Oliceridine Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 4, 2025.

Applies to oliceridine: intravenous solution.

Important warnings This medicine can cause some serious health issues

Intravenous route (solution)

Warning: Addiction, abuse, and misuse; life-threatening respiratory depression; neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome; and risks from concomitant use with benzodiazepines or other CNS depressantsOliceridine exposes patients and other users to the risks of opioid addiction, abuse, and misuse, which can lead to overdose and death.

Assess each patient's risk before prescribing, and monitor all patients regularly for the development of behaviors or conditions.Serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression may occur.

Monitor for respiratory depression, especially during initiation or following a dose increase.Prolonged use of oliceridine during pregnancy can result in neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome, which may be life-threatening if not recognized and treated.

If opioid use is required for a prolonged period in a pregnant woman, advise the patient of the risk of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome and ensure that appropriate treatment will be available.Concomitant use of oliceridine with benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants, including alcohol, may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death.

Reserve concomitant prescribing for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate; limit dosages and durations to the minimum required; and follow patients for signs and symptoms of respiratory depression and sedation.

Serious side effects of oliceridine

Along with its needed effects, oliceridine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking oliceridine:

More common side effects

• confusion
• decreased urine
• dizziness
• dry mouth
• fast or irregular heartbeat
• increased thirst
• loss of appetite
• mood changes
• muscle pain or cramps
• nausea
• numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips
• seizures
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• vomiting

Less common side effects

• blurred vision
• bone pain
• chest tightness
• difficult or labored breathing
• dizziness, fainting, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
• drowsiness
• extremely shallow or slow breathing
• fainting
• fever
• muscle spasms (tetany) or twitching seizures
• numbness and tingling around the mouth, fingertips, or feet
• pale skin
• stomach cramps
• sweating
• trembling
• tremor
• unusual bleeding or bruising

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking oliceridine:

Symptoms of overdose

• bigger, dilated, or enlarged pupils (black part of the eye)
• chest pain or discomfort
• cold and clammy skin
• confusion
• constricted pupils
• coughing that sometimes produces a pink frothy sputum
• increased sensitivity of the eyes to light
• irregular, fast or slow, or shallow breathing
• loss of consciousness
• no muscle tone or movement
• pale or blue lips, fingernails, or skin
• slow heartbeat
• swelling in the legs and ankles

Other side effects of oliceridine

Some side effects of oliceridine may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common side effects

• back pain
• constipation
• feeling of warmth
• headache
• itching, skin rash
• redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest

Less common side effects

• anxiety
• belching
• diarrhea
• heartburn
• indigestion
• muscle spasm
• pale skin, pain, or redness at the injection site
• passing gas
• restlessness
• stomach discomfort, upset, or pain
• trouble sleeping

For healthcare professionals

Applies to oliceridine: intravenous solution.

General adverse events

The most common adverse events were nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headache, constipation, pruritus, and hypoxia.^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Dizziness (35%), somnolence (19%), sedation (14%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Headache^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Common (1% to 10%): Hypoxia, oxygen saturation decreased, cough dyspnea^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Nausea (63%), vomiting (41%), constipation (14%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Flatulence, dry mouth, dyspepsia, diarrhea^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Very common (10% or more): Pruritus (15%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Hyperhidrosis, rash, pruritus generalized^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Common (1% to 10%): Hot flush, tachycardia blood pressure increased, hypotension, flushing^[Ref]

Local

• Common (1% to 10%): Infusion site extravasation^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Anemia^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Common (1% to 10%): Hypokalemia, hypocalcemia, hypophosphatemia, hypomagnesemia^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Very common (10% or more): Back pain (13%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Muscle spasms^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Common (1% to 10%): Anxiety, insomnia, restlessness^[Ref]

Other

• Common (1% to 10%): Pyrexia^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Common (1% to 10%): Alanine aminotransferase increased^[Ref]

Further information

Oliceridine side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer