Oxymorphone
Oxymorphone is a potent opioid analgesic used to manage severe pain that requires continuous treatment with an opioid. It works by binding to specific receptors in the brain and nervous system to reduce the perception of pain. This medication is typically prescribed when other pain relievers have not provided adequate relief.
A powerful prescription opioid used to treat severe pain by binding to opioid receptors in the nervous system.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- N02AA11
- RxNorm
- 7814
- Generic
- Oxymorphone
- Class
- atc-n02
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 10mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- not recommended
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- N/A
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 5mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
7 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid
avoid use near delivery due to risk of neonatal respiratory depression
continuous fetal monitoring and neonatal assessment for withdrawal symptoms
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedingdiscontinue or avoid
do not breastfeed during oxymorphone treatment
monitor infant for excessive drowsiness and respiratory depression
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderlyreduce initial dose by 50%
use lowest effective dose, start with 1.5mg extended-release, monitor closely for adverse effects
regular assessment of respiratory status, cognition, and fall risk
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children under 18not recommended
safety and efficacy not established in pediatric patients; avoid use
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
renal_impairment
severe renal impairmentreduce dose by 50% and increase dosing interval
use with caution in patients with CrCl less than 30 mL/min; consider alternative analgesics
monitor renal function and opioid toxicity signs
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severe hepatic impairmentavoid use
contraindicated in severe hepatic impairment due to extensive first-pass metabolism
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
Original FDA approval for extended-release formulation
Drug class
Classification as a Schedule II controlled substance opioid analgesic
Common uses
Indicated for management of severe pain requiring continuous opioid analgesia
Relative potency
Oxymorphone is approximately 7-10 times more potent than morphine on a milligram basis
Management of severe pain requiring continuous opioid treatment, including pain from surgery, cancer, or severe injuries when other analgesics are insufficient.
Binds to mu-opioid receptors in the central nervous system, blocking pain signals and altering the body's perception of and response to pain.
Schedule II controlled substance with high potential for dependence, addiction, and respiratory depression. Use exactly as prescribed; do not crush or break tablets. Avoid alcohol and CNS depressants. May cause drowsiness; do not drive until known.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy