GasGasGas - The FRCA Primary Exam Podcast GasGasGas - Oxycodone for the FRCA Primary
May 23, 2025
Dive into the world of oxycodone, exploring its pharmacology and clinical relevance. Discover its origins, from wartime use to modern regulations. Learn how oxycodone compares to morphine in potency and administration routes. Unpack its side effects, including the risks of respiratory depression and sedation. Delve into its metabolism and implications in patients with organ failure. Finally, confront the public health impact of opioid use and lessons learned from past pharmaceutical practices.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Early Career Prescribing Memory
- James recalls rarely prescribing oxycodone early in his career and using morphine and codeine instead.
- He notes oxycodone has been around since 1916 and was used widely during WWII.
Marketing Drove Oxycodone Surge
- Purdue Pharma marketed OxyContin as safer which drove widespread prescribing and later addiction issues.
- The company's actions led to massive legal penalties and helped fuel the opioid crisis.
Practical Dosing Guidance
- Dose IV oxycodone at about 1.5–2× potency of morphine; consider 5–7.5 mg IV instead of 10 mg morphine.
- Start oral oxycodone around 5 mg four times daily for adults.