Which of the following is classified as a semi-synthetic opioid?

Oxycodone is classified as a semi-synthetic opioid because it is derived from thebaine, which is an alkaloid found in the opium poppy. Semi-synthetic opioids are created through chemical modifications of natural opiates. In this case, oxycodone is synthesized by altering the structure of thebaine to enhance its analgesic properties and improve its effectiveness in managing pain. This classification distinguishes it from fully synthetic opioids and naturally occurring ones, allowing health professionals to understand its origin and potential effects better.

In contrast, options like codeine and morphine are classified as natural opioids, as they are directly derived from opium. Cocaine, while a powerful drug, is a stimulant and not an opioid at all; it does not belong to the same category as oxycodone regarding mechanism and use in pain management. Understanding these classifications helps in recognizing how different analgesics function and their respective therapeutic applications.