Oxycodone: a pharmacological and clinical review
by
Ordóñez Gallego A, González Barón M, Espinosa Arranz E.
Medical Oncology Service, La Paz University Hospital Madrid,
Cátedra de Oncología y Medicina Paliativa,
Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
amalio2@hotmail.com
Clin Transl Oncol. 2007 May;9(5):298-307.

ABSTRACT

Oxycodone is a semi-synthetic opioid with an agonist activity on mu, kappa and delta receptors. Equivalence with regard to morphine is 1:2. Its effect commences one hour after administration and lasts for 12 h in the controlled-release formulation. Plasma halflife is 3-5 h (half that of morphine) and stable plasma levels are reached within 24 h (2-7 days for morphine). Oral bioavailability ranges from 60 to 87%, and plasma protein binding is 45%. Most of the drug is metabolised in the liver, while the rest is excreted by the kidney along with its metabolites. The two main metabolites are oxymorphone--which is also a very potent analgesic--and noroxycodone, a weak analgesic. Oxycodone metabolism is more predictable than that of morphine, and therefore titration is easier. Oxycodone has the same mechanism of action as other opioids: binding to a receptor, inhibition of adenylyl-cyclase and hyperpolarisation of neurons, and decreased excitability. These mechanisms also play a part in the onset of dependence and tolerance. The clinical efficacy of oxycodone is similar to that of morphine, with a ratio of 1/1.5-2 for the treatment of cancer pain. Long-term administration may be associated with less toxicity in comparison with morphine. In the future, both opioids could be used simultaneously at low doses to reduce toxicity. It does not appear that there are any differences between immediate and slow-release oxycodone, except their half-life is 3-4 h, and 12 h, respectively. In Spain, controlled-release oxycodone (OxyContin) is marketed as 10-, 20-, 40- or 80-mg tablets for b.i.d. administration. Tablets must be taken whole and must not be broken, chewed or crushed. There is no food interference. The initial dose is 10 mg b.i.d. for new treatments and no dose reduction is needed in the elderly or in cases of moderate hepatic or renal failure. Immediate-release oxycodone (OxyNorm) is also available in capsules and oral solution. Side effects are those common to opioids: mainly nausea, constipation and drowsiness. Vomiting, pruritus and dizziness are less common. The intensity of these side effects tends to decrease over the course of time. Oxycodone causes somewhat less nausea, hallucinations and pruritus than morphine.

Pain
Morphine
Oxycodone
'Hillbilly heroin'?
The OxyCon Game
The Oxycontin Doctor
Oxycodone: structure
Oxycodone: metabolism
Tramadol versus oxycodone
Oxycodone versus morphine
Oxycodone: pharmacokinetics
Oxycodone controlled-release
Oxycontin: politics and science
OxyContin: prescribing indications
'Santa' robs pharmacy of Oxycontin
Mice, rats and monkeys love oxycodone
2007: Purdue Pharma fined $600 Million for OxyContin abuse
Oxycodone (OxyContin): a pharmacological and clinical review

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