Oxycodone

Pronounced ox-i-KOE-done

Brand names: OxyContin, Roxicodone

Type: Opioid pain reliever · All Pain Relief & Fever Medicines

What Oxycodone is used for

  • Moderate to severe pain
  • Severe cancer and end-of-life pain, on specialist care

◆ Kidney note

Dose is lowered and effects last longer when kidney function is reduced.

Common side effects

  • Constipation
  • Nausea
  • Drowsiness
  • Dizziness
  • Itching

Important cautions

  • Can cause dangerous slowed breathing, especially combined with alcohol, sleeping medicines, or anxiety medicines
  • Can be habit-forming — extended-release tablets must be swallowed whole, never crushed or chewed
  • Unused tablets should be disposed of through a take-back program, as even leftover amounts are dangerous to children

How it comes

Tablets, extended-release tablets, capsules, liquid. This guide lists forms only — it never lists strengths or doses.

Related medicines — Pain Relief & Fever Medicines

Please note: This page is a patient-education summary, not medical advice, and it deliberately contains no doses. Medicines affect everyone differently — always follow your own prescription and talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting, stopping or changing any medicine.