NR 293 RUA

NR 293 RUA

Student Name

Chamberlain University

NR-293: Pharmacology for Nursing Practice

Prof. Name

Date

Medication Teaching Plan: Xtampza ER Oxycodone

Introduction

This medication teaching plan highlights Xtampza ER (oxycodone extended-release), a narcotic analgesic commonly used for the management of moderate to severe pain. Oxycodone exerts its effects by binding to opioid receptors within the central nervous system (CNS). This binding process alters both the patient’s perception of pain and their emotional response to painful stimuli, while also producing generalized CNS depression (Vallerand, Sanoski, & Quiring, 2019).

The primary therapeutic goal of oxycodone is pain reduction and improvement of patient comfort. Although it is generally prescribed for adults, pediatric patients may also receive oxycodone at carefully adjusted doses ranging from 0.05–0.15 mg/kg every 4–6 hours as needed (Vallerand, Sanoski, & Quiring, 2019).

This teaching resource aims to provide patients and families with essential knowledge regarding Xtampza ER, including:

• Drug classification

• Mechanism of action

• Dosage and administration

• Potential drug interactions

• Laboratory considerations

• Adverse effects and toxicity

• Special considerations

• Patient assessments and education strategies

Patient Education

Educating patients is vital to ensure safe and effective use of Xtampza ER. Lack of understanding about dosage, timing, and administration can result in serious complications. The most important teaching point relates to the medication’s high risk for abuse and dependency.

Patients should be informed that:

• Oxycodone has a known potential for misuse.

• Medication should be stored securely, out of reach of children and away from individuals who may attempt to misuse it.

• The drug should never be shared with others, even if they have similar symptoms.

• Pregnant patients should avoid oxycodone use, as it may cause fetal harm (Collegium Pharmaceutical, Inc., n.d.).

In addition to storage and misuse prevention, patients should be counseled about possible side effects, how to recognize them, and when to seek medical attention.

Administration and Dosage Guidelines

Population	Recommended Dosage	Frequency	Special Notes
Adults	Dose individualized based on pain severity	Every 12 hours (extended-release)	Do not crush or chew capsules
Pediatrics	0.05–0.15 mg/kg	Every 4–6 hours as needed	Only under physician supervision
Older Adults	Lower initial doses recommended	Individualized	Monitor closely for respiratory depression

Potential Drug Interactions

Drug/Category	Interaction Effect	Clinical Implication
Alcohol or CNS depressants	Enhanced CNS depression	Increased risk of sedation, respiratory depression
Benzodiazepines	Additive sedative effect	Increased overdose risk
CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., clarithromycin)	Increased oxycodone levels	Higher risk of toxicity
CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampin)	Decreased oxycodone levels	Reduced therapeutic effect

Adverse Effects and Toxicity

Common Side Effects	Serious Adverse Effects
Constipation	Respiratory depression
Drowsiness	Severe hypotension
Nausea/vomiting	Dependence or addiction
Dizziness	Overdose toxicity (coma, death)

Patients should be instructed to report severe dizziness, breathing difficulties, or signs of overdose immediately.

Special Considerations

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: May cause harm to the fetus and neonatal withdrawal syndrome.

• Older adults: Increased sensitivity; higher risk of falls and respiratory depression.

• Liver or kidney impairment: Requires dosage adjustment.

• Risk of tolerance and dependence: Patients must use the medication only as prescribed.

Patient Assessment

Before prescribing and during treatment, nurses and providers should evaluate:

• Pain level and characteristics (location, severity, duration).

• Respiratory status (rate, rhythm, oxygen saturation).

• Mental status changes (alertness, sedation).

• Signs of misuse or dependency.

Conclusion

This educational brochure is designed to provide a clear and accessible overview of Xtampza ER oxycodone. By informing patients about proper usage, storage, potential side effects, and safety precautions, healthcare providers can support safe medication practices and minimize risks. Empowering patients with this knowledge contributes to improved treatment outcomes and decreases the likelihood of medication misuse or harm.

References

Collegium Pharmaceutical, Inc. (n.d.). XTAMPZA ER- oxycodone capsule, extended release. U.S. National Library of Medicine. Retrieved from https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/fda/fdaDrugXsl.cfm?setid=b0a5ded2-8ee2-49ca-a86c-2b28ae40f60c

NR 293 RUA

Vallerand, A. H., Sanoski, C. A., & Quiring, C. (2019). Davis’s drug guide for nurses. F. A. Davis Company.