Oxycodone: uses, side effects and safety
Oxycodone (OxyContin, Oxycodone Extended-Release) is a opioid analgesic. It is a US Schedule II controlled substance. It is prescription only (rx) and remains on the US market.
What is Oxycodone?
Oxycodone is the generic name for OxyContin, Oxycodone Extended-Release, and belongs to the Opioid analgesic class.
| Generic name | Oxycodone HCl (extended-release tablet) |
|---|---|
| Brand name(s) | OxyContin, Oxycodone Extended-Release |
| Drug class | Opioid analgesic |
| US legal status | US Schedule II ยท Prescription only (Rx) |
| Route | Oral |
| Prescription required | Yes |
How does Oxycodone work?
Oxycodone is a full opioid agonist and is relatively selective for the mu receptor, although it can bind to other opioid receptors at higher doses. The principal therapeutic action is analgesia..
Common side effects of Oxycodone
These are the side effects people report most often. Many diminish after the body adjusts, usually within one to two weeks.
- constipation
- nausea
- somnolence
- dizziness
- vomiting
- pruritus
- headache
- dry mouth
- asthenia
- sweating
Serious side effects and warning signs
Seek emergency care for any of these
- respiratory depression
- addiction/abuse/misuse
- neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome
- overdose
Suspected overdose or a bad reaction should be reported to Poison Control on 1-800-222-1222. That is staffed around the clock and is free.
Legal status of Oxycodone
Oxycodone is a Schedule II controlled substance in the United States. That placement is set out in Title 21 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 1308, and enforced by the Drug Enforcement Administration. It carries restrictions on prescribing, storage, record-keeping and transfer.
Statutory reference: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=bfdfe235-d717-4855-a3c8-a13d26dadede.
Can you get Oxycodone without a prescription?
Short answer: no. Oxycodone is a prescription medication. Sites advertising it without one are either operating illegally or selling something other than what they claim. We explain the legal routes, the counterfeit problem and how to check a source in detail.
Read the full answer: Oxycodone without a prescription →
Related medications
Propoxyphene
Narcotic (opioid) analgesic combination productMedication information page.
Read more →Frequently asked questions
What is Oxycodone used for?
See the approved uses section below.
What schedule is Oxycodone in the United States?
Oxycodone is a Schedule II controlled substance in the US, listed at 21 CFR Part 1308. Schedule II means the drug has a defined potential for abuse and is subject to federal record-keeping, storage and prescribing restrictions.
What are the common side effects of Oxycodone?
The most frequently reported side effects are constipation, nausea, somnolence, dizziness, vomiting, pruritus. Many lessen over the first week or two of treatment.
Sources & references
Important
This site provides educational information only and does not sell, prescribe or dispense medications. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider. This page is not medical advice.