OxyContin OC 30mg – The Complete Medical Guide
Introduction to OxyContin OC 30mg
OxyContin OC 30mg is an extended-release oxycodone formulation classified as a Schedule II controlled substance. This intermediate-strength version of the original OxyContin (pre-2010 reformulation) is designed for management of moderate to severe chronic pain in opioid-tolerant patients. The “OC” designation indicates it lacks modern abuse-deterrent properties, making it particularly high-risk for misuse compared to current “OP” formulations.
Oxycontin OC 30mg
Medical Uses & Indications
FDA-Approved Uses
✅ Moderate to severe chronic pain requiring continuous opioid therapy
✅ Cancer pain management in opioid-tolerant patients
✅ Pain uncontrolled by immediate-release opioids
Key Clinical Features
• Formulation: Original controlled-release (non-abuse deterrent)
• Onset: 1-2 hours
• Duration: 12-hour controlled release
• Equianalgesic ratio: 30mg q12h ≈ 45mg oral morphine daily
• DEA Classification: Schedule II (Highest abuse potential)
Pharmacology & Mechanism
Neurochemical Action
• Full μ-opioid receptor agonist
• κ-opioid receptor partial agonist
• Sustained activation of pain modulation pathways
Metabolic Profile
• Hepatic metabolism: CYP3A4 (major), CYP2D6 (minor)
• Active metabolites: Oxymorphone (via CYP2D6)
• Elimination half-life: 4.5-8 hours (ER formulation)
Dosing & Administration
Strict Eligibility Criteria
• Confirmed opioid tolerance: ≥60mg oral morphine equivalent daily
• Stable pain pattern (Not episodic/breakthrough)
• Failed trials of lower-dose opioids
Conversion Protocol
Calculate total daily morphine equivalent
Reduce by 25-50% (incomplete cross-tolerance)
Divide by 2 for q12h dosing
Critical Safety Notes
⚠ Hospital initiation recommended
⚠ Never crush/chew tablets (immediate 30mg release risk)
⚠ Requires dual prescriber verification in some states
⚠ Naloxone rescue kit mandatory
Safety Profile
Common Adverse Effects
• Constipation (universal, requires prophylaxis)
• Nausea/vomiting (30-40%)
• Sedation/dizziness
• Pruritus (20-25%)
Black Box Warnings
❌ High potential for addiction and abuse
❌ Life-threatening respiratory depression
❌ Accidental ingestion danger
❌ Concomitant CNS depressant risk
Risk Mitigation Strategies
Prescribing Safeguards
Documented failure of abuse-deterrent formulations
Written opioid treatment agreement
Weekly follow-ups for first 3 months
Random urine drug screening
Patient Safety Measures
• Biometric locked storage
• Mandatory caregiver training
• Medication disposal protocol
• Absolute alcohol prohibition
Clinical Alternatives
For Chronic Pain
• OxyContin OP (abuse-deterrent formulation)
• Xtampza ER (abuse-deterrent oxycodone)
• Morphine sulfate ER
Non-Opioid Options
• Duloxetine (For neuropathic pain)
• Gabapentin enacarbil
• Interventional pain procedures
Special Population Considerations
Population | Dosing Adjustment | Monitoring |
---|---|---|
Elderly (≥65) | CONTRAINDICATED | – |
Hepatic impairment | CONTRAINDICATED | – |
Renal (CrCl<30) | CONTRAINDICATED | – |
Pediatric | CONTRAINDICATED | – |
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