Oxycodone is a strong opioid drug prescribed for the treatment of moderate to severe pain. Mode of action on opioid receptors, highly predictable bioavailability after oral administration and availability of controlled release formulations allow for comfortable use in any types of persistent pain (cancer, neuropathic, somatic and visceral). Good quality clinical trials delivered evidence of its effectiveness and safety, as a first-choice medicine for cancer pain treatment, equally to morphine.The following text is aimed to depict general characteristics of oxycodone, as well as the newest and most interesting findings.