Oxycodone vs. Oxycontin: Differences and similarities explained

In this article:

• Is OxyContin the same as oxycodone?
• Compare oxycodone vs. OxyContin: Key differences
• Is OxyContin better than oxycodone?
• Insurance coverage and cost comparison
• Side effects comparison
• Drug interactions and warnings

In this article

• Is OxyContin the same as oxycodone?
• Compare oxycodone vs. OxyContin: Key differences
• Is OxyContin better than oxycodone?
• Insurance coverage and cost comparison
• Side effects comparison
• Drug interactions and warnings

Although opioids aren’t often a first-line option for chronic pain, some people may still be prescribed a drug like oxycodone or OxyContin, especially if their pain is severe. Oxycodone is a generic drug used for quick, short-term pain relief, while OxyContin is a brand-name version of oxycodone that can provide longer-lasting effects. While they both work similarly, they have key differences that are important to discuss with a healthcare provider when considering pain relief.

Is OxyContin the same as oxycodone? 

OxyContin and oxycodone are not exactly the same. While both medications contain the same active ingredient, oxycodone hydrochloride, the main difference lies in how they release the drug into the body.

Oxycodone is the generic name for an immediate-release opioid drug. It’s also known by brand names like Roxybond and Roxicodone. Immediate-release formulations work quickly, usually within 15 to 30 minutes, with their effects lasting for around four to six hours.

OxyContin is a specific brand name for the extended-release formulation of oxycodone. The Food and Drug Administration approved this controlled-release version for longer-lasting pain relief. It usually works within an hour of taking it, with the effects lasting for around 12 hours. There is no generic version of OxyContin available.

Compare oxycodone vs. OxyContin: Key differences
	Oxycodone	OxyContin
Drug class	Opioid	Opioid
Brand/generic status	Brand and generic form available	Brand-name only
What is the generic or brand name?	Generic name: Oxycodone Brand: Roxybond, Roxicodone, Oxaydo	Generic name: Oxycodone  (extended-release tablets) Brand: OxyContin
What form(s) does the drug come in?	Immediate-release oral tablets Immediate-release oral capsules Immediate-release oral solution	Extended-release oral tablets
What is it used for?	Moderate to severe pain that requires the use of an opioid and that doesn’t respond to alternative treatment options	Severe pain that requires the use of an opioid and that doesn’t respond to alternative treatment options
What is the standard dosage?	5 to 15 mg every 4 to 6 hours as needed for pain	10 mg every 12 hours
How long is the typical treatment?	Short-term	Short-term
Who typically uses the medication?	Adults	Adults

 

Is OxyContin better than oxycodone?

Neither medication is definitively better than the other. They contain the same active ingredient that binds to opioid receptors in the brain to reduce pain. The recommended option will depend on what type of pain needs treatment. 

OxyContin may work best for: 

• Chronic pain that lasts all day 
• Long-term pain management 

Oxycodone may work best for: 

• Short-term pain after surgery 
• Breakthrough pain episodes

For severe pain, such as from cancer or other chronic pain diseases, OxyContin might be preferred since it releases medication slowly over 12 hours. On the other hand, oxycodone may be recommended for short-term or breakthrough pain, since it acts quickly but lasts for a relatively short period.

In any case, both drugs need to be prescribed and monitored by a qualified healthcare provider trained in pain management. A healthcare provider will take into account different factors, like any medical conditions and other medications a patient takes.

Oxycodone vs. OxyContin: Insurance coverage and cost comparison

Generic oxycodone may be more widely available and typically gets better insurance coverage than OxyContin. Most Medicare and private insurance plans may prefer to cover generic options since they typically cost less. 

In addition, as a brand-name medication, OxyContin may require prior authorization from insurance companies. In other words, patients might need to try generic oxycodone first before their plan approves coverage for OxyContin.

