Opioids

Heroin

An opiate (narcotic) drug processed from morphine and extracted from certain poppy plants. Heroin comes in a white or brownish powder, or a black sticky substanceknown as “black tar heroin.” Often “cut” with other drugs or substances such as sugar or powdered milk.

Oxycodone

Semi-synthetic opioid drug prescribed for pain as Tylox®, Percodan®, OxyContin®. Derived from the poppy plant, has high potential for abuse. 

Morphine

Non-synthetic narcotic (opioid) made from opium, prescribed as Kadian®,MS-Contin®, Oramorph SR®, MSIR®, RMS®, Roxanol®. Very effective for pain relief, high potential for abuse.

Hydromorphone

Prescribed at Dilaudid®, it is used as a pain reliever. Hydromorphone is 2-8x more potent than morphine but shorter duration and greater sedation. Available in tablets, rectal suppositories, oral solutions, and injectable formulations. 

Methadone

Synthetic opiod prescribed as Methadose® and Dolphine®. Tablet, capsule, and liquid, used for detoxification and maintenance of opioid addiction and as a pain reliever for moderate to severe pain. 

Opium

Non-synthetic narcotic extracted from the poppy plant, made into a liquid, powder or solid. Opium poppy is a key source for many narcotics. 

Fentanyl

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 80-100 times stronger than morphine.  Pharmaceutical fentanyl was developed for pain management treatment of cancer patients, applied in a patch on the skin