Percocet Dosage

Percocet (acetaminophen and oxycodone) is a medication used to treat moderate to severe pain. It contains the ingredients oxycodone and acetaminophen (paracetamol). Oxycodone is a member of the opiate class of drugs, and paracetamol is a member of the NSAID family. Both have analgesic properties that, when combined, result in a major reduction of pain. The majority of Percocet's ability to alleviate pain, however, is due to the oxycodone. Because of its ability to effectively treat moderate to severe pain, Percocet is often used to treat cancer patients or those with serious injuries. Due to the varying degrees of pain Percocet is used to treat, it is manufactured in a variety of dosages.

Percocet 2.5/325mg

The smallest dosage that Percocet comes in is 2.5 mg of oxycodone and 325 mg of acetaminophen (paracetamol). This dosage is prescribed for moderate pain, such as back injuries. It can also be used to treat more severe pain in those who are sensitive to Percocet's pain relieving effects. Due to the high potential of abuse for Percocet, many doctors will often start at this lower dosage and only increase it if it is absolutely necessary. This dosage has the advantage of posing fewer side effects than higher doses of Percocet. This dosage should be taken at a frequency of one or two tablets every six hours. No more than twelve tablets should be taken in a day.

Percocet 5/325mg

Percocet is also manufactured containing 5 mg of oxycodone and 325 mg of acetaminophen (paracetamol). This is prescribed for moderate to severe pain. It is also prescribed to those who are not feeling effects from lower dosages of Percocet. This dosage of Percocet poses a larger possibility of addiction occurring due to the higher amount of oxycodone present in each tablet. This form of Percocet should be taken every six hours as needed for pain. The amount of tablets should not exceed twelve daily.

Percocet 7.5/325mg, 7.5/500mg

For patients with more severe pain, Percocet is manufactured to contain 7.5 mg of oxycodone and either 325 mg or 500 mg of acetaminophen (paracetamol). This dosage is better at relieving severe pain from conditions like cancer or serious injuries. Percocet 7.5/325 mg has the advantage of not being as hard upon the liver or the gastrointestinal system. Doctors may prescribe this to those who have conditions which prevent them from ingesting large amounts of paracetamol daily.

Percocet 10/325mg, 10/650mg

The largest dosage that Percocet is manufactured at is 10 mg of oxycodone and 325 mg or 650 mg of acetaminophen (paracetamol). This dosage is reserved for those with more severe pain that cannot be treated with lower doses of Percocet. At this high of a dosage of oxycodone, the chance of developing dependency is very much increased. No more than six tablets should be taken daily. At this high of a dosage, side effects such as constipation and drowsiness are more likely to appear. Tablets containing 650 mg of paracetamol also pose a greater chance of causing liver problems or gastrointestinal problems if used for a long-term treatment.