It is a drug of semi-synthetic origin that derives from thebaine, a natural alkaloid that is extracted from the opium poppy.
Oxycodone has an analgesic power similar to that of morphine and has a plasma half-life of approximately four hours. For this reason frequent administrations are necessary (every 4-6 hours). To overcome this problem, oxycodone has been made available in the form of capsules or prolonged-release tablets (note: recently, medicines based on oxycodone in combination with paracetamol in the form of effervescent tablets have also been introduced).
Medicines for oral use containing oxycodone are generally dispensable only upon presentation of a non-repeatable medical prescription. Some of these medicines, being classified as class A drugs, can be dispensed at the expense of the National Health System (NHS).
In fact, oxycodone is also available medically for parenteral use. However, in this article we will deal with the characteristics of oxycodone taken by mouth only.
