Roxicet

Roxicet is a type of narcotic primarily used for relieving moderate to moderately severe pain. This prescription medication is a combination of two medications: oxycodone hydrochloride and acetaminophen. Roxicet is a commonly abused drug and is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance, which means there are special laws controlling its sale and use. Common side effects seen with this drug include constipation, drowsiness, and nausea.

 

What Is Roxicet?

Roxicet™ (oxycodone/APAP) is a prescription medication approved to treat moderate to moderately severe pain. It comes as tablets, caplets (capsule-shaped tablets), and oral solution (liquid). As a narcotic, Roxicet is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance. This means that special laws and regulations control its sale and use. Schedule II controlled substances have the highest abuse potential of all legal prescription medications.
 
(Click Roxicet Uses for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes It?

This medication is made by Roxane Laboratories, Inc.
 

How Does It Work?

Roxicet contains two different medications: acetaminophen and oxycodone hydrochloride. These medications work together to help relieve pain. Oxycodone is a narcotic, opioid pain reliever that is chemically related to codeine. Oxycodone is effective at decreasing pain and relieving coughing, but it also causes drowsiness and decreased breathing.
 
Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and fever reducer commonly found in non-prescription medications, such as Tylenol®. "APAP" is an acronym for one of the chemical names of acetaminophen. Adding acetaminophen to oxycodone makes both medications more effective at relieving pain and may limit the abuse potential of Roxicet (as the maximum dose is typically limited by the acetaminophen content).
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;