What is OxyContin?

OxyContin is a prescription painkiller that is also referred to by streetnames: Oxy, O.C. or killer.
OxyContin pills are Oxycodone HCl (HCl = Hydrochloric Acid) controlled-release tablets and are a narcotic drug that is approved by the FDA for the treatment of moderate to severe chronic pain.

The medication is a semisynthetic opioid analgesic whose active ingredient is oxycodone, which is also found in drugs like Percodan and Tylox. Painkillers such as Tylox are far less potent as they contain only 5mg of oxycodone and often require repeated doses to alleviate severe pain.

OxyContin contains between 10 and 160 milligrams of oxycodone in a timed-release tablet. This is as high as 80x as strong as other pain relief medication. Generally, a patient only requires 1 tablet every 12 hours.

Because of it's powerful effect, OxyContin is often prescribed for cancer patients or those with chronic, long-lasting back pain.