Oxymorphone
/api/v1/drug/oxymorphoneBoxed warning
SERIOUS AND LIFE-THREATENING RISKS FROM USE OF OXYMORPHONE HYDROCHLORIDE TABLETS Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse Because the use of oxymorphone hydrochloride tablets exposes patients and other users to the risks of opioid addiction, abuse, and misuse, which can lead to overdose and death, assess each patient’s risk prior to prescribing and reassess all patients regularly for the development of these behaviors and conditions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]. Life-threatening Respiratory Depression Serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression may occur with use of oxymorphone hydrochloride tablets, especially during initiation or following a dose increase. To reduce the risk of respiratory depression, proper dosing and titration of oxymorphone hydrochloride tablets are essential [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]. Accidental Ingestion Accidental ingestion of even one dose of oxymorphone hydrochloride tablets, especially by children, can result in a fatal overdose of oxymorphone [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]. Risks From Concomitant Use With Benzodiazepines Or Other CNS Depressants Concomitant use of opioids with benzodiazepines or other central nervous system (CNS) depressants, including alcohol, may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death.
Mechanism of action
Sourced from openFDAMechanism-of-action classes: Full Opioid Agonists; Opioid mu-Receptor Agonists.
Indications
Sourced from openFDA- Oxymorphone hydrochloride tablets are indicated for the management of acute pain severe enough to require an opioid analgesic and for which alternative treatments are inadequate. Limitations of Use: Because of the risks of addiction, abuse, misuse, overdose, and death, which can occur at any dosage or duration [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)] , and persist over the course of therapy, reserve opioid analgesics, including oxymorphone hydrochloride tablets for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options are ineffective, not tolerated, or would be otherwise inadequate to provide sufficient management of pain.
Contraindications
Sourced from openFDA- Oxymorphone hydrochloride tablets are contraindicated in patients with: Significant respiratory depression [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)] Acute or severe bronchial asthma in an unmonitored setting or in the absence of resuscitative equipment [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)] Known or suspected gastrointestinal obstruction, including paralytic ileus [see Warnings and Precautions (5.12)] Hypersensitivity to oxymorphone (e.g., anaphylaxis, angioedema) or [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8), Adverse Reactions (6)] Moderate or severe hepatic impairment [see Warnings and Precautions (5.16)]. Significant respiratory depression.contraindicated
Dosage & administration
Sourced from openFDAOxymorphone hydrochloride tablets should be prescribed only by healthcare professionals who are knowledgeable about the use of opioids and how to mitigate the associated risks. (2.1) Use the lowest effective dosage for the shortest duration of time consistent with individual patient treatment goals. Reserve titration to higher doses of oxymorphone hydrochloride tablets for patients in whom lower doses are insufficiently effective and in whom the expected benefits of using a higher dose opioid clearly outweigh the substantial risks. (2.1, 5) Many acute pain conditions (e.g., the pain that occurs with a number of surgical procedures or acute musculoskeletal injuries) require no more than a few days of an opioid analgesic. Clinical guidelines on opioid prescribing for some acute pain conditions are available. (2.1) Initiate the dosing regimen for each patient individually, taking into account the patient’s underlying cause and severity of pain, prior analgesic treatment and response, and risk factors for addiction, abuse, and misuse. (2.1, 5.1) Respiratory depression can occur at any time during opioid therapy, especially when initiating and following dosage increases with oxymorphone hydrochloride tablets. Consider this risk when selecting an initial dose and when making dose adjustments. (2.1, 5.2) Initiate treatment with oxymorphone hydrochloride tablets in a dosing range of 10 mg to 20 mg every four to six hours as needed for pain, at the lowest dose necessary to achieve adequate analgesia.
Warnings & precautions
Sourced from openFDAOpioid-Induced Hyperalgesia and Allodynia : Opioid-Induced Hyperalgesia (OIH) occurs when an opioid analgesic paradoxically causes an increase in pain, or an increase in sensitivity to pain. If OIH is suspected, carefully consider appropriately decreasing the dose of the current opioid analgesic or opioid rotation. (5.6) Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression in Patients with Chronic Pulmonary Disease or in Elderly, Cachectic, or Debilitated Patients : Regularly evaluate, closely, particularly during initiation and titration. (5.2) Anaphylaxis, Angioedema, and Other Hypersensitivity Reactions : If symptoms occur, stop administration immediately, discontinue permanently, and do not rechallenge with any oxymorphone formulation. (5.8) Adrenal Insufficiency : If diagnosed, treat with physiologic replacement of corticosteroids, and wean patient off of the opioid. (5.9) Severe Hypotension : Regularly evaluate during dosage initiation and titration. Avoid use of oxymorphone hydrochloride tablets in patients with circulatory shock. (5.10) Risks of Use in Patients with Increased Intracranial Pressure, Brain Tumors, Head Injury, or Impaired Consciousness : Regularly evaluate for sedation and respiratory depression. Avoid use of oxymorphone hydrochloride tablets in patients with impaired consciousness or coma. (5.11) 5.1 Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse Oxymorphone hydrochloride tablet contains oxymorphone, a Schedule II controlled substance. As an opioid, oxymorphone hydrochloride tablets exposes users to the risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse [see Drug Abuse and Dependence (9)].
Adverse reactions
Sourced from openFDAThe following serious adverse reactions are described, or described in greater detail, in other sections: Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)] Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)] Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)] Interactions with Benzodiazepines and Other CNS Depressants [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)] Opioid-Induced Hyperalgesia and Allodynia [See Warnings and Precautions (5.6)] Anaphylaxis, Angioedema, and Other Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)] Adrenal Insufficiency [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9)] Severe Hypotension [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10)] Gastrointestinal Adverse Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.12)] Seizures [see Warnings and Precautions (5.13)] Withdrawal [see Warnings and Precautions (5.14)] Adverse reactions (≥ 2% of patients): Nausea, pyrexia, somnolence, vomiting, pruritus, headache, dizziness, constipation, and confusion. (6.1) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Camber Pharmaceuticals Inc. at 1-866-495-8330 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Adult Clinical Trial Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.
Use in specific populations
Sourced from openFDAPregnancy : May cause fetal harm. (8.1) 8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Use of opioid analgesics for an extended period of time during pregnancy may cause neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) and Clinical Considerations]. Data from randomized controlled trials with oxymorphone use in pregnant women during labor and delivery have been conducted. However, these studies were not designed to identify a drug-associated risk for major birth defects and miscarriage because oxymorphone exposure occurred after the first trimester. There are reports of respiratory depression in infants in some of these trials [see Clinical Considerations]. In animal reproduction studies, reduced postnatal survival of pups and an increased incidence of stillborn pups were observed following oral treatment of pregnant rats with oxymorphone during gestation and through lactation at doses 2.4 and 12 times the human daily dose of 20 mg/day (HDD), respectively. Reduced fetal weights were observed with oral administration of oxymorphone to pregnant rats and rabbits during organogenesis at exposures up to 4.9 and 48.8 times the HDD, respectively [see Data]. Based on animal data, advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown.
Overdosage
Sourced from openFDAClinical Presentation Acute overdose with oxymorphone hydrochloride tablets can be manifested by respiratory depression, somnolence progressing to stupor or coma, skeletal muscle flaccidity, cold and clammy skin, constricted pupils, and, in some cases, pulmonary edema, bradycardia, hypotension, hypoglycemia, partial or complete airway obstruction, atypical snoring, and death. Marked mydriasis rather than miosis may be seen with hypoxia in overdose situations [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2)]. Toxic leukoencephalopathy has been reported after opioid overdose and can present hours, days, or weeks after apparent recovery from the initial intoxication. Treatment of Overdose In case of overdose, priorities are the reestablishment of a patent and protected airway and institution of assisted or controlled ventilation, if needed. Employ other supportive measures (including oxygen and vasopressors) in the management of circulatory shock and pulmonary edema as indicated. Cardiac arrest or arrhythmias will require advanced life-support measures.
