Oxycodone Drug Classification
Oxycodone belongs to the opioid analgesic drug class and is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance. 1
Drug Classification Details
Oxycodone is a semi-synthetic opioid agonist with activity at mu-, delta-, and kappa-opioid receptors, making it a strong opioid analgesic. 2 The FDA explicitly classifies oxycodone hydrochloride as a Schedule II controlled substance under the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970, determined by the Drug Enforcement Administration. 2, 1
Schedule II Classification Characteristics
- Schedule II opioids include morphine, oxymorphone, oxycodone and oxycodone combination products (e.g., Percocet, Percodan), hydromorphone, and fentanyl. 2
- This classification indicates substances with high potential for abuse similar to other opioids including fentanyl, hydrocodone, hydromorphone, methadone, morphine, oxymorphone, and tapentadol. 1
- Schedule II designation reflects judgments about the drug's significant potential for abuse, misuse, addiction, and criminal diversion. 2, 1
Pharmacological Profile
Oxycodone is approximately equipotent to morphine with a potency ratio of 1:1.5-2 for oral administration. 3 The drug has higher oral bioavailability (60-87%) compared to morphine, making it about twice as potent when given orally. 4, 3
The mechanism of action involves binding to opioid receptors, inhibition of adenylyl-cyclase, and neuronal hyperpolarization, which also contributes to the development of dependence and tolerance. 3
Clinical Context Warning
Self-prescribing oxycodone for chronic back pain represents multiple serious concerns: 2, 1
- Opioid prescribing for back pain carries significantly higher risk for long-term disability when used for more than 7 days within 6 weeks of acute injury 2
- Self-prescribing controlled substances violates medical ethics and regulatory standards 1
- All patients treated with opioids require careful monitoring for signs of abuse and addiction, as use carries addiction risk even under appropriate medical use 1