OxyContin
OxyContin
OxyContin (pronounced: /ˌɒksiˈkɒntɪn/) is a brand name for the drug oxycodone, a powerful opioid used to treat severe pain.
Etymology
The name "OxyContin" is derived from "oxycodone continuous", indicating its intended use as a long-lasting pain reliever.
Usage
OxyContin is used to help relieve severe ongoing pain (such as due to cancer). It belongs to a class of drugs known as opioid (narcotic) analgesics. It works in the brain to change how your body feels and responds to pain.
Related Terms
- Opioid: A class of drugs that includes the illegal drug heroin, synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, and pain relievers available legally by prescription, such as oxycodone (OxyContin), hydrocodone (Vicodin), codeine, morphine, and many others.
- Analgesic: A drug used to relieve pain.
- Oxycodone: A narcotic pain reliever that is used to treat moderate to severe pain.
- Narcotic: A drug that relieves pain and induces sleep, but can also lead to addiction.
Side Effects
Common side effects of OxyContin include nausea, vomiting, constipation, dry mouth, weakness, sweating, lightheadedness, dizziness, or drowsiness. Serious side effects may include slow/shallow breathing, seizures, fainting, severe drowsiness/difficulty waking up.
Addiction and Dependence
OxyContin, like other opioids, can lead to addiction, a severe form of substance use disorder. Overuse or misuse can lead to overdose and death.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on OxyContin
- Wikipedia's article - OxyContin
This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski