What Is Percodan?
What Percodan is, how it differs from Percocet, what it is used for, and the risks of dependence, addiction, and the aspirin it contains.
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Ponlawat Pitsuwan, Physician and Addiction Medicine Specialist, Phuket Island Rehab.
Percodan is a prescription painkiller that combines two ingredients: oxycodone, a strong opioid, and aspirin, a non-opioid pain reliever and anti-inflammatory. It is used to treat moderate to moderately severe pain. Percodan is often confused with Percocet, but they are different: both contain oxycodone, but Percodan combines it with aspirin, whereas Percocet combines oxycodone with acetaminophen (paracetamol). Because it contains oxycodone, Percodan carries all the risks of opioids, including tolerance, physical dependence, addiction, and dangerous slowed breathing in overdose, especially if combined with alcohol or other sedatives. Because it also contains aspirin, Percodan carries the risks of aspirin, including stomach irritation and bleeding, an increased risk of bleeding generally, and it should not be given to children or teenagers because of the risk of a rare but serious condition called Reye’s syndrome. Percodan should be taken exactly as prescribed, never in larger doses, and not combined with alcohol or other opioid or aspirin-containing products. If you or someone you know is struggling with Percodan or another opioid, help is available, and opioid addiction is treatable.
What is Percodan?
Percodan is a prescription painkiller that combines two different pain-relieving ingredients: oxycodone, a strong opioid, and aspirin, a non-opioid pain reliever that also reduces inflammation and fever. It is used to treat moderate to moderately severe pain, typically for short periods and when milder painkillers are not sufficient. The idea behind combining the two ingredients is that they relieve pain in different ways, so together they can provide effective relief. Oxycodone is the component that makes Percodan a powerful painkiller, acting on opioid receptors in the brain, while aspirin adds its own pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effect. Because it contains a strong opioid, Percodan is a controlled medication that must be prescribed and used carefully, and it carries all the risks associated with opioids, along with additional considerations from its aspirin content.
This article explains what Percodan is, how it differs from the similarly named Percocet, what it is used for, and the risks it carries, including dependence, addiction, and the specific risks of the aspirin it contains. The central message is that Percodan is an effective painkiller when used as prescribed, but that because it contains the opioid oxycodone, it carries a genuine risk of tolerance, dependence, addiction, and dangerous overdose, and because it also contains aspirin, it carries additional risks such as stomach bleeding and, importantly, must not be given to children. Understanding what Percodan is, and distinguishing it from Percocet, helps patients use it safely and appreciate its risks. It is also important to know that opioid dependence and addiction, including to medicines like Percodan, are treatable conditions, and that help is available for anyone struggling.
Percodan versus Percocet
Percodan and Percocet are often confused because their names are so similar and both are oxycodone-based prescription painkillers, but they are not the same medicine, and the difference matters. Both Percodan and Percocet contain oxycodone as their opioid ingredient, so they share the same opioid effects and opioid-related risks. The difference lies in the second, non-opioid ingredient. Percodan combines oxycodone with aspirin, whereas Percocet combines oxycodone with acetaminophen (also known as paracetamol). This distinction is important because aspirin and acetaminophen are different drugs with different effects and different risks. This means that although Percodan and Percocet are similar opioid painkillers, they are not interchangeable, and their non-opioid components carry different safety considerations.
The practical consequences of this difference are significant. Because Percodan contains aspirin, it carries aspirin’s specific risks: it can irritate the stomach and cause stomach bleeding, it increases the risk of bleeding generally (aspirin affects how the blood clots), and it should be avoided in people with certain conditions such as stomach ulcers or bleeding problems, and used cautiously with other medicines that affect bleeding. Crucially, aspirin should not be given to children and teenagers, especially during or after viral illnesses, because of the risk of a rare but serious and potentially fatal condition called Reye’s syndrome, so Percodan is not suitable for children. Percocet, by contrast, contains acetaminophen, whose main specific risk is liver damage if too much is taken. So when distinguishing Percodan from Percocet, the key point is that both deliver oxycodone and its opioid risks, but Percodan adds aspirin (with bleeding and Reye’s syndrome considerations) while Percocet adds acetaminophen (with liver considerations). Knowing which medicine a person is taking, and its particular risks, is important for safe use.
