Oxycodone Hydrochloride
[CAS# 124-90-3]

Identification

• Classification: Organic raw materials >> Hydrocarbon compounds and their derivatives >> Aromatic hydrocarbon
• Name: Oxycodone Hydrochloride
• Synonyms: (4R,4aS,7aR,12bS)-4a-hydroxy-9-methoxy-3-methyl-2,4,5,6,7a,13-hexahydro-1H-4,12-methanobenzofuro[3,2-e]isoquinolin-7-one;hydrochloride
• Molecular Formula: C₁₈H₂₂ClNO₄
• Molecular Weight: 351.82
• CAS Registry Number: 124-90-3
• EC Number: 204-717-1
• SMILES: CN1CC[C@]23[C@@H]4C(=O)CC[C@]2([C@H]1CC5=C3C(=C(C=C5)OC)O4)O.Cl

Properties

• Solubility: Soluble 100 mM (water)
• Density: 1.4
• Melting point: 271 ºC
• Boiling point: 501.6 ºC (760 mmHg), Calc.
• Flash point: 257.1 ºC, Calc.

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS07;GHS08 Danger
• Hazard Statements: H302-H317-H332-H334
• Precautionary Statements: P233-P260-P261-P264-P270-P271-P272-P280-P284-P301+P317-P302+P352-P304+P340-P317-P321-P330-P333+P317-P342+P316-P362+P364-P403-P501

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H302
Skin sensitization	Skin Sens.	1	H317
Respiratory sensitization	Resp. Sens.	1	H334
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H332
Serious eye damage	Eye Dam.	1	H318
Reproductive toxicity	Lact.	-	H362
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	3	H301
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	3	H331
Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure	STOT SE	3	H336

Discovory and Applicatios

Oxycodone was first synthesized in 1916 by German scientists Martin Freund and Edmund Speyer. Their goal was to create a less addictive alternative to morphine and heroin. By modifying the structure of thebaine, they developed oxycodone, which exhibited potent analgesic properties without the high abuse potential they were initially trying to avoid. Oxycodone hydrochloride is the most commonly used form, which is designed to improve solubility and absorption for ease of use in clinical practice. Its central morphinan structure is similar to that of morphine and codeine, which is responsible for its analgesic properties. The hydrochloride salt improves water solubility and stability, allowing for effective oral administration.

Oxycodone hydrochloride is used to treat acute pain following surgery, injury, or other medical procedures. Its immediate-release formulation provides rapid pain relief and is suitable for short-term pain control. Extended-release formulations are used to treat chronic pain such as cancer pain, osteoarthritis, and lower back pain. These formulations provide sustained pain relief and improve the quality of life for patients with long-term pain.

Immediate-release tablets provide rapid analgesia for acute pain episodes. These tablets are often used to treat postoperative pain and acute injuries and are effective for pain control where a quick onset of action is needed. Designed for chronic pain management, extended-release tablets slowly release oxycodone over 12 to 24 hours, reducing the need for frequent medications and maintaining consistent pain control. Combining oxycodone HCl with other analgesics, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can enhance pain relief and reduce the dose of each component, thereby minimizing side effects.

The dose of oxycodone HCl is individualized based on the patient's response, pain severity, and previous opioid use. Physicians typically start with a lower dose and gradually increase the dose to achieve optimal pain control while minimizing side effects. In cases where patients develop tolerance or adverse reactions to other opioids, oxycodone HCl is used in opioid rotation strategies to maintain pain relief while mitigating side effects.

Although oxycodone HCl is effective, it carries a high risk of addiction and abuse. Monitoring and adherence to prescribing guidelines are essential to mitigate these risks, including evaluating the patient's medical history and potential for drug abuse. Common side effects include nausea, constipation, drowsiness, and dizziness. Serious risks include respiratory depression, especially in opioid-na�ve patients or when used inappropriately. Oxycodone hydrochloride is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance in many countries because of its potential for abuse. This classification imposes strict regulations on its prescribing, dispensing, and monitoring of use to prevent abuse and diversion.