Oxynorm (Oxycodone Hydrochloride)

Oxynorm is an opioid analgesic that acts on the central nervous system to manage pain.

• Acute postoperative pain: provides rapid relief of pain following surgery.
• Cancer‑related pain: helps control persistent pain associated with malignant disease.
• Severe chronic non‑cancer pain: reduces ongoing pain when other treatments are inadequate.

• Oxynorm delivers oxycodone hydrochloride, which binds to μ‑opioid receptors in the central nervous system. This binding inhibits the release of neurotransmitters involved in pain signaling, decreasing neuronal excitability and altering the perception of pain.

Oxynorm may cause a range of adverse reactions, from mild to potentially life‑threatening.

Common Side Effects

• Nausea and vomiting
• Constipation
• Drowsiness or sedation
• Dry mouth
• Sweating
• Dizziness

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Respiratory depression
• Severe hypotension
• Seizures
• Allergic reactions such as rash or anaphylaxis
• Dependence, tolerance and withdrawal syndrome
• Opioid‑induced adrenal insufficiency

When prescribing Oxynorm, clinicians should consider several safety measures.

• Assess pain severity and prior opioid use: ensure appropriate indication.
• Evaluate respiratory function: monitor for depression, especially after dose changes.
• Review concomitant CNS depressants: adjust dosing or increase monitoring.
• Screen for substance‑use disorder: consider risk‑mitigation strategies.
• Use the lowest effective dose: aim for the minimum dose that provides analgesia.
• Store at below 25°C: keep in the original packaging, protect from moisture and light.

Oxynorm can interact with a variety of medicines, altering its efficacy or safety profile.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Concomitant use with strong‑acting ​  ​  ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​​
• MAO‑inhibitors: risk of severe hypertension or serotonin syndrome.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Benzodiazepines or other sedatives: increased risk of respiratory depression.
• CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., erythromycin, ketoconazole): may raise oxycodone plasma levels.
• CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampicin, carbamazepine): may reduce analgesic effect.
• Antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs): potential for additive CNS depression.
• Antihistamines: may enhance sedation and dizziness.