Difference Between Oxycodone and OxyContin
Oxycodone is the active opioid medication itself, while OxyContin is a specific brand name for the extended-release (ER) formulation of oxycodone designed to provide 12-hour pain control. 1
Key Distinctions
Formulation and Duration of Action
Oxycodone refers to the opioid compound available in multiple formulations, including immediate-release (IR) tablets, capsules, and oral solutions that typically last 4-6 hours 1
OxyContin is specifically the controlled-release/extended-release formulation of oxycodone that delivers medication over 12 hours and must be taken twice daily 1, 2
Immediate-release oxycodone products include brand names like Roxicodone, OxyNorm, Percocet (with acetaminophen), and Percodan 1, 3
Clinical Indications
The most critical distinction is their appropriate use:
Immediate-release oxycodone is appropriate for acute pain management, with typical starting doses of 5-15 mg every 4-6 hours as needed 1
OxyContin (extended-release oxycodone) is indicated exclusively for chronic pain in opioid-tolerant patients and should never be used for acute new-onset pain 1
Important Safety Considerations
Long-acting formulations like OxyContin are for opioid-tolerant patients only and are not intended for "as-needed" analgesic use. 1 This is a critical safety distinction that prevents inappropriate prescribing and potential overdose.
Pharmacokinetic Differences
Immediate-release oxycodone has a plasma half-life of 3-5 hours with effects beginning within 1 hour 2, 4
OxyContin tablets must be swallowed whole and cannot be broken, chewed, or crushed, as this destroys the controlled-release mechanism and can lead to rapid drug release and potential overdose 2
Both formulations have oral bioavailability of 60-87% and are metabolized primarily in the liver 2, 5
Dosing Ranges
Immediate-release oxycodone: typically 5-15 mg every 4-6 hours for acute pain 1
OxyContin: available in 10,20,40, and 80 mg tablets for twice-daily administration in chronic pain management 2
Clinical Equivalence in Titration
Research demonstrates that controlled-release and immediate-release oxycodone are equally effective for titrating to stable pain control, with no differences in the percentage of patients achieving adequate analgesia or time to achieve control 6. However, this does not change the fundamental indication difference—OxyContin remains inappropriate for acute pain despite this equivalence.