This article describes possible interactions with oxycodone oral tablet. Interactions can cause a drug to have a different effect on the body than expected. Interactions can occur due to medications, alcohol, or certain health conditions.
Oxycodone comes as a tablet, capsule, and liquid solution that you’ll swallow. Interactions are expected to be the same across all forms of oxycodone.
Boxed warnings
This drug has boxed warnings about the following risks. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These risks include:
- misuse and addiction
- respiratory depression
- accidental ingestion
- neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS)
- serious harm if taken with certain drugs
See the end of this article for more information about these warnings.
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Other drugs and oxycodone
The drugs in the list below may interact with oxycodone oral tablet. This article doesn’t include all drugs that may interact with oxycodone.
Drug classes or drugs that may interact with oxycodone oral tablet include:
- antipsychotics:
- drug examples: chlorpromazine, olanzapine (Zyprexa)
- what might happen: can increase the risk of side effects of oxycodone and the antipsychotic drug
- mixed opioid agonist/antagonists:
- drug examples: buprenorphine (Butrans, others), butorphanol
- what might happen: can make oxycodone less effective, and may cause oxycodone withdrawal
- monoamine oxidase inhibitors:
- drug examples: rasagiline (Azilect), phenelzine (Nardil)
- what might happen: can increase the risk of side effects of oxycodone
- muscle relaxants:
- drug examples: carisoprodol (Soma), cyclobenzaprine (Amrix)
- what might happen: can increase the risk of side effects of oxycodone and the muscle relaxant
- other opioid drugs:
- drug examples: fentanyl (Fentora, others), hydromorphone (Dilaudid)
- what might happen: can increase the risk of side effects of oxycodone and the other opioids (oxycodone is an opioid)
- sedative-hypnotic drugs:
- drug examples: suvorexant (Belsomra), zolpidem (Ambien)
- what might happen: can increase the risk of side effects of oxycodone and the sedative-hypnotic drug
- tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs):
- drug examples: desipramine (Norpramin), doxepin (Silenor)
- what might happen: can increase the risk of side effects of oxycodone and the TCA
- benzodiazepines:*
- drug examples: alprazolam (Xanax), diazepam (Valium, others)
- what might happen: can increase the risk of side effects of oxycodone and the benzodiazepine
- the antiepileptic drugs, gabapentin (Neurontin, others) and pregabalin (Lyrica), which are also used to treat nerve pain:
- what might happen: can increase the risk of side effects of oxycodone and gabapentin or pregabalin
- medications that affect the enzyme CYP3A4:*†
- drug examples: carbamazepine (Tegretol, others), ketoconazole
- what might happen: depending on the specific drug, can increase the risk of side effects of oxycodone or make oxycodone less effective, and may cause oxycodone withdrawal
* Oxycodone has a boxed warning for the risk of serious harm if taken with certain drugs. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. For more details, see the “Boxed warnings for oxycodone” section below.
† CYP3A4 is an enzyme (a type of protein) produced by your liver that helps break down certain drugs, including oxycodone.
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Get free cardWhen to avoid oxycodone
Certain health conditions or other factors could increase some risks with oxycodone oral tablet. Because of this, doctors may not prescribe oxycodone in these cases. These health conditions or other factors are called contraindications.
Here’s a list of contraindications for oxycodone oral tablet:
- Blockage or narrowing in your digestive tract: If you have a blockage or narrowing in your digestive tract, you may have a higher risk of bowel obstruction as a side effect of taking oxycodone.
- Certain breathing conditions: If you have certain breathing conditions, you may have a higher risk of respiratory depression* (slow, shallow breathing) as a side effect of taking oxycodone. Examples include severe asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Your doctor can help determine the severity of your condition and whether it’s safe for you to take oxycodone.
- Past allergic reaction to oxycodone: If you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to oxycodone oral tablet, taking it again may cause another allergic reaction.
Before you start taking oxycodone, tell your doctor if anything listed above relates to you. They can recommend whether you should use oxycodone.
* Oxycodone has a boxed warning for the risk of respiratory depression. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. For more details, see the “Boxed warnings for oxycodone” section below.
Alcohol and oxycodone
Oxycodone oral tablet is known to interact with alcohol. You should not consume alcohol while taking oxycodone.
Taking oxycodone oral tablet and drinking alcohol increases your risk of:
- serious problems with balance and coordination
- oxycodone overdose, which can be fatal
- respiratory depression* (slow, shallow breathing)
If you drink alcohol and have concerns about avoiding it while taking oxycodone oral tablet, talk with your doctor.
* Oxycodone has a boxed warning for respiratory depression. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. For more details, see the “Boxed warnings for oxycodone” section below.
Other interactions and oxycodone
Interactions can occur with supplements, foods, vaccines, and some lab tests. Below you can learn whether oxycodone oral tablet has these interactions.
The information below doesn’t include all other possible interactions with oxycodone.
Oxycodone and supplements
Before taking oxycodone oral tablet, tell your doctor and pharmacist about any herbs you take, as well as vitamins and supplements. Doing so may help you avoid interactions.
If you have questions about interactions that may affect you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Oxycodone interactions and herbs
Oxycodone oral tablet may interact with St. John’s wort. This herb is often used to ease symptoms of depression.
Taking oxycodone and St. John’s wort can make oxycodone less effective. It can also increase the risk of side effects. This includes oxycodone overdose, if you suddenly stop taking St. John’s wort.
Because of this, ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any of these products while taking oxycodone oral tablet.
