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Oxycodone/ acetaminophen

Montefiore Medical Center · FDA-approved active Small molecule

Oxycodone binds to opioid receptors in the central nervous system to reduce pain perception, while acetaminophen inhibits prostaglandin synthesis to provide additional analgesic and antipyretic effects.

Oxycodone binds to opioid receptors in the central nervous system to reduce pain perception, while acetaminophen inhibits prostaglandin synthesis to provide additional analgesic and antipyretic effects. Used for Moderate to severe acute pain, Moderate to severe chronic pain.

At a glance

Generic nameOxycodone/ acetaminophen
SponsorMontefiore Medical Center
Drug classOpioid analgesic combination
TargetMu opioid receptor (oxycodone); COX inhibition (acetaminophen)
ModalitySmall molecule
Therapeutic areaPain Management
PhaseFDA-approved

Mechanism of action

Oxycodone is a semi-synthetic opioid agonist that activates mu, delta, and kappa opioid receptors, primarily in the brain and spinal cord, to modulate pain signals and produce analgesia. Acetaminophen works through a separate mechanism by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes and reducing prostaglandin production, providing complementary pain relief and fever reduction. The combination allows for enhanced analgesia at lower individual doses of each component.

Approved indications

Common side effects

Key clinical trials

Primary sources

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SourceUsed for
ClinicalTrials.govTrial enrolment, design, endpoints, results

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