| Feature | Percodan / Percocet |
|---|---|
| Opioid ingredient | Both contain oxycodone |
| Second ingredient | Percodan: aspirin; Percocet: acetaminophen |
| Percodan extra risks | Stomach bleeding, bleeding risk, Reye’s (not for children) |
| Percocet extra risk | Liver damage in high doses (acetaminophen) |
| Shared opioid risks | Tolerance, dependence, addiction, slowed breathing |
| Use | Both treat moderate to moderately severe pain |
The opioid risks of Percodan
Because Percodan contains oxycodone, a strong opioid, it carries all the risks associated with opioids. The most immediately dangerous is respiratory depression: opioids slow breathing, and in high doses, or when Percodan is combined with alcohol, benzodiazepines, sleeping tablets, or other sedatives, breathing can slow to a life-threatening degree, causing overdose and potentially death. This is why Percodan must never be taken in larger doses than prescribed or combined with these substances without medical advice. Over time, Percodan also carries the opioid risks of tolerance (needing more for the same effect), physical dependence (so that stopping after regular use causes withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, restlessness, aches, sweating, stomach upset, and cravings), and addiction (compulsive use despite harm, with loss of control). These risks come from the oxycodone and are the same as for other oxycodone-containing medicines.
Because of these opioid risks, Percodan should be taken exactly as prescribed, at the lowest effective dose for the shortest appropriate time, and should not be stopped abruptly after regular use but reduced gradually under medical guidance. Signs of a developing problem include taking more than prescribed, using it for its effects rather than for pain, being unable to stop, cravings, and continuing despite harm. If these appear, it is important to seek help. It is also important to remember the aspirin component when considering safety: because taking extra Percodan to get more opioid effect also means taking more aspirin, misuse risks aspirin toxicity and bleeding as well as opioid harm, and combining Percodan with other aspirin-containing products can lead to too much aspirin. Signs of an opioid overdose, such as very slow or shallow breathing, extreme drowsiness or inability to wake, pinpoint pupils, and unresponsiveness, are a medical emergency, and the medication naloxone can reverse an opioid overdose if given in time. Understanding these combined risks is essential to using Percodan safely.
Getting help
If a person finds they are taking more Percodan than prescribed, using it for its effects rather than for pain, unable to stop, or experiencing cravings or withdrawal, these may be signs that dependence or addiction is developing, and it is important to seek help. The reassuring message is that opioid dependence and addiction, including to oxycodone-containing medicines like Percodan, are treatable, and effective help is available. Treatment can include a medically supervised, gradual reduction of the drug to manage withdrawal safely, medications used in opioid use disorder treatment such as buprenorphine or methadone where appropriate, counselling and behavioural therapies to address the psychological aspects and any underlying issues (including chronic pain, which can be managed in other ways), and ongoing support for recovery, including for any co-occurring mental health conditions. Stopping opioids should be done with medical guidance rather than abruptly, both for safety and comfort.
Depending on the severity of the problem, help may come from a doctor, specialist services, or a structured treatment program, sometimes residential. For anyone taking Percodan as prescribed for genuine pain, it is worth knowing that using it correctly under medical care is not the same as addiction, and that concerns should be discussed with the prescribing doctor rather than leading to stopping the medication suddenly. The key messages are that Percodan is a prescription painkiller combining the opioid oxycodone with aspirin, that it differs from Percocet (which combines oxycodone with acetaminophen), that it carries both opioid risks (dependence, addiction, and dangerous slowed breathing) and aspirin risks (bleeding, and not for children because of Reye’s syndrome), that it should be taken exactly as prescribed and never combined dangerously, and that if dependence or addiction develops, reaching out for professional help is important and recovery is possible.
