How to Identify Pill Markings With a Watson 749

Each Watson Pharmaceuticals tablet bearing the inscription "Watson 749" contains 325 mg of acetaminophen and 5 mg of oxycodone hydrochloride. This prescription medication, intended for oral administration, combines the narcotic oxycodone and non-narcotic acetaminophen to relieve moderate to severe pain. Brand names for this medication include Percocet, Endocet and Narvox.

Oxycodone

• Oxycodone is a semisynthetic pure opioid agonist (a drug that bonds to cell receptors to trigger a response) whose chief curative actions are analgesia, pain relief and calming. When combined with the less potent pain reliever acetaminophen, the oxycodone effects are enhanced. Oxycodone may be habit forming and can cause both mental and reactive impairment.

Usage and Side Effects

• Oxycodone products are typically prescribed to manage postoperative pain, trauma or severe injuries. Possible side effects include drowsiness, depression, confusion and euphoric feelings. Because of oxycodone's potency, products containing this narcotic may cause addiction if used longer than two to three weeks.

Orange Book Rating

• Oxycodone and acetaminophen combinations carry an AA Orange Book Rating. According to the Federal Drug Administration, this rating signifies that the rate and extent of absorption of the test drug submitted by the manufacturer does not significantly differ from that of the approved drug.