Which of the following is commonly prescribed as an opioid?

Oxycodone is commonly prescribed as an opioid because it is specifically classified as a powerful pain-relieving medication that belongs to the opioid family. Opioids work by binding to specific receptors in the brain and spinal cord, effectively blocking pain signals and producing feelings of euphoria. Oxycodone is often utilized to manage moderate to severe pain, making it a common choice for patients recovering from surgery or those with chronic pain conditions.

In contrast, Ambien is primarily prescribed as a sleep aid and works differently than opioids. Ibuprofen and Advil, which refer to the same active ingredient, are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and are used for pain relief but do not belong to the opioid category; they primarily reduce inflammation and fever while managing mild to moderate pain. Thus, these alternatives do not serve the same function as oxycodone and do not have the same mechanism of action in the body.