Oxycodone
OxyContin is a brand-name extended-release formulation of the opioid analgesic oxycodone, designed to provide long-lasting pain relief for patients requiring continuous around-the-clock opioid therapy. It is specifically indicated for the management of severe pain that cannot be adequately controlled with alternative treatments.
OxyContin is a long-acting opioid pain medication used for severe pain requiring continuous treatment.
Key facts at a glance
- RxNorm
- 218986
- Generic
- Oxycontin
- Class
- brand-name
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- —
- 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.
Management of severe pain requiring around-the-clock opioid treatment when other pain management options are inadequate. Typically prescribed for cancer pain, severe back pain, or pain from major surgeries when immediate-release opioids have proven insufficient.
Oxycodone is a full mu-opioid receptor agonist that binds to opioid receptors in the central nervous system and other tissues. This binding produces analgesia by altering the perception of pain and the emotional response to it, while also causing respiratory depression and euphoria.
OxyContin carries a high risk of addiction, abuse, and misuse, which can lead to overdose and death. It should not be used for as-needed pain relief. Patients must follow dosing instructions exactly—breaking, crushing, or chewing the tablets can release all the drug at once, leading to potentially fatal overdose. Common side effects include constipation, nausea, somnolence, and respiratory depression. Combining opioids with benzodiazepines or alcohol significantly increases the risk of life-threatening respiratory depression.
Official drug label
WellAlly may earn a referral fee from linked resources at no extra cost to you. Editorial content is never influenced by commercial relationships.
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 July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy