Oxycodone hydrochloride is an opioid analgesic, a pure opioid receptor agonist, whose primary therapeutic effect is analgesia. The analgesic effect of oxycodone increases with increasing dose, and there is generally no defined maximum dose to be administered. The maximum limit of analgesic effect can only be determined by side effects, and if the side effects are severe, the dose may not be increased. Often the more serious side effects may include drowsiness, respiratory depression, etc. Oxycodone extended-release tablets must be swallowed whole, not broken, chewed, or ground. It is usually taken once every 12 hours.