From the Guidelines
Naloxone tablets should not be used alongside Percocet (oxycodone and acetaminophen) for routine pain management. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist that blocks or reverses the effects of opioids like oxycodone found in Percocet. Taking naloxone tablets with Percocet would counteract the pain-relieving effects of the oxycodone and could potentially trigger withdrawal symptoms in patients who are physically dependent on opioids. According to the CDC clinical practice guideline for prescribing opioids for pain - United States, 2022 1, naloxone is recommended for patients who are at risk of opioid overdose, but it should be used as an emergency medication, not as a regular medication to be taken with prescription opioids.
The guideline emphasizes the importance of minimizing opioid use and maximizing nonopioid pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic therapies as appropriate for the specific condition 1. It also recommends that clinicians work with patients to prevent prolonged opioid use and encourage opioid taper if opioids will be taken around the clock for more than a few days. If you're concerned about opioid safety while taking Percocet, speak with your healthcare provider about proper dosing, potential risks, and whether having emergency naloxone available (separate from your regular medication routine) would be appropriate for your situation.
Key points to consider:
- Naloxone is an opioid antagonist that can reverse the effects of opioids like oxycodone
- Taking naloxone tablets with Percocet can counteract the pain-relieving effects of the oxycodone and trigger withdrawal symptoms
- Naloxone is primarily used as an emergency medication to reverse opioid overdose
- The CDC clinical practice guideline recommends minimizing opioid use and maximizing nonopioid therapies
- Clinicians should work with patients to prevent prolonged opioid use and encourage opioid taper if necessary.
It's essential to follow the guideline's recommendations and consult with a healthcare provider to determine the best course of treatment for managing pain while minimizing the risks associated with opioid use 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Management of respiratory depression may include close observation, supportive measures, and use of opioid antagonists, depending on the patient’s clinical status The answer to whether naloxone tablets can be used alongside Percocet (oxycodone and acetaminophen) is not directly addressed in the provided drug label. However, it does mention the use of opioid antagonists in the management of respiratory depression, which can be a side effect of oxycodone.
- Naloxone is an opioid antagonist.
- The label does not provide information on the concomitant use of naloxone tablets with Percocet. 2
From the Research
Naloxone and Percocet (Oxycodone and Acetaminophen) Usage
- Naloxone is an opioid antagonist used to counteract the effects of an opioid overdose 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
- There is no direct evidence in the provided studies that naloxone tablets can be used alongside Percocet (oxycodone and acetaminophen).
- However, naloxone can be co-prescribed with opioid analgesics, such as Percocet, when factors that increase the risk of overdose are present 7.
- The studies suggest that naloxone is effective in preventing fatal opioid overdoses and is a critical lifesaving overdose antidote 3, 4, 5, 6.
Naloxone Administration and Dosage
- Naloxone dose and route of administration can produce variable intensity of potential adverse reactions and opioid withdrawal symptoms 3.
- Higher doses of naloxone are associated with lower age and more severe withdrawal symptoms in those individuals who are opioid dependent 3, 4.
- The safety profile of naloxone in traditional medical use must be considered in the context of outpatient prescribing, dispensing, and treatment of overdose prior to paramedic arrival 3.
Naloxone Access and Distribution
- Despite extensive efforts to expand access to naloxone, it remains a scarce resource in many US localities 6.
- Opportunities remain to increase the supply of naloxone to at-risk populations, including reducing out-of-pocket costs associated with naloxone 7.
- Promising areas for expansion include the development of more robust telehealth methods for naloxone distribution and working with hospitals, ambulances, and law enforcement to expand naloxone "leave behind" programs 6.