OxyContin

American  

[ahk-see-kahn-tn, ahk-see-kahn-tn] / ˌɑk siˈkɑn tn, ˈɑk siˌkɑn tn /

Pharmacology, Trademark.

1. a brand of oxycodone.

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OxyContin British  

/ ˌɒksɪˈkɒntɪn /

noun

1. an opiate drug, oxycodone hydrochloride, used as a painkiller and, illegally, as an alternative to heroin

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Etymology

Origin of OxyContin

First recorded in 1990–95; oxy- ² ( def. ) + contin(uous) ( def. ), perhaps after the controlled-release nature of the drug

Example Sentences

The Supreme Court in 2024 narrowed bankruptcy courts’ authority to shield such nonbankrupt third parties from lawsuits when it ruled against a chapter 11 plan from OxyContin manufacturer Purdue Pharma.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 12, 2026

“Sugar-Coated Pill,” which includes an OxyContin plush toy and a photograph of Adolf Hitler bending down to feed a baby deer, examines the way cuteness can be used to soften or disguise the ugly.

From New York Times • Jan. 31, 2024

Matthew Broderick plays Richard Sackler who is the architect of OxyContin.

From Salon • Aug. 19, 2023

As Giuliani stayed busy by making money, consulting for corporations like OxyContin manufacturer Purdue Pharma, his third marriage, to Judith Nathan, was no refuge.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 13, 2022

Sackler family members have not unequivocally offered an apology, though they issued a new statement of regret about the toll of OxyContin.

From Washington Times • Mar. 3, 2022