{"id":3114,"date":"2018-08-29T21:23:27","date_gmt":"2018-08-30T01:23:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=3114"},"modified":"2025-11-05T15:05:39","modified_gmt":"2025-11-05T20:05:39","slug":"oxycodone-vs-oxycontin","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/oxycodone-vs-oxycontin\/","title":{"rendered":"Oxycodone vs. Oxycontin: Differences and similarities explained"},"content":{"rendered":"

Although <\/span>opioids<\/span><\/a> aren\u2019t often a first-line option for chronic pain, some people may still be prescribed a drug like <\/span>oxycodone<\/span><\/a> or <\/span>OxyContin<\/span><\/a>, 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Is OxyContin the same as oxycodone?\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

OxyContin and <\/span>oxycodone<\/span><\/a> 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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 <\/span>four to six hours<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

OxyContin is a specific brand name for the extended-release formulation of oxycodone. The Food and Drug Administration approved this <\/span>controlled-release version<\/span><\/a> 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.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Compare oxycodone vs. OxyContin: Key differences<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

<\/td>\nOxycodone<\/b><\/td>\nOxyContin<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Drug class<\/b><\/td>\nOpioid<\/span><\/td>\nOpioid<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Brand\/generic status<\/b><\/td>\nBrand and generic form available<\/span><\/td>\nBrand-name only<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What is the generic or brand name?<\/b><\/td>\nGeneric name: Oxycodone<\/span><\/p>\n

Brand: Roxybond, Roxicodone, Oxaydo<\/span><\/td>\n

Generic name: Oxycodone\u00a0 (extended-release tablets)<\/span><\/p>\n

Brand: OxyContin<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

What form(s) does the drug come in?<\/b><\/td>\nImmediate-release oral tablets<\/span><\/p>\n

Immediate-release oral capsules<\/span><\/p>\n

Immediate-release oral solution<\/span><\/td>\n

Extended-release oral tablets<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What is it used for?<\/b><\/td>\nModerate to severe pain that requires the use of an opioid and that doesn\u2019t respond to alternative treatment options<\/span><\/td>\nSevere pain that requires the use of an opioid and that doesn\u2019t respond to alternative treatment options<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What is the standard dosage?<\/b><\/td>\n5 to 15 mg every 4 to 6 hours as needed for pain<\/span><\/td>\n10 mg every 12 hours<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
How long is the typical treatment?<\/b><\/td>\nShort-term<\/span><\/td>\nShort-term<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Who typically uses the medication?<\/b><\/td>\nAdults<\/span><\/td>\nAdults<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

 <\/p>\n

Is OxyContin better than oxycodone?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Neither medication is definitively better than the other. They contain the same active ingredient that binds to <\/span>opioid receptors<\/span><\/a> in the brain to reduce pain. The recommended option will depend on what type of pain needs treatment.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

OxyContin may work best for:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n