Strong opioid
Oxycodone
Oxycodone hydrochloride
Oxycodone is a strong opioid used for moderate to severe pain. It is roughly one and a half to two times as potent as oral morphine, so it is used where morphine is not suitable or not effective enough.
How this medicine is supplied
Prescription only in the UK. Dispensed by us only against a valid prescription from a UK prescriber.
How prescriptions workCall 999 if someone is very drowsy, difficult to wake, breathing slowly, or has pinpoint pupils after taking an opioid.
What it is used for
- Severe pain after surgery or injury
- Severe long-term pain where weaker painkillers have not worked
- Cancer-related pain, including in palliative care
How it works
Oxycodone works on the same opioid receptors as morphine. Because it is more potent, small differences in dose matter a great deal — which is why it is started and adjusted by a prescriber and reviewed regularly.
Forms available in the UK
- Immediate-release capsules and oral solution
- Modified-release tablets (taken every 12 hours)
- Injection, used in hospital settings
Safety information you must know
- Modified-release tablets must be swallowed whole. Crushing or chewing them can be fatal.
- Do not combine with alcohol, benzodiazepines, sleeping tablets, gabapentin or pregabalin unless your prescriber has agreed.
- A laxative is usually needed for as long as you take it.
- Tell any prescriber, dentist or pharmacist that you take oxycodone before you are given any other medicine.
- Do not stop suddenly after long-term use — your prescriber will reduce the dose gradually.
Common side effects
- Drowsiness and fatigue
- Constipation
- Nausea, sometimes vomiting
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Itching
- Low mood or confusion
- Slowed breathing — seek urgent help
Interactions to be aware of
- Alcohol and other sedatives
- Benzodiazepines and sleeping tablets
- Gabapentin and pregabalin
- Some antibiotics and antifungals (affect how oxycodone is broken down)
- MAOI antidepressants
UK legal position
Oxycodone is a Class A controlled drug and a Schedule 2 prescription-only medicine. Prescriptions are valid for 28 days. It cannot be sold online or supplied without a valid prescription.
Brand names you may see
Brand names are listed for identification only. We do not endorse or supply them.
This page provides general information only and does not constitute medical advice, a prescription or an offer to supply. Doses are decided by your prescriber. If you think you may need this medicine, speak to your GP, an NHS 111 clinician or a specialist pain service. In an emergency, call 999.