Longtec tablets is a brand name for oxycodone hydrochloride prolonged-release tablets, a strong opioid painkiller. It’s designed for moderate to severe pain that requires long-term management, such as chronic pain from cancer, severe arthritis, or post-surgical recovery. Unlike immediate-release oxycodone (e.g., OxyNorm), Longtec releases the drug slowly over 12 hours, providing extended relief.

Informazioni chiave (based on official UK product information from the Summary of Product Characteristics, SmPC, via medicines.org.uk and EMA data):

• Principio Attivo: Oxycodone HCl (equivalent to 5mg, 10mg, 15mg, 20mg, 30mg, 40mg, 60mg, 80mg, or 120mg oxycodone base per tablet).
• Manufacturer: Mundipharma (commonly prescribed in the UK, Ireland, and parts of Europe).
• Modulo: Film-coated, prolonged-release tablets (do not crush or chew—doing so can cause overdose).
• Dosaggio: Typically starts at 10mg every 12 hours for opioid-naïve patients; titrated based on pain control. Maximum daily dose is usually 400mg, but varies by patient.
• How it Works: Binds to mu-opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, altering pain perception.

Evidence and Effectiveness:

• Supported by clinical trials (e.g., WHO analgesic ladder studies and meta-analyses in The Lancet e Cochrane Reviews). Oxycodone is as effective as morphine for chronic pain, with studies showing ~50-70% pain reduction in responsive patients (e.g., PORTAL trial, 2017).
• Superior for some due to less histamine release (fewer itch/sedation side effects vs. morphine).

Effetti Collaterali Comuni (from SmPC and NHS data):

Avvertenze e Rischi:

• High Addiction Potential: Schedule 2 controlled drug (UK Misuse of Drugs Act). Risk of dependence with long-term use—NICE guidelines recommend regular review and tapering.
• Il Rischio Di Overdose: Symptoms include coma, respiratory arrest. Naloxone reverses it (per BNF).
• Controindicazioni: Acute respiratory depression, paralytic ileus, severe liver/kidney issues.
• Interazioni: Avoid with alcohol, benzodiazepines, MAOIs (increases sedation/respiratory risk—FDA black box warning equivalent).
• Pregnancy/Breastfeeding: Category C; use only if benefits outweigh risks (neonatal withdrawal possible).

Usage Guidelines (NHS/BNF Recommendations):

1. Swallow whole with water, every 12 hours.
2. Do not stop abruptly—taper to avoid withdrawal (flu-like symptoms, anxiety).
3. Monitor for tolerance (needing higher doses).

Disponibilità: Prescription-only. Not over-the-counter. In the UK, costs ~£1-5 per tablet via NHS (generic oxycodone cheaper).

Fonti:

• electronic Medicines Compendium (emc) – Longtec SmPC
• British National Formulary (BNF), NICE guidelines on opioids.
• PubMed studies (e.g., “Oxycodone for cancer pain” meta-analysis, 2020).

Importante: This is general information, not medical advice. Consult a doctor or pharmacist for personalized guidance, especially if you have health conditions or take other meds. If you’re experiencing pain or side effects, seek professional help immediately. For emergencies (e.g., overdose), call 999 (UK) or equivalent.