Summary
Percodan is a prescription painkiller that combines two ingredients: oxycodone, a strong opioid, and aspirin, a non-opioid pain reliever and anti-inflammatory. It is used to treat moderate to moderately severe pain. Percodan is often confused with Percocet, but they are different: both contain oxycodone, but Percodan combines it with aspirin, whereas Percocet combines oxycodone with acetaminophen (paracetamol). Because it contains oxycodone, Percodan carries all the risks of opioids, including tolerance, physical dependence, addiction, and dangerous slowed breathing in overdose, especially if combined with alcohol or other sedatives. Because it also contains aspirin, Percodan carries the risks of aspirin, including stomach irritation and bleeding, an increased risk of bleeding generally, and it should not be given to children or teenagers because of the risk of a rare but serious condition called Reye’s syndrome. Percodan should be taken exactly as prescribed, never in larger doses, and not combined with alcohol or other opioid or aspirin-containing products. If you or someone you know is struggling with Percodan or another opioid, help is available, and opioid addiction is treatable.
As Dr. Ponlawat Pitsuwan, addiction medicine specialist at Phuket Island Rehab, puts it, “People mix up Percodan and Percocet all the time, and it genuinely matters. Both give you oxycodone, so both carry the full weight of opioid risk, dependence, addiction, and slowed breathing in overdose. But Percodan pairs the oxycodone with aspirin, not acetaminophen, so it brings its own baggage: stomach bleeding, a general bleeding risk, and the reason we never give it to children, Reye’s syndrome. When someone misuses it by taking extra, they are stacking up aspirin harm on top of opioid harm. Take it exactly as prescribed, never with alcohol or sedatives, and if it has become something you cannot stop, please reach out, because opioid addiction is very treatable.”
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Percodan and Percocet?
Percodan and Percocet are both oxycodone-based prescription painkillers, and they are often confused because of their similar names, but they differ in their second ingredient. Both contain oxycodone, a strong opioid, so they share the same opioid effects and risks. The difference is that Percodan combines oxycodone with aspirin, whereas Percocet combines oxycodone with acetaminophen (paracetamol). This matters because aspirin and acetaminophen have different effects and risks. Percodan’s aspirin content brings the risks of aspirin: stomach irritation and bleeding, an increased general risk of bleeding, and the fact that it should not be given to children and teenagers because of the risk of Reye’s syndrome. Percocet’s acetaminophen content brings the main risk of liver damage if too much is taken. So while both medicines deliver oxycodone and its opioid risks, Percodan adds aspirin-related risks and Percocet adds acetaminophen-related risks. Because they are not interchangeable, it is important to know which one you are taking and to be aware of its particular risks, and to take it exactly as prescribed.
What is Percodan used for?
Percodan is used to treat moderate to moderately severe pain. It combines the strong opioid oxycodone with aspirin, and it is typically prescribed for short periods and when milder painkillers are not sufficient to control the pain. The oxycodone provides powerful pain relief by acting on opioid receptors in the brain, while the aspirin adds its own pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effect, so together they relieve pain in two different ways. Because Percodan contains a strong opioid, it is generally intended for pain that genuinely requires an opioid-level painkiller, and, given its risks, it should be used at the lowest effective dose for the shortest appropriate time. It is not intended for mild pain that could be managed with simpler measures, nor for long-term use without careful medical oversight. As with any opioid, Percodan must be prescribed and used carefully. Its aspirin content also means it is unsuitable for certain people, such as children and those with bleeding or stomach problems. So while Percodan is an effective painkiller for the right kind of pain, its use is limited by its opioid and aspirin risks.
Is Percodan addictive?
Yes, Percodan can be addictive, because it contains oxycodone, a strong opioid. Like other opioids, oxycodone carries the risk of tolerance (needing more for the same effect), physical dependence (so that stopping after regular use causes withdrawal), and addiction (compulsive use despite harm, with cravings and loss of control). These risks come from the oxycodone component and are the same as for other oxycodone-containing medicines. The risk of addiction is higher with higher doses, longer use, and misuse, such as taking more than prescribed or using the drug for its effects rather than for pain, but because of how opioids affect the brain, anyone can be affected. Because of these risks, Percodan should be taken exactly as prescribed, at the lowest effective dose for the shortest appropriate time, and not stopped abruptly after regular use. Signs of a developing problem include taking more than prescribed, using it to feel good rather than for pain, being unable to stop, cravings, and continuing despite harm. The encouraging message is that opioid dependence and addiction, including to Percodan, are treatable, so if these signs appear, it is important to seek help, and recovery is possible.
