What is Percocet: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Take this medicine as prescribed. 

Do not change the dose or take more than prescribed.

Take each dose every 6 hours.

Swallow Percocet tablets whole with a glass of water.

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature. 

Dispose of unused Percocet tablets by flushing them down a toilet or dropping them off at a drug take-back location.

This medicine is not safe for people with certain conditions.

Do not use this medicine if you have:

Allergies to oxycodone or acetaminophen

Slowed breathing (respiratory depression)

Serous breathing problems such as severe asthma or an active asthma attack

Bowel blockage or narrowing

Tell any doctor or healthcare provider who treats you that you are using this medicine.

Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

Before taking Percocet, tell the prescriber if you have a history of:

• Head injury or brain tumors

• Seizures

• Asthma or breathing problems

• Liver disease

• Kidney disease

• Pancreas problems

• Gallbladder problems

• Thyroid problems

• Urination problems

• Drug or alcohol abuse

Tell the doctor if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.

Also, tell the doctor if you live with small children or with anyone who has a history of drug abuse.

This oxycodone in Percocet can cause severe and life-threatening problems including:

• Respiratory depression (insufficient breathing)

• Dependence

• Abuse

• Withdrawal

• Neonatal withdrawal

• Overdose

• Death

Oxycodone can cause other problems such as:

• Changes in mood and behavior

• Sleep-related breathing problems (including sleep apnea)

• Serotonin syndrome (when used with certain medicines). 

• Mental and mood changes

• Suicidal thoughts

• Constipation or intestinal paralysis

• Liver problems

• Kidney problems

• Adrenal gland problems

• Low blood sugar

• Low blood pressure

• Severe allergic or skin reactions

Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. The doctor will need to slowly decrease the dose before you stop it completely.

This medicine can be habit-forming. Do not use more than your prescribed dose. Call the doctor if the medicine is not working.

This medicine contains acetaminophen. To avoid acetaminophen overdose, do not take other drugs like cold and flu medications that contain acetaminophen except under the advice of a doctor.

Percocet is a federally controlled substance. Giving or selling this drug to anyone else is hazardous and against the law.

Because of the risk of overdose, death, or misuse, keep Percocet securely out of the reach of children and other people.

Some medicines can affect how Percocet works or increase the risk of side effects. Tell your doctor if you are using the following: 

• Medicines that treat mental health issues such as depression or anxiety

• Migraine drugs called triptans

• Birth control pills

• Drugs that make you pee (diuretics)

• Anticholinergic drugs

• Beta blockers

• Drugs that contain acetaminophen

• Carbamazepine, clarithromycin, erythromycin, fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, metaxalone, nefazodone, phenytoin, rifampin, or ritonavir

Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are: 

• Other types of opioids

• Muscle relaxants

• Benzodiazepines

• Sleeping pills

• Antihistamines

• CBD

• Alcohol 

Do not use this medicine if you are using or have used an MAO inhibitor within the past 14 days.

Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice when taking Percocet.