oxycodone — Supplied Nationwide by Omega Chemist
Because it directly targets inflammation, oxycodone is often preferred over paracetamol for swelling-related pain such as sprains, arthritis flare-ups, and dental pain, though it is not appropriate for everyone.
What Is oxycodone?
oxycodone is classified as a Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Blocks cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes to reduce the production of prostaglandins, lowering inflammation, pain, and fever at the site of injury as well as centrally. It is one of the most widely used over-the-counter medications in the United States, available in Tablets, Caplets, Liquid gels, Chewable tablets, and oral suspension formulations to suit different buyers and use cases.
Regulatory & OTC Status
Available over-the-counter throughout the United States under the FDA OTC monograph for internal analgesic/antipyretic/anti-inflammatory drug products, typically in 200 mg OTC-strength tablets and caplets.
Typical Adult Dosing
200-400 mg every 4-6 hours as needed, not to exceed 1,200 mg in 24 hours for OTC use unless directed by a physician. This information is general and educational — always follow the specific instructions on the product packaging, and consult a pharmacist or physician for guidance tailored to your health history, weight, age, and any other medications you take.
Common Uses
- Muscle and joint pain
- Minor arthritis inflammation
- Headache
- Toothache
- Backache
- Menstrual cramps
- Fever reduction
Available Forms
- Tablets
- Caplets
- Liquid gels
- Chewable tablets
- Oral suspension
Brands We Stock
Availability varies by order size and season; confirm current in-stock brands when you request a quote.
Background
oxycodone was developed in the UK in the 1960s and approved for OTC sale in the US in 1984, and it remains one of the most-used NSAIDs worldwide because of its relatively fast onset and broad effectiveness against both pain and inflammation.
Storage Guidelines
Store at room temperature away from moisture and direct heat; liquid gel formulations in particular should be kept away from temperature extremes that can affect the capsule shell.
Possible Interactions
oxycodone can interact with blood thinners (increasing bleeding risk), other NSAIDs (increasing GI and cardiovascular risk without added benefit), certain blood pressure medications, and low-dose aspirin taken for heart protection — timing relative to aspirin matters and should be discussed with a pharmacist.
Side Effects
The most common side effects are stomach upset, heartburn, and nausea; the more serious risks — GI bleeding and cardiovascular events — are dose- and duration-dependent and are why OTC labeling caps both daily dose and, without medical supervision, how many consecutive days it should be used.
Safety Information
NSAIDs carry a boxed warning for increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding/ulceration and cardiovascular events (heart attack or stroke), particularly with long-term use, higher doses, or in people with existing heart or GI conditions.
Who should check with a pharmacist first: People with a history of stomach ulcers or GI bleeding, kidney disease, heart disease, or who are in the third trimester of pregnancy should consult a physician before use.
Sourcing for oxycodone
oxycodone sold by Omega Chemist is finished, manufacturer-packaged product intended for the US retail market — we do not repackage or alter manufacturer packaging. We recommend every buyer confirm labeling and lot information on receipt, and we encourage business buyers to request and independently verify manufacturer documentation as part of their own due diligence.
oxycodone Compared to Other OTC Pain Relievers
Every OTC analgesic has trade-offs. The table below compares oxycodone against the other core products we supply so pharmacies, retailers, and buyers can match the right product to the right use case.
