Difference between Oxycontin and Oxycodone

Key Difference: Oxycodone hydrochloride is advised for the management of moderate to severe pain. On the other hand, Oxycontin is also a painkiller but it is used to treat chronic pain.

Oxycontin and Oxycodone are pain relieving medicines/drugs. Oxycodone hydrochloride is advised for the management of moderate to severe pain, whereas, Oxycontin is a painkiller which is used to treat chronic pain. It is mainly used when one has extreme pain; but it is not effective for pain relief. In 1916, it was developed in Germany. Oxycodone is an opioid painkiller; and it can be found in a number of prescription medications. Oxycontin is a time released drug, it means that it acts over a period of time.

According to eMedTV.com, “Oxycodone is the primary active ingredient in Oxycontin and in that sense it may be referred to as the generic form of Oxycontin. However, there are many other medications that also utilize the analgesic powers of Oxycodone that are not Oxycontin. Oxycodone extended-release is a more accurate name for Oxycontin than generic Oxycodone.”

Comparison between Oxycontin and Oxycodone:

	Oxycontin	Oxycodone
Description (TheFreeDictionary.com)	Oxycontin is an opiate drug, oxycodone hydrochloride, used as a painkiller and, illegally, as an alternative to heroin.	Oxycodone is an opioid painkiller; and it can be found in a number of prescription medications.
Medications works	It is mixed with various other substances so that the pain reliever will allow a patient to be comfortable throughout the day and have a good sleep throughout the night.	It is a fast-acting pain reliever that gives a patient instant or immediate relief.
Duration of pain-relief	12 hours	4 to 6 hours
Chemicals	It does not contain chemicals, however, if taken in large amounts, it can be very dangerous for one’s life.	It contains chemicals that a person feels like vomiting if taken in a large amounts. E.g. Tylenol
Form	Oxycontin is basically derived from Oxycondone and is mixed with other ingredients so that it will create a sustained release effect.	It is the pure form of the medication.
Addictive	Oxycontin is less addictive as compared to oxycodone	Oxycodone is more addictive as compared to oxycontin
Side effects	Dizziness, vomiting, rapid heartbeats, irregular heartbeats, fainting, breathing problems	Dizziness, vomiting, rapid heartbeats, fainting, breathing problems
When is the medication required	Once every 12 hours, according to the doctor’s instructions	It should be taken when it is needed to give relief if the patient is experiencing extreme pain