Oxycodone relieves pain with a narcotic action as an opioide (opium derivative). This analgesic is often combined with the non-narcotic acetaminophen in brands like Percocet. Physicians prescribe oxycodone as a controlled substance due to its habit-forming properties and possibility of abuse. The semi-synthetic oxycodone (14-hydroxydihydrocodeinone) serves as the active ingredient which may have side effects. It is produced in combination with a few inactive ingredients to assist in delivery of the active component.
Silicon Dioxide
Silicon dioxide forms the inactive ingredient in oxycodone which helps suspend and thicken the active ingredient for even distribution throughout the pill. The University of California website of the Los Alamos National Labs states that it is made from silica, the most common mineral in the earth's crust, by heating and vaporizing the mineral. It is commonly used as a filler or diluent for pharmaceutical tablets as a component for medication delivery.
Crospovidone
Crospovidone helps the distribution of the medication oxycodone during the digestion process. The National Institutes of Health states that crospovidone acts as a disintegrant, an agent that helps the tablet containing medication break up when they are combined with moisture in your stomach. Moisture acts with the crospovidone to release active medication ingredients into the digestive process and bloodstream.
Microcrystalline Cellulose
Microcrystalline cellulose also helps disperse oxycodone in the digestive system. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, this substance is purified by taking alpha-cellulose, which comes from fibrous plants as pulp and treating it with mineral acids. Not only does the microcrystalline cellulose help disperse the medication, the fine, white powder also helps stabilize the medication and acts as an anti-caking agent, as well as an emulsifier.
Corn starch
Corn starch helps thicken and bind the oxycodone tablet for use. This inactive ingredient binds the medication together without interfering with the action of the medication or its delivery. The FAO says that it is often used in the pharmaceutical industry as both a tablet binder and as a dispersing agent with medications.
Stearic Acid
The inactive ingredient stearic acid in oxycodone helps harden the tablet with this fatty acid. It is found in both animal and vegetable fats, according to the 3Dchem website, and is a waxy solid. Besides the pharmaceutical industry, stearic acid is also used to make candles, cosmetics and soaps.
