NEW LOWER PRICES - ACT FAST
Pharmacist (Pharm.D)
/
Courses
/
Pharmacology
/
Opioids
/
Oxycodone

Master Oxycodone with Picmonic for Pharmacy

With Picmonic, facts become pictures. We've taken what the science shows - image mnemonics work - but we've boosted the effectiveness by building and associating memorable characters, interesting audio stories, and built-in quizzing.

DOWNLOAD PDF
Oxycodone

Recommended Picmonics

picmonic thumbnail
Opioids Overview
picmonic thumbnail
Opioid Antidote
picmonic thumbnail
Morphine
picmonic thumbnail
Tramadol
picmonic thumbnail
Codeine

Oxycodone

Oxy-codone-clean
Picmonic
Oxycodone is an opioid receptor agonist indicated for refractory moderate to severe pain. Its side effects include respiratory depression, constipation, and CNS depression. Prior to starting long-term treatment, patients should be counseled on the risk of addiction. In acute overdose situations, naloxone can be used to reverse oxycodone-mediated toxicity.
7 KEY FACTS
MECHANISM OF ACTION
Opioid Receptor Agonist
Poppy-droid Receptor Dragonist

Oxycodone is a moderately strong agonist at opioid receptors. These receptors produce analgesic effects through inhibition of calcium influx in presynaptic nerve terminals. Without intracellular calcium, vesicles containing neurotransmitters cannot release into the synaptic cleft. Additionally, opioid receptor stimulation opens post-synaptic potassium channels resulting in potassium efflux, hyperpolarization, and decreased signal transmission.

INDICATION
Refractory Pain
Reflective Pain-bolts

Oxycodone is indicated for refractory moderate to severe pain. This drug can be used for acute or chronic pain. This drug should be considered when non-opioid pain medications either fail or are deemed insufficient to achieve adequate pain control.

SIDE EFFECTS
Respiratory Depression
Deflated Lungs

Due to oxycodone’s inhibitory effect on the medullary respiratory center, it can cause respiratory depression. This can potentially lead to hypoxia, and patients should be advised not to take more than their prescribed dose. Over time, patients will develop a tolerance to this adverse effect.

Constipation
Corked Con-toilet

Constipation is a commonly experienced side effect of opioid analgesics. Inhibition of neuronal action potentials in the enteric plexuses of the GI tract will slow down intestinal motility, leading to increased water reabsorption, hardening of the stool, and constipation. Patients can be given stool softeners concurrently to ensure regular bowel movements. Patients will not develop a tolerance to this over time.

CNS Depression
Deflated CNS-brain

CNS Depression is a potential side effect of oxycodone, especially at higher doses. The inhibition of nociceptive neuronal firing is not totally specific and may inhibit neurons globally as well. Patients on higher doses can feel sedated and should be advised against operating machinery or vehicles.

CONSIDERATIONS
Addiction
Addict in Attic

Opioids have a high potential for addiction and misuse. Their analgesic and sedating effect may be used to cope with unwanted emotions or situations, thus driving a psychological addiction. Over time, and with repeated exposure, patients may develop a physical dependence on these medications. Upon cessation of the medication, patients may experience hypersensitivity, agitation, anxiety, excessive lacrimation, sweating, piloerection (cold-turkey), and yawning. Patients should be counseled on the potential consequences of this drug before beginning long-term therapy.

Naloxone
Nail-lock

Patients who present with acute opioid toxicity should be administered naloxone. Patients with acute opioid toxicity may present with severe respiratory depression with hypoxia, loss of consciousness, and miosis. Naloxone injection or nasal spray will act immediately to reverse the effects of opioids, sometimes immediately inducing withdrawal symptoms.

DOWNLOAD PDF

Take the Oxycodone Quiz

Picmonic's rapid review multiple-choice quiz allows you to assess your knowledge.

It's worth every penny

Our Story Mnemonics Increase Mastery and Retention

Memorize facts with phonetic mnemonics

Unforgettable characters with concise but impactful videos (2-4 min each)

Memorize facts with phonetic mnemonics

Ace Your Pharmacist (Pharm.D) Classes & Exams with Picmonic:

Over 1,870,000 students use Picmonic’s picture mnemonics to improve knowledge, retention, and exam performance.

Choose the #1 Pharmacist (Pharm.D) student study app.

Picmonic for Pharmacist (Pharm.D) covers information that is relevant to your entire Pharmacist (Pharm.D) education. Whether you’re studying for your classes or getting ready to conquer the PCAT® and NAPLEX® exams, we’re here to help.

Works better than traditional Pharmacist (Pharm.D) flashcards.

Research shows that students who use Picmonic see a 331% improvement in memory retention and a 50% improvement in test scores.