Percodan
Percodan is a potent opioid painkiller used to treat moderately severe to
severe acute (short-term) pain. Percodan was first marketed by DuPont Pharmaceuticals
and prescribed in the United States in 1950. At one time one of the most widely
prescribed painkillers, Percodan has largely been replaced by safer alternatives.
Percodan is a combination of oxycodone and aspirin. Oxycodone is a semisynthetic
narcotic with strong analgesic properties. Like any narcotic, it is potentially
addicting and is chemically different from heroin and opium only in structure
and duration. The oxycodone component is 14-hydroxydihydrocodeinone, a white
odorless crystalline powder which is derived from the opium alkaloid, thebaine.
About Percodan
Each Percodan tablet contains the following active ingredients: 4.5 mg of
oxycodone hydrochloride, 0.38 mg of oxycodone terephthalate, and 325 mg of
aspirin. Each tablet also contains the following inactive ingredients: FD&C
Yellow 10, FD&C Yellow 6, microcrystalline cellulose and starch. The oxycodone
component in Percodan is technically 14-hydroxydihydrocodeinone, a white odorless,
crystalline powder which is synthesized from the opium alkaloid thebaine. Thebaine
by itself has no therapeutic value. Oxycodone is metabolized into oxymorphone.
Unlike morphine and like codeine, oxycodone has a good oral potency. Prior
to the introduction of acetaminophen (Tylenol), Percodan was the mainstay in
post-operative oral pain treatment due to the potency and long half-life of
oxycodone. Percodan originally contained a small amount of caffeine.
Percodan Addiction
Percodan is very addicting. It activates the brain’s reward systems.
The promise of reward is very intense, causing the individual to crave Percodan
and to focus his or her activities around taking the drug. The ability of addictive
drugs to strongly activate brain reward mechanisms and their ability to chemically
alter the normal functioning of these systems can produce an addiction. Percodan
also reduce a person’s level of consciousness, harming the ability to
think or be fully aware of present surroundings.
Percodan Side Effects
an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling
of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
slow, weak breathing;
seizures;
cold, clammy skin;
severe weakness or dizziness;
unconsciousness;
yellowing of the skin or eyes;
unusual fatigue;
bleeding or bruising; or
black, bloody, or tarry stools or blood in the urine or vomit.
constipation;
dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, or decreased appetite;
dizziness, tiredness, or lightheadedness;
muscle twitches;
sweating;
itching;
decreased urination;
decreased sex drive; or
ringing in the ears.
Percodan Overdose
Symptoms of a Percodan overdose include slow breathing, seizures, dizziness,
weakness, loss of consciousness, coma, confusion, tiredness, cold and clammy
skin, small pupils, ringing in your ears, nausea, vomiting, and sweating.