Percocet 5/325mg

Percocet 5/325mg – Entry-Level Opioid Analgesia for Moderate Pain

First-line oxycodone/acetaminophen combination for controlled pain management

Therapeutic Profile

• Oxycodone HCl: 5mg (Schedule II opioid)

• Acetaminophen: 325mg (non-opioid adjunct)

• Duration: 4–6 hours of analgesia

• Onset: 20–30 minutes (oral)

FDA-Approved Indications

✔ Postoperative pain (e.g., wisdom teeth extraction, minor surgery)
✔ Acute musculoskeletal injury (fractures, severe strains)
✔ Breakthrough pain in opioid-tolerant patients
✔ Short-term use (<5 days recommended for acute pain)

Dosing Protocol

• Opioid-Naive Adults: 1 tab q6h PRN (max 4 tabs/24hr)

• Opioid-Tolerant: May require q4h dosing (max 6 tabs/24hr)

• APAP Ceiling: ≤3,250mg daily (chronic use)

• Take With: Food/milk to reduce nausea

Safety-First Formulation

⚠️ Abuse-Deterrent Features:

• Blue oval tablets (imprint “PERCOCET 5/325”)

• Bitter taste when crushed

• Requires prescription hard copy in most states

⚠️ Black Box Warnings:

• Addiction/overdose risk (keep naloxone available)

• Life-threatening respiratory depression

• Neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome

Advantages Over Alternatives

→ More potent than codeine 30mg + APAP
→ Less sedating than hydrocodone 5mg combos
→ Lower APAP load than legacy 5/500 formulations
→ Wider therapeutic index than tramadol

Patient Counseling Essentials

• “Use only for severe pain”

• “Never combine with alcohol/benzodiazepines”

• “Dispose unused tablets via take-back programs”

• “Watch for constipation – use senna+DOSS preventatively”

Prescribing Considerations

▸ First-line for moderate acute pain in adults
▸ Requires:

• PDMP check

• Pain treatment agreement

• Renal/liver function tests (chronic use)

▸ Avoid in:

• COPD/sleep apnea patients

• Those taking CYP3A4 inhibitors

Available Formulations

• Brand: Blue oval tablets (Endo Pharmaceuticals)

• Generics: Multiple manufacturers

• Packaging:
  • 30-count bottles (standard)
  • 10-count hospital unit-dose