Identifying an unfamiliar pill safely is important. Medications are designed for specific medical conditions and individual patient needs, making proper identification paramount for safety. This article provides information about a pill marked “M523,” helping to understand its properties and considerations for its use.
Identifying the M523 Pill
The imprint “M523” is found on a prescription medication containing acetaminophen and oxycodone hydrochloride. This pill is white and oval or capsule-shaped. One side bears the “M523” imprint, while the other side indicates the dosage strength, such as “10/325”. The “M” signifies Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals, the manufacturer.
This medication is available in several dosage strengths. These include 5 mg oxycodone with 325 mg acetaminophen, 7.5 mg oxycodone with 325 mg acetaminophen, and 10 mg oxycodone with 325 mg acetaminophen.
What is M523 Used For?
The M523 pill, combining oxycodone and acetaminophen, is prescribed for moderate to severe pain. Oxycodone, an opioid analgesic, works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and central nervous system. This alters how the body perceives and responds to pain signals.
Acetaminophen, a non-opioid pain reliever, complements oxycodone by inhibiting chemicals in the brain responsible for transmitting pain signals. This dual mechanism provides comprehensive pain management. Healthcare providers prescribe this medication for various pain conditions, including post-surgical pain, pain from injuries, and chronic pain such as severe arthritis or cancer-related pain.
Important Safety Information
Taking the M523 pill involves safety considerations. Common side effects include nausea, constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, dry mouth, and itching. These effects subside as the body adjusts.
Serious concerns include slowed or shallow breathing (respiratory depression). Acetaminophen can cause liver damage, especially with excessive amounts or if other acetaminophen products are used. The medication carries risks of addiction, physical dependence, and withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly.
Accidental ingestion, particularly by children, can result in a fatal oxycodone overdose. Prolonged use during pregnancy can lead to neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome. Other serious effects include severe skin reactions and increased pain sensitivity.
The M523 pill can interact with other substances. Combining it with central nervous system depressants like alcohol, benzodiazepines, muscle relaxants, or sleep medications can cause profound sedation, severe respiratory depression, coma, or death. Avoid taking other acetaminophen-containing products to prevent exceeding the daily limit (generally 4,000 mg for adults, lower for those with liver conditions). Grapefruit juice can increase oxycodone levels. Individuals taking other serotonin-affecting medications, such as certain antidepressants, should be aware of potential serotonin syndrome.
The M523 pill should not be used by individuals with significant respiratory depression, acute or severe bronchial asthma, gastrointestinal obstruction (like paralytic ileus), or a known hypersensitivity to oxycodone or acetaminophen. Overdose signs include pinpoint pupils, bluish lips and fingernails, unresponsiveness, confusion, profound drowsiness, cold and clammy skin, or seizures. If an overdose is suspected, immediate medical attention is necessary; naloxone can help reverse the effects.
Proper Handling and Storage
The M523 pill should be taken as prescribed by a healthcare professional. Do not take more than the directed dose. If a dose is missed, do not take extra doses to compensate.
Store this medication securely, out of sight and reach of children and pets, ideally in its original container. Keep it at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.
Disposing of unused or expired medication, especially opioids, requires care. The safest method is through drug take-back programs or authorized collection sites. If these are not available, mix the medication with an undesirable substance like dirt, cat litter, or used coffee grounds, place it in a sealed plastic bag, and discard it in household trash. For certain opioids, if other disposal methods are not feasible, the FDA may recommend flushing them to prevent accidental ingestion. Never share this medication, as it is prescribed for specific individual needs and poses serious risks to others.