Oxycodone, first developed almost a century ago, is a powerful opioid analgesic with serious addictive potential. While considered an excellent drug for managing moderately severe chronic or acute pain, the danger of abuse, dependence, and severe withdrawal symptoms necessitate carefully controlled prescription and oversight. Oxycodone is available in the United States in timed release form (OxyContin), combined with aspiring (Percodan), combined with acetaminophen (Percocet), and in various other formulations. It is also available in generic brands.

