Vicodin and OxyContin are pain-relieving medicines that a doctor can prescribe. They're both for moderate to severe pain. Both medicines are called 'opioids'. Opioids work by changing the way your brain and nervous system react to and feel the pain. While they are similar, they differ as to what is the best medicine for pain relief. Vicodin is used as a short-term pain reliever. It can help reduce pain after an injury or surgery, and dental work. OxyContin is a long-acting pain reliever. This can help ease pain for a longer period of time. Due to these differences, OxyContin is frequently considered the 'stronger' medicine; it is also used for pain that requires medication all through the day. The 'best' medicine for a patient really depends on the type of pain, duration of time, and the individual's response to the medication.