Without insurance, retail prices can vary based on the pharmacy, drug strength, and quantity prescribed. For those paying out of pocket, SingleCare offers savings coupons that work at most major pharmacies. Even if you have health insurance that covers your medication, you may pay less if you use a SingleCare coupon instead, but you can’t use coupons and insurance together. 

Compare oxycodone vs. OxyContin cost and coverage
	Oxycodone	OxyContin
Typically covered by insurance?	Yes	Varies
Typically covered by Medicare Part D?	Yes	Varies
Typically covered by Medicaid?	Yes	Varies by state
Quantity	30, 5 mg tablets	60, 10 mg tablets
SingleCare cost	$15 at CVS	$325 at Harris Teeter
How to save	Get coupon	Get coupon

Prescription drug prices often change. These are the most accurate medication prices at the time of publishing in ZIP code 23666 as of Nov. 5, 2025. Click the link under “Get coupon” to see the latest drug prices.

Oxycodone vs. OxyContin side effects

Since they contain the same active ingredients, both oxycodone and OxyContin can cause similar side effects. 

Common side effects of oxycodone and OxyContin include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Itching
• Headache 
• Weakness
• Drowsiness
• Dizziness

Other side effects are possible, with some being more common in oxycodone than in OxyContin, or vice versa. For example, oxycodone may more commonly cause insomnia, while OxyContin may cause more dry mouth and sweating. 

Both medications may cause more serious side effects, including hypersensitivity reactions, low blood pressure (hypotension), and life-threatening problems with breathing (respiratory depression). Both medications can also lead to physical dependence and addiction.

This isn’t a complete list of all possible problems. It’s best to talk with a healthcare provider about what to expect and when to call for help.

Oxycodone and OxyContin drug interactions and warnings

Both oxycodone and OxyContin have similar interactions with other drugs. These opioids can interact with various medications, especially those that affect the brain or nervous system.

Taking oxycodone or OxyContin with central nervous system (CNS) depressant drugs can cause extreme drowsiness, dangerously slow breathing, coma, or even death. These CNS depressants include:

• Benzodiazepines, such as Xanax (alprazolam), Klonopin (clonazepam), or Ativan (lorazepam)
• Sleep medications, such as Ambien (zolpidem) or Lunesta (eszopiclone)
• Antidepressants, such as Prozac (fluoxetine), Zoloft (sertraline), or Cymbalta (duloxetine)
• Muscle relaxants, such as Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine) or Soma (carisoprodol)
• Other opioid pain medications, such as Vicodin (hydrocodone), Norco (hydrocodone/acetaminophen), or morphine
• Alcohol

Other drugs that can interact with these opioids include:

• Serotonergic drugs, like certain antidepressants and migraine medications, may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, a rare but serious condition that causes confusion, rapid heart rate, and muscle stiffness.
• Mixed agonist/antagonist opioids, such as Subutex (buprenorphine) or Nubain (nalbuphine), can block oxycodone’s pain-relieving effects or cause withdrawal symptoms.
• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are a type of older antidepressant that can intensify opioid effects. Avoid using oxycodone or OxyContin with an MAOI or within 14 days of stopping one.

Always tell the prescribing healthcare professional about all medications, supplements, or herbal products you’re taking in order to avoid potential interactions.

Serious warnings and precautions

Opioids like oxycodone are Schedule II controlled substances that carry an increased risk of misuse and physical or psychological dependence. Drug abuse is a major concern with both medications due to a potentially high risk of overdose. Narcan (naloxone) can reverse an overdose, but it’s still important to seek immediate medical attention.

In addition, stopping either drug suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, sweating, restlessness, and muscle aches. These medications should be tapered or gradually reduced under medical supervision.

Using these drugs during pregnancy may cause neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome, meaning the baby may be born dependent and require medical treatment. Opioid analgesics should also be avoided while breastfeeding due to potential harm to the child.

Only a healthcare provider can determine if an opioid is appropriate and recommend the safest dosage and duration.