Oxycodone is one of the most widely used OPIOID ANALGESICS in the United States, and it is usually used in conjunction with the analgesics aspirin or acetominophen. The combinations have proven effective and are, in some ways, superior to oxycodone alone, since they permit a lower dose of the opioid—and are therefore less likely to produce constipation, drowsiness, and nausea. Oxycodone is a derivative of OXYMORPHONE, the relationship being the same as that between CODEINE and MORPHINE. Like codeine, oxycodone is metabolized to oxymorphone, which is assumed to be responsible for its activity. Pharmacologically, the actions of oxycodone and oxymorphone are quite similar to those of morphine, so toxicity and ADDICTION can occur.

Bibliography

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