Oxycodone is a potent opioid medication used for the management of moderate to severe pain. It belongs to a class of drugs known as opioid analgesics. Oxycodone is available in various formulations, both short-acting and extended-release, and is often prescribed under different brand names, including OxyContin. Oxycodone works by binding to specific receptors in the brain and spinal cord, known as opioid receptors. By activating these receptors, oxycodone helps to modulate the perception of pain, providing relief for individuals experiencing various types of pain, such as post-surgical pain, injury-related pain, or pain associated with certain medical conditions.