Oxycodone is a strong opioid analgesic very similar to morphine. It is available in 4-hourly normal release, and 12-hourly slow release preparations, but the injection is not routinely available in the UK.

It is a useful alternative opioid in selected patients who develop side effects with morphine. Oxycodone has been used successfully and without toxicity in renal failure.[1]

Oxycodone is approximately 1.5-2 times as potent as morphine orally.

Indications

• alternative opioid when morphine causes unacceptable side-effects

Using Oxycodone

• oxycodone should be used in the same way as morphine (remember a laxative)