Developed for the first time in Germany in 1916, Oxycodone is an analgesic medication synthesized from thebaine, a derivative of opium. Freund and Speyer of the University of Frankfurt in Germany were trying to improve on the existing opiates and opioids: morphine, diacetylmorphine (heroin), and codeine.  On that time the German pharmaceutical company Bayer had stopped the mass production of heroin due to harmful use and dependence.

The purpose was to obtain a drug with the analgesic effects of morphine and heroin but with less dependence. To some extent this was achieved, as oxycodone does not have the same immediate effect as heroin or morphine nor does it last as long. The first clinical use of the drug was documented in 1917. Nowadays it is well known as one of the main active ingredients in a several oral medications usually prescribed for pain relief, from moderate to severe pain.

Oxycodone can be combined with inert binders (e.g., OxyContin, Roxicodone, OxyIR); with paracetamol, also known as acetaminophen (e.g., Percocet, Endocet, Tylox, Roxicet); with aspirin (e.g., Percodan, Endodan, Roxiprin); and with ibuprofen (Combunox). Of the oral medications containing oxycodone, OxyContin is notable for its sales, for controversies concerning its patent status and marketing and for its potentials for hazardous use, harmful use, dependence, and diversion.

The name Oxycodone comes from codeine. The chemical structures are very similar, differing only in that Oxycodone has a hydroxyl group at carbon-14 (codeine has just a hydrogen in its place), Oxycodone has a 7,8-dihydro feature, whereas codeine has a double bond between those two carbons; and Oxycodone has a carbonyl group (as in ketones) in place of the hydroxyl group of codeine, hence the “-one” suffix.

The synonyms for oxycodone in the academic literature include “dihydrohydroxycodeinone”,”Eucodal”,”Eukodal”, “14-hydroxydihydrocodeinone”, and “Nucodan”. The word “oxycodone” should not be confused with “oxandrolone”, “oxazepam”, “oxybutynin”, “oxytocin”, or “Roxanol”.

We strongly recommend to everyone reading this article to use oxycodone only with medical prescription and under medical control, however, if you or someone close to you have problems with oxycodone addiction, we suggest you to visit Drug Rehab Centers