Today oxycodone is mainly used as controlled-release tablets for chronic pain. The immediate- release solution and tablets are used for acute pain or for breakthrough pain. Parenteral oxycodone is a good alternative when opioids cannot be administered orally. Oxycodone has a more favorable pharmacokinetic profile. Its oral bioavailability is significantly higher and therefore the interindividual variation in bioavailability and expected plasma concentrations is less.