Why should Percodan not be given to children?
Percodan should not be given to children and teenagers mainly because of its aspirin content. Aspirin is linked to a rare but serious and potentially fatal condition called Reye’s syndrome, which can occur in children and teenagers, particularly when they take aspirin during or after a viral illness such as flu or chickenpox. Reye’s syndrome causes swelling in the liver and brain and can be life-threatening, which is why aspirin, and aspirin-containing medicines like Percodan, are generally not recommended for children and teenagers. In addition, Percodan contains the strong opioid oxycodone, and opioids carry particular dangers in children, including the risk of dangerously slowed breathing, so opioid painkillers are used in children only with great caution and specialist oversight. For both of these reasons, the aspirin (Reye’s syndrome risk) and the opioid (breathing risk), Percodan is not suitable for children. Medicines containing aspirin or opioids should be kept safely out of the reach of children, as accidental ingestion can be very dangerous. If a child needs pain relief, a doctor can advise on appropriate and safe options rather than a medicine like Percodan.
What are the dangers of taking too much Percodan?
Taking too much Percodan is dangerous because of both of its ingredients. The oxycodone (opioid) component can cause a life-threatening overdose: opioids slow breathing, and too much can slow it to a dangerous or fatal degree, especially when combined with alcohol, benzodiazepines, or other sedatives. Signs of an opioid overdose include very slow or shallow breathing, extreme drowsiness or inability to wake, pinpoint pupils, and unresponsiveness, and it is a medical emergency; naloxone can reverse an opioid overdose if given in time. The aspirin component adds further danger: taking too much aspirin can cause stomach bleeding and, in large amounts, aspirin poisoning, which can cause symptoms such as ringing in the ears, rapid breathing, confusion, and, in severe cases, serious illness. So misusing Percodan by taking extra doses risks both opioid overdose and aspirin toxicity at the same time, and combining it with other aspirin-containing products can lead to too much aspirin. Because of these combined dangers, Percodan must be taken exactly as prescribed, never in larger doses, and never combined with alcohol, other sedatives, or other aspirin-containing medicines without medical advice. If an overdose is suspected, seek emergency help immediately.
How is addiction to Percodan treated?
Addiction to Percodan is treated in the same way as other opioid addiction, because the addictive component is the opioid oxycodone. Treatment can include a medically supervised, gradual reduction of the drug to manage opioid withdrawal safely and comfortably, rather than stopping abruptly. Medications used in opioid use disorder treatment, such as buprenorphine or methadone, may be used where appropriate to reduce cravings and withdrawal and support recovery. Counselling and behavioural therapies are central, helping a person understand and change the patterns driving their use, manage cravings, and address any underlying issues, including chronic pain that may have led to the medication being used, which can often be managed in other ways. Treatment also provides ongoing support for recovery and addresses any co-occurring mental health conditions. Depending on the severity of the problem, help may come from a doctor, specialist services, or a structured treatment program, sometimes residential. With this comprehensive approach, people do recover from opioid addiction, including to medicines like Percodan. If you or someone you know is struggling with Percodan, seeking professional help is an important step, and recovery is possible.
Sources
National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus). Aspirin and Oxycodone. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682132.html
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). Prescription Opioids. https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/prescription-drugs
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Opioid Medications. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/information-drug-class/opioid-medications
National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus). Reye’s Syndrome. https://medlineplus.gov/reyesyndrome.html
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Opioid Use Disorder. https://www.samhsa.gov/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Prescription Opioids. https://www.cdc.gov/overdose-prevention/
What is Percodan — key entities and related terms
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