What Is the K-56 Pink Pill?

The K 56 pink pill is a 10 mg immediate-release tablet of oxycodone hydrochloride. [1] You may recognize it by its most common brand name, Oxycodone. Oxycodone is considered an opioid analgesic.

These pills are pink and imprinted with the letter K on the left side of the pill and the numbers 5 and 6 on the right side. This is where they get the street name K-56 pink pill. Other doses of oxycodone come in other colors, such as:

• White K 18: 5 mg
• Green K 8: 15 mg
• Gray: K 57: 20 mg
• Blue: K 9: 25 mg

There are also extended-release formulations of oxycodone, but they are not as commonly prescribed.

Healthcare providers are instructed to use the lowest dose possible for effective pain management. Higher doses of medications are generally linked to increased risks. However, oxycodone taken at any dose can lead to addiction, even when taken as directed.

What Is Oxycodone?

Oxycodone is an opioid sometimes prescribed for acute and chronic pain. It is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance alongside other drugs such as cocaine, methamphetamine, methadone, and fentanyl. [2] It has a high risk for abuse and both physical and psychological dependence.

Although oxycodone, including the K 56 pink pill, is FDA-approved for pain management, individuals are advised to seek alternative treatment for severe pain to avoid the risk of physical dependence.

What Is The K-56 Pink Pill Used For?

The intended use for the K-56 pink pill is for the management of acute or chronic pain. [3] However, this drug is often abused and used for recreational purposes. Because of the high risk for substance abuse and addiction, healthcare providers are instructed to use great caution when prescribing the K-56 pink pill or other forms of oxycodone.

Medical Use of the K-56 Pink Pill

Healthcare providers may prescribe the 10 mg dose of oxycodone for the management of pain associated with:

• Surgery
• Injury
• Chronic illness

Before accepting a prescription for oxycodone or any other pain medication, tell your doctor if you have a history of alcohol or drug abuse. There are safer alternatives available for pain management.

What Does the K-56 Pink Pill Do?

Like other opioid medications, the K 56 pink oxycodone pill works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain. [4] It then interrupts pain signals from the central nervous system to the brain. Since the brain doesn’t receive the pain message, the person perceives no pain.

When a person takes oxycodone, it begins to work within 10 minutes to half an hour. The effects of the drug can last from 3 to 6 hours. [5]

What Are the Risks of Oxycodone Use?

Oxycodone is considered a dangerous drug, and it’s only prescribed when all other alternatives for effective pain management have been exhausted. [6] You should never take oxycodone without a prescription or for recreational use because the risks are too high and the consequences too severe.

The Risk of Oxycodone Abuse and Addiction: Opioid Use Disorder

Aside from pain relief, the K-56 pink pill, or oxycodone, an opioid, also causes a feeling of euphoria, which is why it is associated with a high risk of addiction. In 2019, there were over 2 million cases of opioid use disorder (OUD) in the United States, and the number continues to rise. [7]

Symptoms of OUD

Opioid use disorder is a type of substance disorder. It’s characterized by the following symptoms: [8]

• Opioid cravings
• Increased tolerance to opioids
• Opioid withdrawal symptoms during detox

If you think you have opioid use disorder, you may benefit from the professional guidance of a mental health or behavioral health provider.

Risks & Complications Associated With OUD

When a person becomes addicted to an opioid like the K 56 pink pill, they face serious risks and complications. Some of these include: [9]

• Opioid withdrawal
• High risk of overdose
• Death

Side Effects of K-56 Pink Pill

Aside from the risk of addiction and dependence, the K 56 pink pill is also associated with several other side effects, some of them serious.

Common Side Effects

Common side effects of oxycodone include: [10]

• Vomiting
• Fatigue
• Drowsiness
• Constipation
• Headache
• Stomach pain
• Dizziness

Serious Side Effects

Serious side effects can also occur when taking the K 56 pink pill. These may include: [11]

• Respiratory problems (i.e., shortness of breath)
• Increased heart rate
• Stiff muscles
• Confusion
• Swelling (e.g., in the face, tongue, or throat)
• Agitation
• Faintness
• Fever
• Chest pain
• Extreme sleepiness

If you or a loved one experiences any severe side effects from taking the K 56 pink pill, contact a healthcare professional right away. In an emergency, such as trouble breathing or an allergic reaction, call 911.

What Do I Need to Know About Oxycodone Overdose?

What Are the Signs of Opioid Overdose?

Opioid overdose is a primary risk of taking the K-56 pink pill, and it can be fatal. It’s crucial to recognize the signs: [12]

• Paleness or clammy skin
• Blue lips or fingernails
• Slow breathing
• Slow heartbeat
• Vomiting
• Gurgling
• Limp body

If you think someone is overdosing on opioids or you see any of the signs listed below, call 911 immediately.

How to Prevent Oxycodone Overdose

The use of oxycodone, including the K 56 pink pill, is linked to a high potential for overdose. The best way to prevent opioid overdose, of course, is to avoid opioid use altogether. Other overdose prevention methods include: [13]

• Avoid mixing opioid drugs with other recreational drugs, alcohol, or sleeping pills.
• Only take medications as prescribed; never increase the dose without talking to your doctor.
• Don’t take other people’s prescribed medications, and don’t give your prescription drugs to anyone else.
• Keep controlled substances out of the reach of children and pets.
• Dispose of any unused prescription medications properly.

How to Treat Oxycodone Overdose

Overdosing on opioids, including oxycodone or the K-56 pink pill, is a medical emergency. Call 911 immediately and start CPR if the person isn’t breathing. If possible, use naloxone or nalmefene to reverse the effects of overdose.

The K-56 Pink Pill Can Be Deadly

People should avoid taking the K-56 pink pill or any other form of oxycodone or opioid drugs if at all possible. Even people who are prescribed this drug for legitimate medical reasons often become dependent, both physically and psychologically.

The risk of opioid addiction, abuse, and potential overdose is even higher in people who have a personal or family history of substance misuse. If you are experiencing severe or chronic pain, ask your doctor about other treatment options.