OxyContin is a brand name for extended-release oxycodone, a powerful opioid medication used to manage severe pain that requires continuous, around-the-clock treatment. It works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, altering the way the body perceives and responds to pain. Due to its extended-release formula, it provides long-lasting pain relief, typically every 12 hours. However, it carries a high risk of addiction, abuse, and overdose. Patients are usually prescribed OxyContin when other pain relief methods are ineffective, and it is essential to use it strictly as directed by a healthcare professional.