OxycodoneandOxyContin(oxycodone hydrochloride) are both prescription opioid painkillers.
The main difference between OxyContin and oxycodone is how they are released into the body.
OxyContin is a controlled-released medication that allows active ingredients to enter the body slowly for a long-lasting effect.
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Oxycodone is a quick-release medication, so the active ingredients put in your body at once.
This article describes the similarities, differences, effectiveness, side effects, and warnings for oxycodone and OxyContin.
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Similarities and Differences Between OxyContin vs. Oxycodone
OxyContin is a form of oxycodone.
They both reduce pain.
OxyContin and oxycodone can improve the quality of life of people with many types of pain.
They treat moderate to severe pain not well managed with other pain medications.
Both OxyContin and oxycodone expose users to the risks of opioidaddictionandabuse, even at recommended doses.
Your body can become dependent on the drug or tolerant to higher doses of it.
However, OxyContin delivers the drug over an extended period.
Uses for OxyContin and Oxycodone
OxyContin and oxycodone are both opioids.
Opioids are powerful pain relievers, also known asanalgesics.
Oxycodone is approved for both acute and chronic pain relief.
It is usually taken for chronic or constant pain.
It is not intended for acute pain following surgery or on an as-needed basis.
OxyContin takes about an hour to work.
It is a controlled-release formulation of oxycodone.
A controlled-release drug is released into your body in specified amounts over a certain period.
The effect allows you to have a consistent dose of pain relief throughout the day.
Oxycodone is delivered in an immediate-release formulation with an onset of about 10 to 30 minutes.
It is made to dissolve without delaying or prolonging the absorption of the drug.
The form you receive and the strength will depend on your pain levels and medical history.
For acute pain, you may need oxycodone for a few days or less.
Oxycodone is used forchronic painonly when other pain management options have failed.
OxyContin can be used by both adults and children.
These medications can cause life-threatening effects that can lead to hospitalization or death.
OxyContin and oxycodone have a significant potential for interactions with certain other drugs.
Crushing, chewing, or dissolving an OxyContin tablet can damage the protective coating.
This can cause the rapid release and absorption of a potentially fatal drug dose.
Drugs in this category have a high potential for abuse and can potentially lead to psychological or physical dependence.
OxyContin and oxycodone change how you feel pain.
Feelings of euphoria and relaxation are the most common effects of these drugs on the brain.
The effect is similar to that linked to heroin use.
While this can benefit pain relief, it also increases the potential to abuse these drugs.
Also, tell your provider if you have or have ever had depression or another mental illness.
These factors can increase the risk of overuse.
Oxycodone has the potential to be habit-forming.
You could develop asubstance use disorder(an addiction).
People can build uptoleranceto OxyContin or oxycodone over time.
It can also result in withdrawal symptoms if you abruptly discontinue the drug.
Summary
Oxycodone and OxyContin are opioid pain relievers used to treat moderate to severe pain.
Oxycodone is an immediate-release tablet that provides relief within minutes and lasts a few hours.
Both drugs must be used with care and medical advice.
Oxycodone and OxyContin can both lead to serious health problems and even death.
While these drugs can improve pain, they carry a risk for dependency and tolerance.
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