OxyContin is a prescription medication that contains oxycodone, a powerful opioid analgesic designed to treat moderate to severe chronic pain. Unlike immediate-release pain medications, OxyContin is formulated as an extended-release tablet, which provides continuous pain relief over approximately 12 hours. This makes it particularly effective for individuals who experience ongoing pain, such as patients with cancer, severe arthritis, or post-surgical pain, where consistent symptom control is critical for daily functioning and quality of life.