Oxycodone
Oxycodone is a potent opioid analgesic used to manage moderate to severe pain when other treatments are insufficient. It works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and nervous system to reduce pain perception. This medication is typically prescribed for acute pain following surgery or injury, or for chronic pain conditions requiring around-the-clock opioid therapy.
Oxycodone is a strong prescription opioid pain medication used to treat moderate to severe pain.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- N02AA05
- RxNorm
- 7804
- Generic
- Oxycodone
- Class
- atc-n02
- Brands
- Primlev, Oxaydo, Xtampza, Roxybond, Nalocet, Endocet, Oxycontin, Roxicodone, Prolate, Percocet
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet, capsule, solution
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
8 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use unless benefits significantly outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring and growth assessment
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid completely
do not use - risk of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome
neonatal monitoring for withdrawal symptoms
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedingavoid
do not breastfeed during oxycodone treatment - passes into breast milk
monitor infant for sedation and respiratory depression
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderlyreduce dose by 25-50%
start at lowest effective dose, monitor closely for sedation and respiratory depression
regular assessment of pain control and adverse effects
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children under 18not recommended
not approved for use in patients under 18 years of age
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
renal_impairment
severereduce dose by 50%
use with caution, extend dosing interval, monitor for accumulation
regular renal function monitoring and drug level assessment if available
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
moderate to severereduce dose by 50%
use with extreme caution, monitor for increased opioid effect
regular liver function tests and pain/sedation assessment
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly prescribed since
General prescribing information
Drug class
Drug class information
Common uses
Common therapeutic uses
Controlled substance schedule
Federal legal classification
Treatment of moderate to severe pain requiring opioid analgesia, including acute pain (post-surgical, trauma, fractures) and chronic pain conditions when other non-opioid therapies are inadequate or contraindicated. May also be used for cancer-related pain and severe pain unresponsive to other analgesics.
Oxycodone is a semi-synthetic opioid agonist that binds primarily to mu-opioid receptors in the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral tissues. This binding inhibits ascending pain pathways, altering the perception of and response to pain while producing effects such as sedation and respiratory depression.
High risk of dependence, tolerance, and addiction with prolonged use. Respiratory depression can occur and may be fatal in overdose. Must not be combined with alcohol, benzodiazepines, or other CNS depressants due to increased risk of severe adverse effects. Use during pregnancy may cause neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome. Schedule II controlled substance with strict prescribing regulations.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy