Oxycodone is a prescription medication and a powerful opioid analgesic used for the management of moderate to severe pain. It is derived from the opium poppy plant and belongs to the class of drugs known as opioid pain relievers. Oxycodone works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain, spinal cord, and other parts of the body, thereby reducing the sensation of pain. It is available in various forms, including immediate-release tablets, extended-release tablets, and capsules, with the choice of formulation depending on the duration and intensity of pain being treated.