Drug trade name- Endocet
Category- Analgesic
Generic name- Acetaminophen and Oxycodone
Introduction and Quick Information about Endocet:
Endocet is a combination of oxycodone and acetaminophen. Oxycodone is included in the class of drugs known as narcotic pain relievers. It is chemically connected with codeine. Oxycodone is very effective in minimizing the pain, but also leads to decreased breathing and drowsiness. On the other hand, Acetaminophen is a less-powerful pain reliever but it can boost the effects of oxycodone. Your doctor may recommend Endocet to relieve severe to moderate pain.
Being a narcotic, this medication is categorized as a Schedule II controlled substance that means special regulations and laws control its use and sale.
Is Endocet Approved by FDA?
Yes, the U.S FDA (Food and Drug Administration) had approved Endocet for the treatment of severe to moderate pain.
Usage and Benefits of Endocet:
Endocet (APAP / oxycodone) is actually prescription drug licensed to treat moderate to severe pain. Sometimes, Endocet can be taken to treat chronic pain, migraines, or certain other sorts of long-term or recurring conditions which result in pain. However, it is generally used to relieve short-term pain like pain caused because of an injury, dental procedure or a surgery. It is often used inappropriately, as it includes oxycodone, which is one of the most common narcotic medications.
Endocet can prove to be quite helpful in relieving a wide variety of pain such as headaches, chronic pain, migraines, toothaches, backaches, and muscular or joint pains. This medication works on the body’s pain receptors to alter the way they sense pain and in lowering the temperature of body in case there is fever.
The ingredient oxycodone is actually a semi-synthetic opioid, which can act on the CNS (central nervous system), thereby providing relief to the pain. Other Endocet effects include euphoria, anxiety relief and relaxation.
Narcotic analgesics like Endocet have the ability to relieve pain with some smaller dosages than the usual analgesics. However, it is believed that the drug dependency with Endocet can occur and people may require the medicine in greater amounts.
The acetaminophen present in the Endocet can help to minimize the probability of dependency on this medication by limiting the maximum daily dose. Acetaminophen increases the effect of oxycodone.
Side Effects of Endocet:
The majority of the drugs involve side effects along with the uses and benefits. Some possible Endocet side effects are:
- Abdominal or stomach pain
- black, tarry stools
- chills
- dark urine
- Dizziness
- itching
- light-colored stools
- loss of appetite
- nausea
- rash
- unpleasant breath odor
- unusual tiredness or weakness
- yellow eyes or skin
The moment you encounter these side effects, just seek medical assistance as soon as possible. These side effects may be fatal. So don’t let them aggravate your present health condition.
General Recommended Dosages of Endocet:
Take Endocet in the exact amount as it is prescribed by your medical practitioner. Never take this medication in extra amounts or for more than the prescribed one. Try to follow all the directions carefully and properly.
One Endocet pill might include around 650 mg of acetaminophen. You should always know the quantity of acetaminophen in that particular product you are using.
Drink around six-eight glasses of water on the regular basis to prevent constipation while you are using this drug. Don’t use a stool softener or any laxative without consulting your physician first.
If you require undergoing any sort of operation or surgery, inform your surgeon that you are taking Endocet. He may ask you to stop taking the drug for a short time.
Maintain a record of the amount of this medication used from every new bottle. Oxycodone is actually a drug which can be used for abuse and hence, you need to pay a little bit of attention if anyone is using Endocet without prescription or improperly.
Don’t stop its use suddenly or else, you will have to experience the withdrawal symptoms.
Endocet includes acetaminophen. It is quite essential to limit the overall dosage of acetaminophen to 4000 mg (4 grams) a day or less. To remain safe, you need to avoid all the other acetaminophen products while you are using Endocet. The Endocet’s acetaminophen content is 325 mg, 650 mg, or 500 mg, depending upon the strength and one’s condition.
In case I Miss my Dose?
