Dwg: Article written and Venn diagram created.

2026-01-27T14:40:30Z

Article written and Venn diagram created.

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== Comparison Article ==
Oxycodone and Percocet are both opioid analgesics used to treat moderate to severe pain.<ref name="ref1" /><ref name="ref2" /> The primary distinction between the two is their composition. Oxycodone is a single-ingredient medication, whereas Percocet is a brand name for a combination drug that contains both oxycodone and acetaminophen.<ref name="ref3" /><ref name="ref4" /> Due to their high potential for abuse and dependence, all oxycodone products, including Percocet, are classified as Schedule II controlled substances in the United States.<ref name="ref1" /><ref name="ref5" />

=== Comparison Table ===
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Category !! Oxycodone !! Percocet
|-
| '''Active Ingredient(s)'''
| Oxycodone hydrochloride
| Oxycodone hydrochloride and acetaminophen
|-
| '''Drug Type'''
| Opioid analgesic
| Combination opioid and non-opioid analgesic<ref name="ref4" />
|-
| '''Common Brand Names'''
| OxyContin, Roxicodone
| Endocet, Roxicet
|-
| '''Formulations'''
| Immediate-release and extended-release tablets, capsules, oral solution<ref name="ref1" />
| Immediate-release tablets<ref name="ref2" />
|-
| '''Primary Use'''
| Management of moderate to severe pain<ref name="ref1" />
| Relief of moderate to moderately severe pain
|-
| '''DEA Schedule (U.S.)'''
| Schedule II
| Schedule II
|-
| '''Specific Risks'''
| Standard opioid risks (e.g., respiratory depression, dependence)
| Standard opioid risks plus risk of liver damage (hepatotoxicity) from acetaminophen<ref name="ref3" />
|}

[[File:Venn_diagram_Differences_between_Oxycodone_versus_Percocet_comparison.png|thumb|center|800px|alt=Venn diagram for Differences between Oxycodone and Percocet|Venn diagram comparing Differences between Oxycodone and Percocet]]

=== Composition and Formulation ===
Oxycodone is a semi-synthetic opioid derived from thebaine, a substance found in the opium poppy.<ref name="ref1" /> It is the sole active ingredient in medications like OxyContin and Roxicodone. It is available in multiple formats, including immediate-release versions that work for up to six hours and extended-release versions designed to manage pain over a longer period, typically 12 hours.

Percocet combines oxycodone with acetaminophen, a non-opioid pain reliever and fever reducer.<ref name="ref4" /> The inclusion of acetaminophen can enhance the pain-relieving effects of oxycodone, sometimes allowing for a lower total opioid dose.<ref name="ref4" /> Percocet is manufactured as an immediate-release tablet and is not available in an extended-release formula.<ref name="ref2" />

=== Risks and Side Effects ===
Both medications share the side effects common to all opioids, such as sedation, dizziness, constipation, and respiratory depression, which is the most serious acute risk. Long-term use of either drug can lead to physical dependence and addiction.

Percocet carries an additional risk related to its acetaminophen component. Acetaminophen can cause severe, and potentially fatal, liver damage (hepatotoxicity) if taken in high doses or if combined with alcohol or other products containing acetaminophen. Patients are typically advised not to exceed a total of 4,000 milligrams of acetaminophen per day from all sources. This risk is not present with single-ingredient oxycodone products, although they have their own distinct risk profile associated with higher opioid concentrations, especially in extended-release forms.

== References ==
<references>
<ref name="ref1">[https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_chem_info/oxycodone.pdf "usdoj.gov"]. Retrieved January 27, 2026.</ref>
<ref name="ref2">[https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/oxycodone-and-acetaminophen-oral-route/description/drg-20074000 "mayoclinic.org"]. Retrieved January 27, 2026.</ref>
<ref name="ref3">[https://robertalexandercenter.com/oxycodone-vs-percocet-exploring-the-risks-and-differences-between-these-medications/ "robertalexandercenter.com"]. Retrieved January 27, 2026.</ref>
<ref name="ref4">[https://www.goodrx.com/classes/opioids/oxycodone-vs-percocet "goodrx.com"]. Retrieved January 27, 2026.</ref>
<ref name="ref5">[https://www.dea.gov/drug-information/drug-scheduling "dea.gov"]. Retrieved January 27, 2026.</ref>
</references>

[[Category:Comparisons]]

Differences between Oxycodone and Percocet - Revision history

Dwg: Article written and Venn diagram created.