OxyContin and oxycodone are pain-relieving drugs that are prescribed for moderate to intense pain. OxyContin is the brand name for the generic drug oxycodone and is formulated as a time- release medication. Oxycodone hydrochloride is the only ingredient in OxyContin, although oxycodone can be found in other medications such as Percocet.
Time Release versus Immediate Action
As a time-release mediation, OxyContin will slowly allow measured amounts of oxycodone into the blood stream over a period of 12 hours. Oxycodone is not prepared in a time release medication and needs to be taken every 4 to 6 hours to control pain.
Warnings Regarding OxyContin and Oxycodone
OxyContin and Oxycodone may be habit forming drugs and should be taken with care. Both medications should be taken exactly as directed and should not be shared, particularly in an individual who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. DifferenceBetween.com reports that the danger of overdose is more significant with OxyContin versus oxycodone. Because OxyContin is prepared in a time release formula, there are more milligrams of oxycodone per pill and greater chance of getting too much. Additionally, if OxyContin is chewed, the time-release function of the formula is eliminated and the individual will receive the entire dose intended for release over 12 hours, in a matter of minutes.
Oxycodone is Not Generic OxyContin
According to eMedTV.com, oxycodone is the primary active ingredient in OxyContin and in that sense it may be referred to as the generic form of OxyContin. However, there are many other medications that also utilize the analgesic powers of oxycodone that are not OxyContin. Oxycodone extended-release is a more accurate name for OxyContin than generic oxycodone.
Oxycodone in Other Medications
OxyContin is pure oxycodone in large doses formulated in a time-release formula. Oxycodone can be combined with other medications, such as acetaminophen. Acetaminophen and oxycodone together form Percocet. According to Drugs.com, acetaminophen is a weaker pain medication that enhances the effects of oxycodone. OxyContin is not combined with any other medications.
OxyContin and Oxycodone Uses
According to eMedTV.com, some patients are switched to OxyContin when such short-acting opioid medications like oxycodone or morphine cease to control chronic or long standing pain. Oxycodone is useful in managing breakthrough pain in patients who are being treated for chronic pain. Breakthrough pain defines episodes of acute pain greater than the amount of chronic of long-standing pain with which a person typically deals. OxyContin is not effective for as-needed pain control or breakthrough pain.
