Can an Oxycodone tablet aspiration cause pneumonia?

Question

Hi doctor,

I accidentally swallowed an Oxycodone tablet, and I think I may have inhaled it. Should I call EMS or leave work to go to the ER? I am breathing fine, but I am experiencing some muscle pain from coughing. I am worried about the possibility of developing pneumonia from inhaling a substance.

Please help me.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I am deeply concerned about your worries.

If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should call EMS (emergency medical system) immediately:

Trouble breathing.
Wheezing or high-pitched breathing.
Severe chest tightness.
Turning blue.
Inability to speak full sentences.
Drooling.
Sensation of something stuck in your throat.

It is reassuring that you have indicated you are breathing fine. If a 30 mg Oxycodone tablet actually entered your airway, you would typically experience sudden, violent coughing, ongoing coughing that does not subside, chest pain on one side, and persistent wheezing.

Aspiration, however, can sometimes result in chemical pneumonitis (inflammation) or aspiration pneumonia (an infection that may develop 24 to 72 hours later).

With your current medications and health status, I would suggest caution. If you are breathing normally, do not have an ongoing choking sensation, have no persistent wheezing, and do not have a fever, you do not necessarily need emergency care right now.

I do, however, highly recommend that you leave work and go to urgent care today for evaluation. They might do a lung exam, maybe a chest X-ray, and monitor your oxygen levels.

It is better to check now than to deal with pneumonia later. Please go to the emergency care immediately if you develop any of the following symptoms: shortness of breath, fever, worsening chest pain, persistent cough, or drowsiness or difficulty staying awake (especially while taking Oxycodone and Lorazepam).

I hope this helps address your query. Kindly revert with the answers.

Thank you.