Both OxyContin and oxycodone are prescription opioid painkillers, but OxyContin is formulated to release its effects slowly for ongoing relief, whereas oxycodone offers immediate response for quick relief. Despite their benefits, both pose risks of addiction and overdosing. What is OxyContin? OxyContin is used to manage severe and persistent pain that requires an extended treatment period with a daily opioid pain medicine when other pain medicines do not treat your pain well enough, or you cannot tolerate them. OxyContin is the extended-release form of oxycodone. We’ll help you compare how these drugs treat pain, what their side effects are, and more. Oxycontin is a long-acting opioid for the around-the-clock, long-term management of severe pain. It is used when alternative treatments have been inadequate. Oxycodone, sold under the brand names Roxicodone and OxyContin (which is the extended-release form) among others, is a semi-synthetic opioid used medically for the treatment of moderate to severe pain. Oxycontin (oxycodone hydrochloride) is used to treat moderate to severe pain. Learn side effects, dosage, drug interactions, warnings, patient labeling, reviews, and more. Overview: Oxycodone is a medicine that is used to help treat severe pain. Common side effects include constipation, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, headache, and dizziness. Do not drive or do. Oxycodone acts on the central nervous system (CNS) to relieve pain. Oxycodone extended-release capsules or tablets should not be used if you need pain medicine for just a short time, such as when recovering from surgery. Do not use this medicine to relieve mild pain, or in situations when non-opioid medication is effective. OxyContin carries a Boxed Warning and contains oxycodone, a Schedule II controlled substance with an abuse potential similar to other Schedule II opioids. OxyContin is the brand name for extended-release oxycodone, designed to release oxycodone slowly over 12 hours, requiring only twice-daily dosing. OxyContin works in two phases. The outer layer releases oxycodone rapidly, providing pain relief within approximately 20 minutes.