This article describes Oxycontin’s dosages and strengths and gives details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for Oxycontin. If you want to know more about Oxycontin, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Oxycontin is a brand-name medication that comes as an extended-release tablet that you swallow. It isn’t available in a generic version.
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).
- risk of misuse and addiction
- risk of serious respiratory depression
- risk of accidental ingestion
- risk of serious effects if taken with certain medications
- risk of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome
See the end of this article for more information about these warnings.
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Form and strengths of Oxycontin
Oxycontin comes as follows:
- Form: extended-release tablet that you swallow whole
- Strengths: 10 milligrams (mg), 15 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg, 60 mg, and 80 mg
With extended release, the drug is released slowly in your body over time.
Dosage of Oxycontin
This article describes the recommended dosages for Oxycontin. The drugmaker provides these dosages.
If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of Oxycontin without your doctor’s recommendation.
Usual recommended dosages of Oxycontin in adults
Usually, doctors start by prescribing a low dosage of Oxycontin. Then, they’ll adjust it over time until the right dosage is reached. The dosage is based on several factors. For more details see “Dosage adjustments for Oxycontin” below. Ultimately, your doctor will prescribe the smallest dosage of Oxycontin that gives the desired outcome.
The starting dosage of Oxycontin in adults who don’t have opioid tolerance is:
- Dose: 10 mg
- Frequency: every 12 hours
With opioid tolerance, you’re not as sensitive to opioid medications because your body is used to having them.
If you’re switching from a different form of oxycodone and your doctor is now prescribing Oxycontin, they’ll start treatment with a lower dosage. It will likely be half of your total daily oxycodone dosage. (Oxycodone is the active ingredient of Oxycontin. An active ingredient is what makes a medication work.)
If you’re switching from another opioid drug to Oxycontin, your doctor will recommend the best dosage for you. They’ll also tell you to stop taking all other opioids. The only time you should continue taking other opioids is if your doctor recommends it. (Oxycontin has a boxed warning about serious effects if taken with certain medications. For more information, see the “Boxed warnings for Oxycontin” section below.)
Talk with your doctor if you have questions about your Oxycontin dosage.
Dosages of Oxycontin in children
Oxycontin is approved for use in children ages 11 years and older who have been tolerating opioids for at least 5 straight days. Before starting Oxycontin, your child should be taking at least 20 mg of oxycodone or its equivalent per day for at least 2 days. If not, your child’s doctor will not prescribe Oxycontin.
Your child’s doctor will determine the best dosage of Oxycontin for your child. It will depend on several factors, including what opioid drug your child was taking before. For more details see “Dosage adjustments for Oxycontin” below.
Talk with your child’s doctor if you have questions about their dosage.
Dosage adjustments for Oxycontin
Your doctor will prescribe a specific dosage of Oxycontin based on several factors. These include:
- the cause of your pain and how severe it is
- whether you’ve taken pain medications before, including opioids
- your age
- other health conditions you may have
- whether you have risk factors for misuse and addiction
- other medications you’re taking
Oxycontin has a boxed warning about the risk of misuse and addiction and risk of serious effects if taken with certain medications. For more information, see the “Boxed warnings for Oxycontin” section below
Missed dose of Oxycontin
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist right away if you realize you forgot to take a dose of Oxycontin. They may advise you to take the missed dose. Or they may advise you to skip it and take your next dose as scheduled.
For tips on how to plan your doses of Oxycontin and avoid missing a dose, read this article. You could also try:
- downloading a reminder app on your phone
- setting an alarm
- putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your calendar, bathroom mirror, or bedside table
Frequently asked questions
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Oxycontin and its dosage.
How does the dosage of Oxycontin compare with the dosage of Percocet?
The dosages of Oxycontin and Percocet are different. Both drugs are used to treat severe pain in adults.
Oxycontin is an extended-release oral tablet that only contains oxycodone as the active ingredient. It’s usually taken twice per day. Oxycontin can take 1 to 2 days to fully work, but the pain relief lasts longer compared with Percocet.
Percocet contains oxycodone and acetaminophen as active ingredients. It’s an oral tablet that’s usually taken every 4 to 6 hours. It takes about 30 to 60 minutes to work, but the pain relief wears off more quickly compared with Oxycontin.
It’s important to note that each drug has its own risks and limits on dosing. Be sure to talk with your doctor about the right dosage for you.
If you have questions about how the dosages of these drugs compare, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Is Oxycontin taken long term?
Oxycontin treatment can be short or long term. The length of time you’re prescribed Oxycontin depends on the cause and severity of your pain. Your doctor will prescribe it for the shortest amount of time possible and at the lowest effective dose.
If you have questions about how long you should take Oxycontin, talk with your doctor.
How Oxycontin is taken
You’ll swallow Oxycontin twice per day. Tablets should be swallowed whole.
Your doctor may advise that you take this medication around the same time each day. This helps keep a consistent amount of the drug in your body. And that can help the drug work more effectively.
If it’s hard for you to swallow tablets, view this article. It provides suggestions on how to swallow medications that come in pill form.
Also, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re having difficulty taking your medication. They can offer recommendations about taking it.
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