Patient was educated on contraindications for using Oxycontin as follows:
- Oxycontin must be avoided or used cautiously in individuals allergic to other opioid analgesics, such as Hydrocodone, Morphine, and Codeine.
- Oxycontin slows down the bowel movements heavily and leads to constipation. Oxycontin must be avoided or used with extreme caution in chronically constipated patients, as they are at increased risk for episodes of ileus and intestinal obstruction with Oxycontin.
- Oxycontin produces an intense feeling of drowsiness and dizziness, as a side effect to modifying the pain perception of brain. Patients can also experience hallucinations and mood changes due to Oxycontin use. Oxycontin must be avoided or used with extreme caution in individuals taking antidepressants and other psychotropic medications that have the potential to induce hallucinations and mood changes.
- Oxycontin is mainly metabolized by the liver. Individuals with history of compromised liver function cannot metabolize Oxycontin and this can lead to increased blood levels of Oxycontin for longer duration, leading to toxicity. Oxycontin should be avoided or used with extreme caution in such individuals.
- Oxycontin should be avoided in individuals with history of drug and alcohol addiction. Do not take alcohol with Oxycontin, as this can lead to severe depression of the respiratory center in the brain, respiratory arrest, and coma. Though Oxycontin individually does not cause much damage to the liver, combining Oxycontin with alcohol can increase the chance for liver injury.
