Oxycodone and its extended release version belong to the narcotic family of opioids. Closely related to codeine and hydrocodone, extreme care must be exercised in prescribing oxycodone in combination with muscle relaxants, sleeping pills, anxiety medications and other pain relievers. Surprisingly even the antibiotics erythromycin and clarithromycin or the stomach acid reducer Tagamet generically available as cimetidine may increase the risk of complications. Almost everyone taking this drug suffers from dreadful constipation. Chronic use to combat pain appears inappropriate.