Oxycodone

Oxycodone is a very powerful and potentially addictive opioid analgesic medication synthesized from thebaine. It is similar to codeine, but is more potent and has a higher dependence potential.

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It is effective orally and is marketed in combination with aspirin (Percodan, Endodan, Roxiprin) or acetaminophen (Percocet, Endocet, Roxicet) for the relief of pain. It is also sold in a sustained-release form by Purdue Pharma under the trade name OxyContin and an instant-release form OxyIR and OxyNorm. OxyContin is available in 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg, and 80 mg tablets, and, due to its sustained-release mechanism, is effective for eight to twelve hours. (The 160 mg formulation was discontinued in May 2001). In the United States, oxycodone is a Schedule II controlled substance both as a single agent and in combination products containing acetaminophen or aspirin.

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Opioid: An opioid is any agent that binds to opioid receptors found principally in the central nervous system and gastrointestinal tract. There are four broad classes of opioids: endogenous opioid peptides, produced in the body; opium alkaloids, such as morphine (the prototypical opioid) and codeine; semi-s...

Analgesic: An analgesic (colloquially known as painkiller) is any member of the diverse group of drugs used to relieve pain and to achieve analgesia (literally, "absence of pain"). Analgesic drugs act in various ways on the peripheral and central nervous system; they include paracetamol (acetaminophen), the no...

Medication: A medication is a licenced drug taken to cure or reduce symptoms of an illness or medical condition....