| Attribute | Paracetamol | oxycodone | Naproxen | Maxigesic |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drug class | Analgesic / antipyretic (pain reliever and fever reducer) | Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) | Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), longer-acting | Fixed-dose combination analgesic (paracetamol + oxycodone) |
| Over-the-counter status | Available over-the-counter (OTC) throughout the United States under the FDA OTC monograph for internal analgesic/antipyretic drug products. In the US it is most commonly sold under the generic name acetaminophen. | Available over-the-counter throughout the United States under the FDA OTC monograph for internal analgesic/antipyretic/anti-inflammatory drug products, typically in 200 mg OTC-strength tablets and caplets. | Available over-the-counter throughout the United States under the FDA OTC monograph, typically sold as naproxen sodium 220 mg caplets/tablets. | Maxigesic combines paracetamol and oxycodone in a single dose. The FDA has approved a fixed-dose OTC oxycodone/acetaminophen combination product for the US market, the first of its kind; product availability and exact branding can vary by retailer and formulation, so buyers should confirm current labeling and NDC details before ordering. |
| Typical adult dose | 325-650 mg every 4-6 hours, or 1000 mg every 6-8 hours, not to exceed 4,000 mg in 24 hours from all combined sources unless directed by a physician | 200-400 mg every 4-6 hours as needed, not to exceed 1,200 mg in 24 hours for OTC use unless directed by a physician | 220 mg every 8-12 hours as needed, not to exceed 660 mg in 24 hours for OTC use unless directed by a physician | Follow the specific product label exactly, as strengths vary by formulation (for example 500 mg paracetamol / 150 mg oxycodone per tablet, or 1000 mg / 300 mg per sachet for hot-drink formulations); do not exceed the maximum daily amounts for either active ingredient individually. |
| How it works | Works centrally to reduce pain signaling and reset the body's temperature set-point in the hypothalamus; unlike NSAIDs it has minimal anti-inflammatory effect and is generally gentler on the stomach lining. | Blocks cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes to reduce the production of prostaglandins, lowering inflammation, pain, and fever at the site of injury as well as centrally. | Like oxycodone, naproxen inhibits COX enzymes to reduce prostaglandin production, but its longer half-life allows less frequent dosing for sustained pain and inflammation control. | Combines paracetamol's central pain/fever action with oxycodone's peripheral anti-inflammatory action, giving two complementary mechanisms in a single dose rather than requiring two separate products. |
| Key warning | The primary safety concern is liver (hepatotoxicity) injury from exceeding the maximum daily dose, or from combining multiple products that each contain acetaminophen/paracetamol without realizing it. Consuming alcohol regularly increases this risk. | NSAIDs carry a boxed warning for increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding/ulceration and cardiovascular events (heart attack or stroke), particularly with long-term use, higher doses, or in people with existing heart or GI conditions. | Shares the same NSAID-class boxed warnings for GI bleeding and cardiovascular risk as oxycodone; because each dose lasts longer, it is especially important not to exceed the labeled maximum. | Because it contains both paracetamol and oxycodone, all of the warnings for both ingredients apply together — liver risk from paracetamol overuse and GI/cardiovascular risk from oxycodone. It must never be combined with additional standalone paracetamol or NSAID products. |
Ordering oxycodone from Omega Chemist
Individual buyers, pharmacies, clinics, hospitals, and retailers can order oxycodone through our quote request form. Businesses that need recurring or high-volume supply should apply for a wholesale account, which requires verification of your business and applicable state licensing before approval. We ship to all 50 US states, subject to any state-specific quantity limits — see our state directory for details relevant to your location.
Frequently Asked Questions About oxycodone
Is oxycodone available without a prescription?
Available over-the-counter throughout the United States under the FDA OTC monograph for internal analgesic/antipyretic/anti-inflammatory drug products, typically in 200 mg OTC-strength tablets and caplets.
What is the typical adult dose of oxycodone?
200-400 mg every 4-6 hours as needed, not to exceed 1,200 mg in 24 hours for OTC use unless directed by a physician. Always follow the specific product label and consult a pharmacist with questions.
Who should avoid oxycodone?
People with a history of stomach ulcers or GI bleeding, kidney disease, heart disease, or who are in the third trimester of pregnancy should consult a physician before use.
What is the main safety concern with oxycodone?
NSAIDs carry a boxed warning for increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding/ulceration and cardiovascular events (heart attack or stroke), particularly with long-term use, higher doses, or in people with existing heart or GI conditions.
Can pharmacies and clinics buy oxycodone in bulk from Omega Chemist?
Yes — licensed pharmacies, hospitals, clinics, and retailers can apply for a wholesale account on our Wholesale Supply page for oxycodone.