Oxycodone is used to relieve moderate to severe pain. Oxycodone extended-release tablets are used to relieve severe pain in people who are expected to need pain medication around the clock for a long time and who cannot be treated with other medications. It is in a class of medications called opiate (narcotic) analgesics and works by changing the way the brain and nervous system respond to pain.
The CYP2D6 enzyme metabolizes about 25% of pharmaceutical drugs including opiods like oxycodone, hydrocodone and methadone. It also breaks down SSRIs, beta-blockers (eg metoprolol, propranolol), dextromethorphan, tamoxifen.
Some variants of the CYP2D6 gene affect the ezyme's function such that the rate at which these drugs are broken down is either sped up or slowed down.
A fast CYP2D6 enzyme function is usually called an extensive metabolizer and a slow enzyme function is referred to as a poor metabolizer .
courtesy: livewello