OxyContin is a brand name for a prescription medication that contains the active ingredient oxycodone. It belongs to the opioid class of analgesics and is used for the management of moderate to severe pain. OxyContin is an extended-release formulation of oxycodone, designed to provide prolonged pain relief over an extended period, typically around 12 hours. The primary active ingredient, oxycodone, works by binding to specific receptors in the brain and spinal cord known as opioid receptors. By activating these receptors, OxyContin helps modulate the perception of pain, offering relief to individuals experiencing persistent and chronic pain conditions.