Oxycodone is a potent prescription opioid medication used to manage moderate to severe pain. It belongs to the class of drugs known as narcotic analgesics, which work by binding to specific receptors in the brain and central nervous system to alter the perception and emotional response to pain. Oxycodone is commonly prescribed for patients who require consistent pain relief over an extended period, such as those suffering from chronic conditions like cancer, severe arthritis, or after undergoing major surgery.