NSTK · 01.2026Independent supplement reference
NutriStack
Edition 1.0Updated July 13, 2026

Oxycodone

Prescription ·Exploratory record · not publication-reviewed ·Updated July 13, 2026

A potent semi-synthetic opioid analgesic used for the management of moderate to severe pain when non-opioid alternatives are inadequate. Available as immediate-release (often combined with acetaminophen as Percocet) and extended-release (OxyContin) formulations. Due to its high abuse potential, oxycodone is a Schedule II controlled substance.

Evidence tier
Strong
Indexed sources
10 2006–2022
Interactions
0
Category
Prescription
Read the sources → Compare profiles
Publication status

Exploratory record, not a reviewed medical publication.

See the editorial and medical-review policies for the publication gate.

This generated database record has not completed a claim-level review by a qualified human medical reviewer. Bibliography links and evidence labels are not approval. The page remains available for reference and is excluded from search indexing.

In short

What the research says.

A quick, data-only summary. The full evidence, dosing, and sources are below.

A potent semi-synthetic opioid analgesic used for the management of moderate to severe pain when non-opioid alternatives are inadequate. NutriStack rates the supporting evidence as strong. Common adult dosing is IR: 5–15 mg every 4–6 hours as needed; ER: individualized, starting 10 mg every 12 hours (as prescribed by your physician), though a prescriber sets the actual dose. This profile indexes 10 sources.

What it's good for
  • Effective relief of moderate to severe pain1,5
  • Available in immediate- and extended-release formulations1
  • Multiple combination products available
  • Useful for cancer pain management6,4
What to watch for
  • Constipation
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Drowsiness and sedation
  • Significant respiratory depression
  • Acute or severe bronchial asthma in unmonitored settings1,5

The bottom line

Evidence rating strong. Most-documented uses: effective relief of moderate to severe pain, available in immediate- and extended-release formulations, multiple combination products available. 10 sources indexed (2006–2022), with 0 interaction records on file.

The science

How it works, mechanistically.

Core mechanism

Acts as a full agonist at mu-opioid receptors in the central nervous system, with some activity at kappa and delta opioid receptors. Binding to mu receptors in the brain and spinal cord inhibits ascending pain signal transmission, alters pain perception, and produces analgesia. Also activates the descending inhibitory pain pathway and produces euphoria, contributing to abuse potential.8,9

Class
Opioid Analgesic
Dosing

Dosing & protocol.

Common range
IR: 5–15 mg every 4–6 hours as needed; ER: individualized, starting 10 mg every 12 hours (as prescribed by your physician)
Recommended form
Immediate-release tablet/capsule or extended-release tablet

Can be taken with or without food; high-fat meals may increase absorption of extended-release formulation; swallow ER tablets whole

Safety

Full safety detail.

Side effects

  • Constipation
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Drowsiness and sedation
  • Dizziness
  • Pruritus
  • Respiratory depression
  • Physical dependence and tolerance
  • Euphoria and abuse potential

Contraindications

  • Significant respiratory depression
  • Acute or severe bronchial asthma in unmonitored settings1,5
  • Known or suspected GI obstruction (paralytic ileus)
  • Known hypersensitivity to oxycodone1,2
  • Concurrent use of MAO inhibitors or within 14 days
  • Opioid-naive patients for ER formulation initiation8,9
Sources

Sources, by evidence tier.

Numbered references. Citations throughout the page link here.

Meta-analyses & systematic reviews

7

Reference material

3
FAQ

Common questions.

Quick answers about Oxycodone, drawn from the data on this page.

What is Oxycodone?

A potent semi-synthetic opioid analgesic used for the management of moderate to severe pain when non-opioid alternatives are inadequate. Available as immediate-release (often combined with acetaminophen as Percocet) and extended-release (OxyContin) formulations. Due to its high abuse potential, oxycodone is a Schedule II controlled substance.

What is Oxycodone used for?

Commonly cited benefits of Oxycodone include: Effective relief of moderate to severe pain; Available in immediate- and extended-release formulations; Multiple combination products available; Useful for cancer pain management. NutriStack rates the overall evidence as strong.

What is a typical dose of Oxycodone?

A typical adult dose of Oxycodone is IR: 5–15 mg every 4–6 hours as needed; ER: individualized, starting 10 mg every 12 hours (as prescribed by your physician). The commonly recommended form is Immediate-release tablet/capsule or extended-release tablet. These are general ranges, not personalized advice; confirm the right dose with a clinician.

What are the side effects of Oxycodone?

Reported side effects include constipation, nausea and vomiting, drowsiness and sedation, dizziness, pruritus, respiratory depression. This is educational information; check with a healthcare professional before use.

How strong is the evidence for Oxycodone?

NutriStack rates this as Strong, meaning multiple high-quality meta-analyses or systematic reviews converge on the same finding. Full tier criteria are at https://nutristackapp.com/methodology/evidence-tiers.

Use this with your stack

Oxycodone in NutriStack.

Add it to your stack, see how it interacts with everything else you take, and get a Stack Score that updates the moment it does.

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NutriStack is an informational and organizational tool, not a medical service, and not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement or medication.