The M523 pill is a combination medication that contains oxycodone and acetaminophen. This medication is used to treat moderate to severe pain. The opioid content of M523 means that regular use often leads to tolerance, dependence, and addiction. This medication also poses a high risk of overdose.
Read on to learn more about the M523 pill, including its uses, side effects, and interactions. You can also discover how to get compassionate and effective opioid addiction treatment.

What Is the M523 Pill?
The M523 white oval pill contains two main ingredients:
Acetaminophen (325mg): This is a common pain reliever and fever reducer. It’s often found in over-the-counter medications.
Oxycodone hydrochloride (10mg): This is a strong opioid pain medication. It helps relieve moderate to severe pain.
The M523 imprint helps you and healthcare providers identify the pill easily.
● M: The letter M stands for Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals, the company that makes the pill.
● 523: The number 523 is a unique identifier for this specific medication. It helps pharmacists and doctors know exactly which drug it is.
Note: the pill is sometimes identified as M523 10/325. The last two numbers express the dosage of acetaminophen and oxycodone in the M523 pill.
What Does the M523 Pill Look Like?
The M523 pill is a small, white, oval-shaped tablet. One side has the imprint M523, while the other side has a line that helps you break the pill in half if needed. Knowing what the M523 oval pill looks like and what it contains helps you use it safely and effectively to manage pain.
Common Uses of M523 Pills
The M523 pill is a mix of oxycodone and acetaminophen. It’s used to help manage pain in different situations. Here are some common reasons doctors prescribe it:
Pain management
The main use of the M523 pill is to help with moderate to severe pain. It can be given for pain from injuries, surgeries, dental work, or chronic conditions like arthritis or cancer.
Post-surgical pain relief
After surgery, people often have a lot of pain. The M523 pill can help reduce this pain and make recovery more comfortable.
Chronic pain conditions
For people with chronic pain that other medicines can’t control, the M523 pill might be prescribed. It can help improve their quality of life.
Traumatic injuries
Injuries like fractures, dislocations, or bad sprains can cause pain. The M523 pill can help manage this pain during the healing process.
Dental pain
Severe dental pain can happen after procedures like tooth extractions or root canals. The M523 pill can help relieve this pain.
Cancer pain
Cancer and its treatments can cause significant pain. The M523 pill can help manage pain from the disease, surgeries, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy.
Use the M523 pill only as your doctor tells you. Misusing it can lead to serious problems like addiction, overdose, or even death. Always follow your doctor’s instructions and talk to them if you have any concerns or side effects.
Dosages for M523 Pills
The M523 pill is a generic version of acetaminophen and oxycodone hydrochloride, commonly known by the brand name Percocet. It helps relieve moderate to severe pain. Here’s what you need to know:
There are three variants of the M523 pill:
1) Acetaminophen 325mg / Oxycodone 5mg (M523 5/325)
● Appearance: White, round pill with M523 on one side.
● Typical dosage: One tablet every 4 to 6 hours for pain.
● Maximum dosage: No more than 12 tablets in 24 hours to avoid acetaminophen toxicity.
2) Acetaminophen 325mg / Oxycodone 7.5mg (M523 7.5/325)
● Appearance: White, round pill with M523 on one side.
● Typical dosage: One tablet every 4 to 6 hours for pain.
● Maximum dosage: No more than 8 tablets in 24 hours because of the acetaminophen content.
3) Acetaminophen 325mg / Oxycodone 10mg (M523 10/325)
● Appearance: White, round pill with M523 on one side.
● Typical dosage: One tablet every 4 to 6 hours for pain.
● Maximum dosage: No more than 6 tablets in 24 hours to prevent acetaminophen toxicity.
Dosage guidelines
● Starting dosage: Begin with the lowest dose that helps and increase as needed.
● How to take: Swallow the pill with or without food. Taking it with food can help reduce nausea.
● Adjustments: Dosages might need to be changed for people with kidney or liver problems. Close monitoring is necessary.
● Caution: Be careful if you have a history of substance use disorders because oxycodone can be addictive. Always follow your doctor’s instructions when taking the M523 pill to ensure safe and effective pain relief.
How Does the M523 Pill Interact with Your Body?
The M523 pill is a combination of two medicines: oxycodone and acetaminophen. Each component works in a different way to help relieve pain.
Oxycodone
● Pain relief: Oxycodone is an opioid, which means it works by changing the way your brain and central nervous system respond to pain. When you take oxycodone, it binds to specific receptors in your brain called opioid receptors. This helps to reduce the feeling of pain and can also make you feel relaxed or even sleepy.
● Side effects: Because it affects your brain, oxycodone can have side effects like drowsiness, dizziness, and even trouble breathing if taken in large amounts. It can also be addictive if not used as prescribed by your doctor.
Acetaminophen
● Pain and fever relief: Acetaminophen helps to reduce pain and fever. It works by blocking certain chemicals in your brain that cause pain and fever. This helps to lower the feeling of pain and reduce fever.
● Safety: Acetaminophen is generally safe when taken as directed but taking too much can harm your liver. This is why it’s essential not to exceed the recommended dose.
How they work together
● Combined effect: When oxycodone and acetaminophen are combined in the M523 pill, they work together to provide stronger pain relief than either would alone. Oxycodone targets the pain through your brain and central nervous system, while acetaminophen reduces the pain and helps with fever.