Approval history
Sourced from openFDA- Jun 14, 2010ANDAANDA079087Impax Labs
- Sep 27, 2010ANDAANDA090964Hikma
- Jan 30, 2013ANDAANDA203601Avanthi Inc
- Dec 15, 2014ANDAANDA201187Epic Pharma Llc
- Apr 26, 2016ANDAANDA204459Aurolife Pharma Llc
- Feb 2, 2018ANDAANDA210175Ascent Pharms Inc
FAERS reports
- 1Dependence4,90342%
- 2Death3,32429%
- 3Toxicity To Various Agents2,75924%
- 4Overdose2,31020%
- 5Drug Dependence5835.0%
- 6Drug Abuse5514.8%
- 7Back Pain4323.7%
- 8Drug Withdrawal Syndrome Neonatal3503.0%
- 9Foetal Exposure During Pregnancy3312.9%
- 10Pain3072.6%
- 11Back Injury2432.1%
- 12Intentional Product Misuse2201.9%
- 13Ill-defined Disorder2031.8%
- 14Depression2011.7%
- 15Developmental Delay1741.5%
Literature
Recent PubMed references pinned to Oxymorphone as a MeSH major topic. Citations link to pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.
- Evaluating the reinforcing properties of oxycodone and oxymorphone using intravenous drug self-administration in male rats.Neuropharmacology · 2025 · Rashvand M, Funk D, Fletcher PJ, et al.PMID 40998242DOI 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2025.110698
- Validation studies and multiomics analysis of Zhx2 as a candidate quantitative trait gene underlying brain oxycodone metabolite (oxymorphone) levels and behavior.The Journal of pharmacology and experimental therapeutics · 2025 · Lynch WB, Miracle SA, Goldstein SI, et al.PMID 40215834DOI 10.1016/j.jpet.2025.103557
- Oxymorphone and Oxycodone Pharmacy Purchases in US Counties: Prelude to the Largest Rural Human Immunodeficiency Virus Outbreak in US History.Pharmacoepidemiology and drug safety · 2024 · Delcher C, Smith AL, Romanelli F, et al.PMID 39623517DOI 10.1002/pds.70066
- Exploring the impact of CYP2D6 and UGT2B7 gene-drug interactions, and CYP-mediated DDI on oxycodone and oxymorphone pharmacokinetics using physiologically-based pharmacokinetic modeling and simulation.European journal of pharmaceutical sciences : official journal of the European Federation for Pharmaceutical Sciences · 2024 · Klose M, Cristofoletti R, Silva CM, et al.PMID 38171419DOI 10.1016/j.ejps.2023.106689
- In vivo photopharmacology with light-activated opioid drugs.Neuron · 2023 · McClain SP, Ma X, Johnson DA, et al.PMID 37848025DOI 10.1016/j.neuron.2023.09.017
- Zhx2 Is a Candidate Gene Underlying Oxymorphone Metabolite Brain Concentration Associated with State-Dependent Oxycodone Reward.The Journal of pharmacology and experimental therapeutics · 2022 · Beierle JA, Yao EJ, Goldstein SI, et al.PMID 35688478DOI 10.1124/jpet.122.001217
- Peripheral antinociceptive effects of a bifunctional μ and δ opioid receptor ligand in rat model of inflammatory bladder pain.Neuropharmacology · 2021 · Terashvili M, Talluri B, Palangmonthip W, et al.PMID 34256047DOI 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108701
- Relative potency of intravenous oxymorphone compared to other µ opioid agonists in humans - pilot study outcomes.Psychopharmacology · 2021 · Babalonis S, Comer SD, Jones JD, et al.PMID 34106317DOI 10.1007/s00213-021-05872-1
Clinical trials
The 10 most recently updated of 36 ClinicalTrials.gov registrations naming Oxymorphone as an intervention. Registration is not evidence of efficacy or safety — reference crosswalk only.
