Endocet
® (
oxycodone/APAP) is a prescription medication approved to treat moderate to moderately severe pain. As a narcotic, it is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance, which means that special laws and regulations control its sale and use. Of all legal prescription medications in the United States, Schedule II controlled substances have the highest abuse potential.
This medication is made by Endo Pharmaceuticals.
Endocet contains two different pain medications:
acetaminophen and oxycodone hydrochloride. Although either medication alone is effective for relieving pain, they work well together to provide pain relief. Oxycodone is a narcotic, opioid pain reliever. It is chemically related to codeine. Oxycodone is effective at decreasing pain, but also causes drowsiness and decreased breathing.
Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and fever reducer commonly found in non-prescription medications, such as
Tylenol®. It is also an active ingredient in many prescription pain medications, such as
Lortab®,
Vicodin®, and
Tylenol with Codeine. "APAP" is an acronym for one of the chemical names for acetaminophen. Adding acetaminophen to oxycodone makes the medication more effective at relieving pain and may limit the abuse potential of Endocet, as the maximum dose is typically limited by the acetaminophen content.
People may become addicted to this medication. In fact, Endocet is a commonly abused drug. It is readily available and fairly inexpensive. It is also commonly abused because people sometimes feel safer abusing a prescription medication instead of an illegal "street" drug. People who abuse Endocet and suddenly stop using it are likely to experience withdrawal symptoms.
When and How to Take Endocet
Some general considerations for when and how to take this medication include the following:
- Endocet comes in tablet form. It is taken by mouth, usually every six hours as needed for pain.
- The medication is either taken "as needed" or on a scheduled basis. "As needed" means you will only take a dose if you are experiencing pain (if you are not in pain, you will skip the dose), while "scheduled use" means you should take it on schedule, even if you are not in pain. Most healthcare providers prescribe this medication on an "as needed" basis, rather than a scheduled basis.
- Endocet is best taken with food, as this may help reduce stomach upset.
- Be careful not to exceed the maximum recommended daily dose, as this could lead to overdose symptoms or to poisoning from the acetaminophen component, which can cause liver failure.
- You may want to consider taking a laxative along with Endocet, especially if you will take it regularly for more than a few days, as it often causes constipation.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Do not increase your dose or take it more frequently than prescribed without your healthcare provider's approval. If you have been taking Endocet for more than a few weeks, do not suddenly stop taking it without your healthcare provider's supervision (see Endocet Withdrawal).
The dose of Endocet your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- How you respond to Endocet
- Other medications you are taking
- Other medical conditions you may have.
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
Just like any medicine, Endocet can cause side effects. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. Most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or are easily treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Common side effects include but are not limited to:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Lightheadedness
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Itching
- An unexplained, pleasant feeling (euphoria) or an unexplained, unpleasant feeling (dysphoria).
(Click Endocet Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking Endocet if you have:
- Kidney disease, such as kidney failure (renal failure)
- A head injury or high intercranial pressure
- Severe abdominal (stomach) pain
- A history of drug or alcohol dependence
- Gallbladder or pancreas disease
- Liver disease, such as cirrhosis, liver failure, or hepatitis
- Hypothyroidism
- Addison's disease
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
- An enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hypertrophy, or BPH)
- Lung disease of any sort
- Seizures or epilepsy
- Any allergies, including allergies to foods, dyes, or preservatives.
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about any other medications you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
What If I Take an Overdose of Endocet?
People who take too much Endocet may have overdose symptoms that could include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Extreme drowsiness, leading to coma
- Cold, clammy skin
- A slow heart rate (bradycardia)
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Cardiac arrest
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sweating
- Liver failure
- Death.
If you happen to overdose on this drug, seek immediate medical attention.
Endocet tablets should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children. Because Endocet is a highly desired drug of abuse, make sure to keep it in a safe place.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
Endocet is often prescribed "as needed," which means you do not need to take a dose if you do not feel pain. If you forget to take a dose and notice significant pain, take your missed dose right away. However, make sure to wait the recommended time before the next dose.
Endocet tablets are available in the following strengths:
- Endocet 5/325 mg -- 5 mg of oxycodone hydrochloride and 325 mg of acetaminophen
- Endocet 7.5/325 mg -- 7.5 mg of oxycodone hydrochloride and 325 mg of acetaminophen
- Endocet 7.5/500 mg -- 7.5 mg of oxycodone hydrochloride and 500 mg of acetaminophen
- Endocet 10/325 mg -- 10 mg of oxycodone hydrochloride and 325 mg of acetaminophen
- Endocet 10/650 mg -- 10 mg of oxycodone hydrochloride and 650 mg of acetaminophen.
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