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oxycodone
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oxycodone
oxycodone The semisynthetic opioid oxycodone is widely prescribed for pain relief.

oxycodone

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Also known as: OxyContin, Oxyfast, Percolone
Written by
Kara Rogers
Kara Rogers is the senior editor of biomedical sciences at Encyclopædia Britannica, where she oversees a range of content from medicine and genetics to microorganisms. She joined Britannica in 2006 and...
Kara Rogers
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The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors.
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Last Updated: • Article History

oxycodone, semisynthetic drug with potent pain-relieving effects that is derived from thebaine, an alkaloid that occurs naturally in the opium poppy (Papaver somniferum). Oxycodone was synthesized from thebaine in 1916 and was first used clinically the following year. Today it is prescribed for moderate to severe pain and is sold under various brand names, including OxyContin, Percolone, and Oxyfast. A widely prescribed drug known as Percocet contains oxycodone in combination with acetaminophen. Oxycodone produces pain-relieving effects by binding to and stimulating opioid receptors in the central nervous system. This action, which inhibits the neural relay of pain signals from affected ...(100 of 399 words)

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