Oxycodone: Dosage Forms, 12.5 mg Strength, and Safe Use (Educational Overview)

Oxycodone is a prescription opioid analgesic used to manage moderate to severe pain when other treatments are insufficient. It is available in immediate-release (IR) and extended-release (ER) formulations, and dosing must be individualized by a licensed healthcare professional.

For opioid-naïve adults, IR oxycodone commonly begins at 5–15 mg every 4–6 hours as needed, with careful titration based on pain control and side effects. Extended-release oxycodone is intended for around-the-clock pain management and is typically initiated at 10 mg every 12 hours, with gradual dose adjustments. In some formulations and regions, a 12.5 mg ER strength may be prescribed as an intermediate step during titration or conversion, depending on clinical judgment and product availability.

Dose reductions are often required for older adults, and for patients with kidney or liver impairment, or those taking interacting medications. ER tablets must not be crushed, chewed, or altered, as this can cause dangerous overdose. Common side effects include constipation, nausea, dizziness, and drowsiness; serious risks include respiratory depression and dependence.

Always follow the prescriber’s instructions and discuss non-opioid or multimodal pain-management options with a healthcare provider.