● Balanced relief: This combination allows for effective pain management with potentially lower doses of oxycodone, which can help reduce the risk of side effects and addiction.
Always take the M523 pill exactly as your doctor tells you. This helps to manage pain safely and effectively. Be aware of how your body reacts to the medication and report any unusual side effects to your doctor. Do not drink alcohol while taking the M523 pill, as it can increase the risk of serious side effects.
Duration of M523 Oval Pill
Both painkillers in M523 pills have a similar duration of action:
● Oxycodone: Pain relief usually lasts around 4 to 6 hours.
● Acetaminophen: Its effects typically last about 4 to 6 hours as well, but sometimes shorter.
How Long Does the M523 Pill Stay In Your System?
The M523 pill stays in your system for different amounts of time depending on various factors such as age, liver function, and other medications you might be taking.
Onset of action
The painkillers in this medication both start working rapidly:
● Oxycodone: Typically starts working in about 10 to 20 minutes after taking it by mouth.
● Acetaminophen: Usually begins to relieve pain within 30 minutes.
Different tests can be used to detect substances like M523, including urine, blood, and hair tests.
Urine detection
● Oxycodone: Can be found in urine for about 2 to 4 days after taking it.
● Acetaminophen: Not usually tested for in standard urine drug tests.
Blood detection
● Oxycodone: Generally detectable in blood for up to 24 hours after use.
● Acetaminophen: Rarely tested for in blood since it’s not included in standard drug tests.
Hair detection
● Oxycodone: Hair tests can detect drug use for a few months up to several months, depending on hair length. These tests are less common for opioids but have a longer detection window.
Remember, these are general guidelines. How long the M523 pill stays in your system can vary based on individual factors. Always use this medication as directed by your doctor and talk to them if you have any questions or concerns about its effects or how long it stays in your body.
Risks Associated With the M523 Oxycodone Hydrochloride
While this medication can be safe and effective when used as directed, misusing M523 is associated with a range of adverse outcomes.
Negative Side-Effects of Taking an M523 Pill?
The M523 pill, like any medication, can cause side effects – talk to your doctor if you experience any of these. Here are some potential side effects of the M523 pill:
Possibility of Addiction
Using the M523 pill for a long time can lead to dependence and addiction. Use this medication exactly as your doctor prescribes. Do not increase your dose or take it more frequently without your doctor’s approval. If you feel you are becoming dependent on the medication, seek help immediately.
M523 Overdose
Taking too much of the M523 pill can be very dangerous. Signs of an overdose include trouble breathing, small pupils, extreme drowsiness, and loss of consciousness. If you think someone has overdosed, call 911 right away.
Interactions With Alcohol & Substances
Mixing the M523 pill with alcohol or other drugs can be very harmful. Alcohol can make the side effects of the pill worse and increase the risk of overdose. Always tell your doctor about all the medicines and substances you use.
What Is Opiate Addiction?
Opiate addiction is a serious condition where a person becomes unable to stop using drugs like the M523 pill, even if they want to. This happens because opiates, including oxycodone in the M523 pill, change how the brain works. When someone uses opiates, they may start to need more and more of the drug to feel the same effects, a condition known as tolerance.
Here are some key signs of opiate addiction:
- Strong urges to use the drug
- Feeling sick, anxious, or in pain when not using the drug
- Using more of the drug than intended or for longer than planned
- Ignoring work, school, or family duties because of drug use
- Using the drug even when it causes problems in life
Opiate addiction can affect anyone, and it often starts with a prescription for pain relief. Over time, the person may start taking more of the drug or using it in ways not prescribed, leading to addiction. This addiction can cause many physical and emotional problems, making it hard to stop without help.
Opiate Addiction Treatment
Treatment for opiate addiction includes medications and talk therapy. Doctors can give medications to help with cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Therapy helps people learn new ways to handle stress and avoid drugs.
Does Insurance Cover Opiate Rehab?
Yes, many insurance plans cover rehab for opiate addiction. Check with your insurance provider to understand what treatments are covered and if there are any costs you need to pay.
Common Insurance Plans for Addiction Treatment
Some common insurance plans that may cover addiction treatment include:
- Medicaid
- Medicare
- Private insurance plans like Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, and UnitedHealthcare
Always check with your insurance company to make sure your treatment is covered.

Get Compassionate Addiction Treatment at Gratitude Lodge
Do you need compassionate and effective addiction treatment for yourself or a loved one? If so, reach out to Gratitude Lodge in Southern California. We have welcoming, pet-friendly rehabs in Newport Beach and Long Beach where you can move beyond addiction to opioids like M523.
Stopping opioids suddenly can be dangerous. Begin your recovery the right way with medical detox at one of our luxury rehabs by the beach. Medical experts can prescribe medications approved to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. After about one week of detox, you can move into ongoing treatment.
Inpatient treatment for opioid addiction provides an immersive and trigger-free setting where you can focus on your recovery. All addictions are unique, so all Gratitude Lodge treatment programs offer personalized therapies, such as:
● MAT (medication-assisted treatment)
● Talk therapy
● Motivational therapy
● Family therapy
● Group therapy
● Counseling
● Holistic treatments
● Aftercare
For effective opioid addiction treatment, call our recovery experts today at 800-994-214.