Oxycodone is a potent opioid analgesic medication used for the management of moderate to severe pain. It belongs to the class of drugs known as opioid agonists, and it is derived from thebaine, an alkaloid found in the opium poppy. Oxycodone works by binding to opioid receptors in the central nervous system, which helps to reduce the perception of pain. It is available in various formulations, including immediate-release tablets, extended-release tablets, and liquid solutions.