OxyContin

OxyContin is a medication approved to treat moderate to severe pain. It is a strong narcotic painkiller that is meant only for continuous, around-the-clock pain control. This medicine comes in the form of extended-release tablets and is available by prescription only. As an opioid pain reliever, the drug produces a number of effects, including pain relief, cough suppression, slowing of the digestive tract, and physical dependence.

What Is OxyContin?

OxyContin® (oxycodone ER) is a long-acting opioid pain reliever. It is a narcotic and a "controlled substance" in the United States. It comes in extended-release tablets and is approved for treating moderate to severe pain.
 
(Click OxyContin Uses for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes This Drug?

OxyContin is made by Purdue Pharma L.P.
 

How Does OxyContin Work?

OxyContin tablets are specially designed to release the medication continuously over a 12-hour period. This medication contains oxycodone, a narcotic, opioid pain reliever. It binds to opioid receptors throughout the body and produces numerous different effects. These effects include (but are not limited to):
 
  • Pain relief
  • Cough suppression
  • Decreased breathing (slow or shallow breathing)
  • Certain changes in the circulatory system
  • Slowing of the digestive tract
  • Release of histamine (which often causes itching)
  • Physical dependence.
     
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
 
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