OxyContin ( oxycodone )

OxyContin is the brand name for the time-release formula of oxycodone, a narcotic analgesic for moderate to severe pain. It is used to treat terminally ill cancer patients and chronic pain sufferers as well as relieving postpartum, postoperative and dental pain. OxyContin comes in liquid and tablet forms taken every 6 hours. Long-acting tablets are available to take every 12 hours.

Oxycodone is an opium derivative and is the active ingredient in Percodan and Percocet. Oxycodone binds to the pain receptors in the brain so that the sensation of pain is reduced. Since oxycodone can be habit forming, care must be taken to follow the doctor's instructions when taking OxyContin. Do not take a larger dose, or take it more frequently, or take it for longer than the doctor has prescribed. Since its FDA approval in 1995, the illegal use of OxyContin as increased significantly, and the recent OxyContin-related deaths have attracted media attention, thereby illuminating the problem.