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Oxycodone is an opioid analgesic, with an abuse liability similar to that of morphine. Controlled-release formulations (OxyContin CR) contain more oxycodone (5 mg to 80 mg) than immediate-release formulations (Oxy IR, 5 mg to 20 mg) to allow for less frequent dosing. When the controlled-release tablet is swallowed whole, some oxycodone is released immediately; the rest is released into the body slowly due to a protective coating. However, if the tablet is chewed, crushed, or dissolved, the medication is released all at once. This may happen accidentally, or deliberately to achieve a euphoric high. OxyNEO is a new controlled-release formulation (10 mg to 15 mg) designed to reduce misuse. If OxyNEO is crushed and added to water, it becomes a thick, gel-like substance, which is difficult to inject.
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