Oxycodone interactions and vitamins
Oxycodone oral tablet isn’t known to interact with any vitamins. But this doesn’t mean interactions with vitamins can’t happen or won’t be identified later.
Because of this, ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any of these products while taking oxycodone oral tablet.
Oxycodone and food
Oxycodone oral tablet can interact with grapefruit and grapefruit juice. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can raise the risk of side effects of oxycodone. This is because grapefruit or grapefruit juice, especially large amounts, can slow or prevent your body from breaking down a dose of oxycodone.
Because of this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about what foods you should avoid while taking oxycodone oral tablet.
Oxycodone and vaccines
Oxycodone oral tablet isn’t known to interact with any vaccines. But this doesn’t mean interactions with vaccines can’t happen or won’t be identified later.
Because of this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before receiving any vaccines while taking oxycodone oral tablet.
Oxycodone and lab tests
Oxycodone oral tablet isn’t known to interact with lab tests. But this doesn’t mean interactions with lab tests can’t happen or won’t be identified later.
Because of this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before having any tests while taking oxycodone oral tablet.
Oxycodone and cannabis or CBD
Reports have shown cannabis (commonly called marijuana) and cannabis products may interact with oxycodone. Cannabidiol (CBD) is an example of a cannabis product.
Taking oxycodone and using cannabis increases the risk of side effects. This includes severe problems with balance and coordination.
Before you take oxycodone, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you use cannabis. Doing so may help prevent possible interactions.
Note: Cannabis is illegal at a federal level but is legal in many states to varying degrees.
Health factors and oxycodone
Certain medical conditions or other health factors may increase the risk of interactions with oxycodone oral tablet. Keep in mind that interactions could lead to side effects or affect how well the drug works. Before taking oxycodone, tell your doctor about your health history. They’ll determine whether oxycodone is right for you.
These health conditions or other factors might interact with oxycodone oral tablet:
- Addison’s disease or other conditions causing adrenal insufficiency
- breathing conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or sleep apnea
- enlarged prostate or other conditions that affect urination
- epilepsy or seizure
- gallbladder conditions or other conditions that may affect the biliary tract
- head injury
- kidney conditions, such as chronic kidney disease
- liver conditions, such as cirrhosis
- pancreatitis or other pancreas conditions
- substance use disorder, including alcohol use disorder
- underactive thyroid
- bowel blockage or narrowing in your digestive tract
- pregnancy or breastfeeding
- past allergic reaction to oxycodone
Preventing oxycodone interactions
You may be able to help avoid certain interactions with oxycodone oral tablet. Before taking this drug, you may want to discuss possible interactions with your doctor and pharmacist.
Things to consider include:
- Whether you drink alcohol or use cannabis.
- Other medications and herbs you take, as well as vitamins and supplements. Your doctor or pharmacist can help you fill out a medication list.
- What to do if you’re prescribed a new drug while taking oxycodone oral tablet.
Taking oxycodone exactly as prescribed can also help prevent interactions.
What to ask your doctor
If you have questions about oxycodone and possible interactions, talk with your doctor.
Questions you may want to ask your doctor include:
- Does oxycodone have similar interactions as hydrocodone?
- How will you determine whether it’s safe for me to take oxycodone if I have a breathing condition? Are there pain medications that don’t have this interaction?
- Do I need to take my medications at different times throughout the day to avoid interactions?
- What should we do if I’m prescribed a new medication that interacts with oxycodone?
Boxed warnings for oxycodone
This drug has boxed warnings about the following risks. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA.
Risk of misuse and addiction: Like other opioids, oxycodone treatment has a risk of misuse and addiction. Misuse is when a drug or substance is taken in a way other than how it’s prescribed. Addiction is when you continue taking a drug or substance despite it causing harm. Due to this risk, oxycodone is a controlled substance. This means there are special rules in place for how doctors prescribe and how pharmacies dispense oxycodone. Your doctor may not prescribe oxycodone if you have a substance use disorder or have had one in the past.
Risk of respiratory depression: Treatment with oxycodone can cause respiratory depression (slow, shallow breathing) as a side effect. This risk is further increased if certain other drugs or substances are taken with oxycodone, including alcohol. Taking a large oxycodone dose and being age 65 years or older also raises this risk. Respiratory depression caused by oxycodone can be fatal.
Talk with your doctor about keeping naloxone (Narcan, RiVive) on hand throughout your oxycodone treatment. Naloxone is a medication that can reverse respiratory depression and other oxycodone overdose symptoms until emergency medical help arrives.
Risk of accidental ingestion: Accidental ingestion of even one dose of oxycodone can cause a fatal overdose. This risk is particularly high in children. If you’re prescribed oxycodone, keep your medication in a safe and secure place where it isn’t easily accessed by others.
Risk of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome: If taken long term during pregnancy, oxycodone can cause NOWS in a newborn infant. NOWS can be life threatening if not treated. If you and your doctor decide you’ll take oxycodone during pregnancy, they’ll monitor and treat your child for NOWS after delivery.
Risk of serious harm if taken with certain drugs: Taking certain drugs with oxycodone increases the risk of side effects of oxycodone, including respiratory depression. Examples of these drugs include benzodiazepines and CYP3A4 inhibitors. (CYP3A4 is a type of protein in your liver that helps your body break down oxycodone.)
CYP3A4 inducers are another group of drugs that may prevent oxycodone from working as expected. If you stop taking the CYP3A4 inducer while still taking oxycodone, your risk of side effects of oxycodone may increase. Your doctor and pharmacist can give more information about whether oxycodone interacts with any other drugs you take. They can also discuss any safer alternatives for you.
To learn more, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.