Most of the people have to face the missed dose consequences maybe because of their lack of attentiveness or by mistake. Well, you have to be careful about your dosage schedule and the time at which you need to take your medicine. However, in case you have skipped your dosage, then you can take that as soon as you remember. Just skip the missed one if it is the time to take the next scheduled dose. Never take the double dose or dose more than prescribed.
In case I Take Overdose?
Overdose symptoms of Endocet may be life-threatening. Some of these symptoms include pinpoint pupils, blue lips, weak pulse, weakness, extreme drowsiness, shallow breathing, slow heart rate, coma, clammy and cold skin, muscle fainting, or no breathing, etc. The time you encounter any of these discussed symptoms, just call your doctor.
Drug Interactions of Endocet:
Drug interaction is one of the most important aspects, which determine the safety of any drug. For example, if you are wise enough to inform your doctor about all the drugs you take, then you will, of course, enjoy the positive benefits of your medication and that too without waiting for long.
Allergy or cold medicine, sleeping pills, seizure medication, narcotic pain medicine, antidepressants or muscle relaxants can add to sleepiness occurred due to oxycodone. Inform your healthcare provider if you are using any of these other medicines while you are taking Endocet.
Inform your doctor about all the drugs you take such as:
- mepenzolate (Cantil);
- glycopyrrolate (Robinul);
- benztropine (Cogentin), atropine (Donnatal), methscopolamine (Pamine), dimenhydrinate (Dramamine), or scopolamine (Transderm-Scop)
- urinary or bladder medications like flavoxate (Urispas), darifenacin (Enablex), oxybutynin (Oxytrol, Ditropan), solifenacin (Vesicare) or tolterodine (Detrol)
- a bronchodilator like tiotropium (Spiriva) or ipratropium (Atrovent)
- irritable bowel medications like dicyclomine (Bentyl), propantheline (Pro-Banthine) or hyoscyamine (Cystospaz, Anaspaz, Levsin, etc)
Some other drugs might also interact. So inform your doctor about all the medications you take including mineral and vitamin supplements and products.
Lifestyle and Food Habits you must Follow when on Endocet:
Lifestyle is something, which can make the action and functioning of your drugs more efficient. Healthy lifestyle not just improves the efficacy of your drug but also enhances your physical condition. If you really want to remain on the healthy track, then just cut down some perilous habits such as excess smoking and drinking alcohol. Alcohol not only minimizes the Endocet effects but also leads to some adverse effects.
Inform your doctor in advance if you have:
- asthma, sleep apnea, COPD, or any other breathing problem
- kidney or liver disease
- history of brain tumor or head injury
- epilepsy or any other seizure disorder
- low blood pressure
- a intestinal, stomach, or pancreas disorder
- underactive thyroid
- urination problems, enlarged prostate
- mental illness
- curvature of the spine
- history of alcohol addiction or drug
Don’t use Endocet in case you are allergic towards oxycodone or acetaminophen.
Inform your healthcare provider if you are in a habit of drinking more than three alcoholic drinks even day or if you have had a history of alcoholic liver disease (cirrhosis).
Just play your part of informing your doctor about everything you are facing or having. After that, your physician will play his role of giving you the prescribed and most effective medicine.
How Safe is Endocet for Pregnant Women or Nursing Mothers?
It falls in US FDA pregnancy category: C that means use only if the benefit justifies the risk. So, follow the instructions given by doctor.
Complications and Conditions Possible due to Prolonged use of Endocet:
Endocet is an effectual pain medication. Since this drug is a narcotic, you might face some unwanted withdrawal symptoms in case you stop using it too quickly (especially if you are using it for long). Endocet withdrawal symptoms can be a bit unpleasant and uncomfortable. Hence, it is advisable to consult the doctor always before quitting the use of any drug properly.
Availability of the Endocet:
Endocet is available on the doctor’s prescription only and it is not OTC (Over-The -Counter) drug.
