Palliative Care · Strong opioid
Oxycodone
Dose
Immediate-release 2.5–5 mg PO 4-hourly PRN in opioid-naive; conversion oral morphine : oral oxycodone ≈ 2 : 1.
Use
Moderate-severe cancer pain; alternative when morphine poorly tolerated or in renal impairment.
Monitoring
Pain score, sedation, RR, bowel function — always co-prescribe a laxative.
Side effects
- • Constipation
- • Nausea
- • Drowsiness
- • Respiratory depression in overdose
Always confirm dose against your local formulary / BNF before prescribing.
