Oxycodone powder is a white, odorless crystalline powder synthesized from the opium alkaloid, thebaine, found in the Persian poppy, and one of the many alkaloids found in the opium poppy. Oxycodone hydrochloride dissolves in water (1 g in 6 to 7 mL) and is considered slightly soluble in alcohol (octanol water partition coefficient is 0.7).

Chemically, oxycodone hydrochloride is 4, 5a-epoxy-14-hydroxy-3-methoxy-17-methylmorphinan-6-one hydrochloride.

Oxycodone powder is a semisynthetic moderately potent opioid analgesic, generally indicated for relief of moderate to severe pain. Oxycodone was developed in 1917 in Germany as one of several semi-synthetic opioids in an attempt to improve on the existing opioids.