can occur, manifested by fever and rash. An allergic reaction to Percocet can also occur, potentially leading to shock. Psychological dependence and physical tolerance and dependence can occur with use of the oxycodone component of this medication.
References
- 2005 Lippincott's Nursing Drug Guide: oxycodone and acetaminophen
- Drugs.com: Percocet
- RxList.com: Percocet Side Effects
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