Oxycodone Uses

Oxycodone is used to treat moderate to severe pain. The extended release capsules and extended release tablets are used to treat severe pain in people who require pain relief around the clock and are unable to get relief with other pain medications.  

There may be other uses of oxycodone. Your healthcare professionals or pharmacist can give you further oxycodone drug information.

Oxycodone Mechanism of Action

Oxycodone binds to opioid receptors in the brain and changes the way the central nervous system responds to pain signals. 

Oxycodone Doses

Oxycodone is available as a capsule (5 mg), tablet (5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg), extended release tablet (10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg, 60 mg, 80 mg), extended release capsule (9 mg, 13.5 mg, 18 mg, 27 mg, 36 mg), and oral solution (5 mg/5 mL, 100 mg/5 mL). 

The usual starting dose of oxycodone immediate release capsules and tablets in adults is 5-15 mg every 4-6 hours. A dose of 10-30 mg every 4-6 hours may be prescribed to adults who have taken opioid medications before and are tolerant to their effects. The extended release dosage forms of oxycodone are taken every 12 hours. 

In general, doctors prescribe the smallest dose of oxycodone for the shortest possible time to relieve pain.