- Effectiveness of Percutaneous Neuromodulation vs Pharmacological Treatment in Cancer Patients With Anterior Knee PainWithdrawn · Interventional · 0 enrolled · Universidad Europea de CanariasNCT06240390updated 2026-03-09
- Neurophysiological Effects of Medication Tapering During Treatment With Spinal Cord StimulationRecruiting · Observational · 50 enrolled · Brai²nNCT07413731updated 2026-02-17
- Levorphanol as a Second Line Opioid in Reducing Pain in Patients With CancerTerminated · Early phase 1 · Interventional · 43 enrolled · M.D. Anderson Cancer CenterNCT03579446updated 2025-08-03
- Determining the Effect of Abiraterone on the Metabolism of Oxycodone in Men With Prostate Cancer (the ENABLE Study)Recruiting · Phase 4 · Interventional · 29 enrolled · Deventer ZiekenhuisNCT07001709updated 2025-06-03
- Project 1 Aim 2, Adaptations of the Brain in Chronic Pain With Opioid ExposureActive not recruiting · Phase 2 · Interventional · 60 enrolled · Northwestern UniversityNCT05463367updated 2024-11-27
- Ibuprofen to Decrease Opioid Use and Post-operative Pain Following Unilateral Inguinal HerniorrhaphyTerminated · Phase 3 · Interventional · 18 enrolled · Mike O'Callaghan Military HospitalNCT02929589updated 2024-03-26
- Efficacy and Safety of Oxmorphone Extended Release in Chronic Non-malignant PainCompleted · Phase 3 · Interventional · 160 enrolled · Endo USA Inc., a Keenova Therapeutics CompanyNCT00225797updated 2024-01-02
- Efficacy and Safety of Oxymorphone Immediate Release in Post-surgical Acute PainCompleted · Phase 3 · Interventional · 320 enrolled · Endo USA Inc., a Keenova Therapeutics CompanyNCT00226395updated 2024-01-02
- Efficacy and Safety of Oxymorphone Extended Release in Opioid-Experienced Patients With Chronic Non-Malignant PainCompleted · Phase 3 · Interventional · 120 enrolled · Endo USA Inc., a Keenova Therapeutics CompanyNCT00226421updated 2024-01-02
- A Study to Evaluate the Abuse Potential of Oxymorphone Compared to Other Mu Opioid Agonists.Completed · Phase 2 · Interventional · 16 enrolled · New York State Psychiatric InstituteNCT03389750updated 2023-09-07
Structural analogs
Ranked by 2D fingerprint (Tanimoto) similarity over PubChem structures. Structural proximity only — not a claim of therapeutic equivalence.
Frequently asked questions
- How does Oxymorphone work?
- Mechanism-of-action classes: Full Opioid Agonists; Opioid mu-Receptor Agonists.
- What is Oxymorphone used for?
- According to FDA labeling, Oxymorphone carries indications including: Oxymorphone hydrochloride tablets are indicated for the management of acute pain severe enough to require an opioid analgesic and for which alternative treatments are inadequate. Limitations of Use: Because of the risks of addiction, abuse, misuse, overdose, and death, which can occur at any dosage or duration [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)] , and persist over the course of therapy, reserve opioid analgesics, including oxymorphone hydrochloride tablets for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options are ineffective, not tolerated, or would be otherwise inadequate to provide sufficient management of pain.. This is a reference summary of labeled uses, not medical advice or a treatment recommendation.
- What class of drug is Oxymorphone?
- Oxymorphone is classified as Natural opium alkaloids, Opioid Agonist, Full Opioid Agonists, Opioid mu-Receptor Agonists, Analgesia, Decreased Medullary Respiratory Drive, Decreased Organized Electrical Activity.
- What are the contraindications for Oxymorphone?
- Oxymorphone labeling lists contraindications including: Oxymorphone hydrochloride tablets are contraindicated in patients with: Significant respiratory depression [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)] Acute or severe bronchial asthma in an unmonitored setting or in the absence of resuscitative equipment [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)] Known or suspected gastrointestinal obstruction, including paralytic ileus [see Warnings and Precautions (5.12)] Hypersensitivity to oxymorphone (e.g., anaphylaxis, angioedema) or [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8), Adverse Reactions (6)] Moderate or severe hepatic impairment [see Warnings and Precautions (5.16)]. Significant respiratory depression.. Always consult the full prescribing information and a clinician.
oxymorphone is illustrative MVP content compiled from public sources. pharmacopeia is for educational and informational use only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.