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5 days ago · Oxycodone helps reduce pain by activating opioid receptors in the nervous system, as it is an opioid agonist. Oxycodone can be used as a single-ingredient pain reliever ( Oxycontin, Roxicodone) and is also available in combination with acetaminophen ( Percocet ).
- Senior Editorial Pharmacist
Oxycodone, a semi-synthetic opioid, is a highly selective full agonist of the μ-opioid receptor (MOR). This is the main biological target of the endogenous opioid neuropeptide β-endorphin. Oxycodone has low affinity for the δ-opioid receptor (DOR) and the κ-opioid receptor (KOR), where it is an agonist similarly.
- How it works. Oxycodone is a morphine-like, strong pain-relieving medicine used for the relief of severe pain that is unresponsive to less potent pain-relieving medicines (analgesics).
- Upsides. Effective against moderate-to-severe pain, including cancer-related pain. Longer-lasting (extended-release) tablets are available (brand name OxyContin).
- Downsides. If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, take no other medication or have no other medical conditions, side effects you are more likely to experience include
- Bottom Line. Oxycodone is a potent pain-relieving medicine that should be reserved for mainly cancer-related pain. It carries a high potential for addiction and common side effects include sedation and constipation.
May 24, 2024 · Dosage. Side Effects. Severe. Warnings and Interactions. Prescribed to help manage moderate to severe pain, oxycodone is an opioid analgesic drug. It acts on the central nervous system (CNS) of the brain, essentially suppressing pain signaling and stimulating the body’s own pain managing system.
Oxycodone is used to relieve pain severe enough to require opioid treatment and when other pain medicines did not work well enough or cannot be tolerated. It belongs to the group of medicines called narcotic analgesics (pain medicines).
Oxycodone is in a class of medications called opiate (narcotic) analgesics. It works by changing the way the brain and nervous system respond to pain. Oxycodone is also available in combination with acetaminophen (Oxycet, Percocet, others) and aspirin (Percodan).
Oxycodone has a risk for abuse and addiction, which can lead to overdose and death. Oxycodone may also cause severe, possibly fatal, breathing problems.
