OxyContin
Pill
The OxyContin® (oxycodone hydrochloride controlled-release) pill is an opioid
analgesic. It is supplied in 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg, 80 mg, and 160 mg tablet strengths
for oral administration. OxyContin pills are available by prescription only.
The pills are to be taken whole. Taking broken, chewed, or crushed tablets could
lead to the rapid release and absorption of a potentially toxic dose of oxycodone.
OxyContin® 80 mg and 160 mg Tablets are for use in opioid tolerant patients
only.
The
pill strengths describe the amount of oxycodone per tablet as the hydrochloride
salt. The structural formula for oxycodone hydrochloride is as follows:
C18H21NO4oHCl
MW 351.83
The
chemical formula is 4, 5-epoxy-14-hydroxy-3-methoxy- 17-methylmorphinan-6-one
hydrochloride. Oxycodone is a white, odorless crystalline powder derived from
the opium alkaloid, thebaine. Oxycodone hydrochloride dissolves in water (1
g in 6 to 7 mL). It is slightly soluble in alcohol (octanol water partition
coefficient 0.7). The tablets contain the following inactive ingredients: ammonio
methacrylate copolymer, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, lactose, magnesium stearate,
povidone, red iron oxide (20 mg strength tablet only), stearyl alcohol, talc,
titanium dioxide, triacetin, yellow iron oxide (40 mg strength tablet only),
yellow iron oxide with FD&C blue No. 2 (80 mg strength tablet only), FD&C
blue No. 2 (160 mg strength tablet only) and other ingredients.
The
growing abuse of the OxyContin pill, commonly known as Oxy's, OC's, Killers,
Poor Man's Heroin, and Hillbilly Heroin, is leading to an increase in burglaries,
thefts, and robberies of residences and pharmacies. When lawenforcement was
asked what OxyContin pill strengths were most commonly abused or diverted they
replied "primarily for the 40 mg. tablets, although all strengths (10 mg.,
20 mg., 40 mg., 80 mg., and 160 mg.) have been encountered."
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The shackles of shabu.
