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Updated: Mar 2, 2026
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Assessment of Morphine-induced Hyperalgesia and Analgesic Tolerance in Mice Using Thermal and Mechanical Nociceptive Modalities
Published on: July 29, 2014
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Revisiting Oxycodone Analgesia: A Review and Hypothesis
Xiulu Ruan1, Ken F Mancuso1, Alan D Kaye1
1Department of Anesthesiology, Louisiana State University Health Science Center, 1542 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA.
Anesthesiology Clinics
|May 21, 2017
Summary
Oxycodone, an opioid analgesic, offers effective pain relief comparable to morphine. This review details its pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics, exploring its role in visceral pain management.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Pain Management
- Drug Efficacy
Background:
- Oxycodone is a widely used semisynthetic opioid analgesic.
- It is considered equipotent to morphine for general analgesia.
- Morphine exhibits significantly higher potency than oxycodone in epidural administration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an updated review of oxycodone's basic pharmacology.
- To focus on the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of oxycodone.
- To discuss the controversy surrounding oxycodone's effects on visceral pain and peripheral analgesia.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of oxycodone's pharmacology.
- Analysis of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data.
- Discussion of existing research on oxycodone's mechanism of action in visceral pain.
Main Results:
- Oxycodone and morphine show similar efficacy and potency in general clinical use.
- Morphine is considerably more potent than oxycodone via the epidural route.
- The review explores potential explanations for oxycodone's analgesic effects, including peripheral opioid activity.
Conclusions:
- Oxycodone is a valuable analgesic with a well-defined pharmacological profile.
- Understanding its pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic properties is crucial for optimal pain management.
- Further investigation into peripheral mechanisms may clarify oxycodone's role in visceral pain.
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