oxy

Oxy is a shorthand term with multiple meanings across different fields. In popular usage, it is most often associated with the opioid analgesic oxycodone. It may also appear in chemical terminology as the oxy- prefix, in finance as the stock ticker OXY for Occidental Petroleum, and in biology to indicate oxygenation, as in oxyhemoglobin. The meaning of oxy is typically clarified by context.

Oxycodone is a semi-synthetic opioid used to treat moderate to severe pain. It is available in immediate-release and extended-release formulations and is sometimes combined with acetaminophen or aspirin. Oxycodone works by binding to mu-opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, producing analgesia and, at higher doses, euphoria. Common side effects include constipation, nausea, drowsiness, and dizziness. Like other opioids, oxycodone carries a risk of dependence, misuse, and overdose, especially when taken without a prescription, in higher-than-prescribed amounts, or with other sedatives. It is a controlled substance in many countries, with prescribing and dispensing regulated to reduce misuse.

In chemistry, the prefix oxy- appears in some nomenclature to indicate the presence of an oxygen atom bridging two parts of a molecule or to denote oxygen-containing groups in older or specialized names. Usage varies by naming system and discipline, and modern IUPAC practices may prefer other designations such as oxo or ether-related terms for precision.

Occidental Petroleum, whose stock trades under the ticker OXY on the New York Stock Exchange, is a major integrated oil and gas company. Headquartered in the United States, it engages in exploration, production, refining, and marketing of petroleum and related products.