The 10/325 white oval pill is a prescription opioid analgesic combining 10 mg of oxycodone hydrochloride and 325 mg of acetaminophen, commonly used to manage moderate to severe pain.
Identification and Appearance
This pill is typically white, oval or oblong in shape, with “10 325” imprinted on one side and a manufacturer’s code like “M523” or “RP” on the other. Variations exist from manufacturers such as Rhodes Pharmaceuticals (RP 10 325, roundish oval) or Mallinckrodt (M523, capsule-shaped, about 16 mm long). It is a Schedule II controlled substance due to its high potential for abuse and dependence.
Active Ingredients and Mechanism
Oxycodone, a semi-synthetic opioid, binds to mu-opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord to block pain signals and alter pain perception. Acetaminophen enhances this effect while reducing fever and providing non-opioid pain relief, though its exact mechanism remains partially unclear.
The combination, akin to brand-name Percocet (or generics like Nalocet), targets acute pain from surgery, injury, or chronic conditions unresponsive to non-opioid therapies.
Medical Uses
Prescribed for short-term relief of moderate to severe pain, such as post-operative discomfort or cancer-related pain when alternatives fail.
Available strengths include 2.5/325 mg, 5/325 mg, 7.5/325 mg, and 10/325 mg tablets, plus oral solutions. Doctors tailor dosing—often 1 tablet every 6 hours as needed, not exceeding 6 per day for the 10/325 strength—to minimize risks.
Dosage and Administration
Take orally with water, with or without food; swallowing whole prevents rapid release. Dosage depends on pain severity, patient age, liver/kidney function, and opioid tolerance—starting low for opioid-naive patients.
Do not crush, chew, or dissolve; abrupt cessation after prolonged use risks withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, sweating, and insomnia.
Side Effects
Common effects include drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, constipation, and itching. Serious risks involve respiratory depression (slow/shallow breathing), especially at high doses or with alcohol/benzodiazepines. Acetaminophen overdose (>4,000 mg daily) can cause liver failure; oxycodone risks addiction, overdose (pinpoint pupils, coma), and serotonin syndrome if combined with certain antidepressants.
Risks and Warnings
High abuse potential leads to addiction; misuse (e.g., snorting, injecting) heightens overdose risk. Long-term use may cause tolerance, hyperalgesia, hormonal changes, and neonatal withdrawal if used during pregnancy.
Contraindicated in severe respiratory issues, acute asthma, or paralytic ileus; caution with elderly patients due to fall risk. Counterfeit versions mimic legitimate pills but contain fentanyl, amplifying dangers.
Drug Interactions
Avoid with MAO inhibitors (within 14 days), alcohol, sedatives, or other CNS depressants, risking profound sedation. Acetaminophen interacts with warfarin (bleeding risk) and isoniazid (liver toxicity). Inform providers of all medications, including herbs like St. John’s wort.
Storage and Disposal
Store at room temperature (68–77°F), away from moisture, heat, children, and pets. Dispose via drug take-back programs or mix with cat litter and seal in bags—never flush unless specified.
Overdose and Emergency
Symptoms include extreme drowsiness, slow breathing, cold/clammy skin, and loss of consciousness. Call 911 immediately; naloxone reverses opioid effects temporarily. Liver damage from acetaminophen requires urgent antidotal treatment (N-acetylcysteine).
Alternatives and Safe
Use Tips Non-opioid options like ibuprofen, physical therapy, or nerve blocks suit milder pain. Track intake with apps, adhere to prescriptions, and discuss tapering with providers. Regular monitoring prevents dependency; report unused pills for safe disposal.