List your practice on InjuredCare | Log in / Sign up

OxyContin

OxyContin

The Brand Name for Oxycodone

OxyContin, the trade name for the opioid oxycodone, was first developed in a laboratory more than 100 years ago (1916) at the University of Frankfurt, in Germany. Synthesized from thebaine, a component of opium, oxycodone was developed to replace heroin, which had been mass produced by pharmaceutical giant Bayer but discontinued because of its addictive properties. Scientists believed oxycodone would provide the painkilling benefits of morphine without the dependency problems.

The drug was first marketed in a slightly modified form in 1928 by Merck and became known as the "Miracle Drug of the 1930s." In World War II, the German army used oxycodone to treat battlefield pain. The original patent application stated that oxycodone produced a "very deep analgesia and profound and intense euphoria." It also served as a tranquilizer and caused an amnesia that made it ideal for battlefield wound treatment and surgery.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classified oxycodone as a Schedule II drug in the 1970s. The brand name OxyContin was established and marketed in 1995, and under that name, oxycodone has been a popular prescription product for the treatment of moderate-to-severe pain.

OxyContin has long been associated with a wide range of side effects, including:

  • Respiratory challenges — slowed breathing and difficulty breathing
  • Irregular or impacted heartbeat — either slower or faster heart rate
  • Gastrointestinal problems — nausea and vomiting
  • Mental/brain issues — hallucinations, dizziness, fainting, confusion, headaches, drowsiness, and mood changes
  • Hoarseness or swelling in the throat
  • Seizures and muscle weakness

OxyContin and other opioids are also known to have a significant risk for creating dependence, particularly when taken over an extended period of time. Doctors recommend a monitored and gradual program of withdrawal once the product is no longer required. Withdrawal symptoms can include nausea, anxiety, panic attacks, muscle problems, fever, and insomnia.

Related Articles

  • Reglan

    Reglan

    The Trade Name for Metoclopramide, a Prescription Drug for Stomach and Esophageal Issues Metoclopramide, sold under the trade names Reglan and Primperan, is commonly prescribed fo Read More...

  • Medical, Dental, and Pharmacy Malpractice Injuries

    Medical, Dental, and Pharmacy Malpractice Injuries

    When a medical professional acts carelessly or negligently, it can result in injury to the patient. In this section, you’ll find information on the ways in which poor medical tre Read More...

  • Viagra

    Viagra

    Originally formulated to treat hypertension and chest pain in patients with high blood pressure, Viagra is now one of the most common pharmaceuticals in the United States and aroun Read More...

© 2015-2022 LawConnect, Inc. All rights reserved.

CONCEPT, DESIGN and HOSTING BY GETLEGAL.COM’S WEB SERVICES TEAM..