Skip navigation
MedlinePlus Trusted Health Information for You U.S. National Library of MedicineNational Institutes of Health
Contact Us FAQs Site Map About MedlinePlus
español Home Health Topics Drug Information Medical Encyclopedia Dictionary News Directories Other Resources

Other drug names:  A-Am  An-Az  B  C-Ch  Ci-Cz  D-Dh  Di-Dz  E  F  G  H  I-J  K-L  M-Mh  Mi-Mz  N-Nh  Ni-Nz  O  P-Pl  Pm-Pz  Q-R  S-Sn  So-Sz  T-To  Tp-Tz  U-V  W-Z  0-9

Narcotic Analgesics  For Pain Relief (Systemic)

Printer-friendly versionE-mail this page to a friend
Contents of this page:

Brand Names

Some commonly used brand names are:

In the U.S.—

  • Astramorph PF9
  • Buprenex1
  • Cotanal-6515
  • Darvon15
  • Darvon-N15
  • Demerol7
  • Dilaudid5
  • Dilaudid-55
  • Dilaudid-HP5
  • Dolophine8
  • Duramorph9
  • Hydrostat IR5
  • Kadian9
  • Levo-Dromoran6
  • Methadose8
  • M S Contin9
  • MSIR9
  • MS/L9
  • MS/L Concentrate9
  • MS/S9
  • Nubain10
  • Numorphan13
  • OMS Concentrate9
  • Oramorph SR9
  • OxyContin12
  • PP-Cap15
  • Rescudose9
  • RMS Uniserts9
  • Roxanol9
  • Roxanol 1009
  • Roxanol UD9
  • Roxicodone12
  • Roxicodone Intensol12
  • Stadol2
  • Talwin14
  • Talwin-Nx14

In Canada—

  • Darvon-N15
  • Demerol7
  • Dilaudid5
  • Dilaudid-HP5
  • Epimorph9
  • Hycodan #4
  • Kadian9
  • Leritine1A
  • Levo-Dromoran6
  • M-Eslon9
  • Morphine Extra-Forte9
  • Morphine Forte9
  • Morphine H.P.9
  • Morphitec9
  • M.O.S.9
  • M.O.S.-S.R.9
  • M S Contin9
  • MS˙IR9
  • Nubain10
  • Numorphan13
  • Oramorph SR9
  • OxyContin12
  • Pantopon11
  • Paveral3
  • PMS-Hydromorphone5
  • PMS-Hydromorphone Syrup5
  • Robidone4
  • 64215
  • Statex9
  • Statex Drops9
  • Supeudol12
  • Talwin14

Note:

For quick reference, the following narcotic analgesics are numbered to match the corresponding brand names.

Other commonly used names are: dextropropoxyphene; dihydromorphinone; levorphan; papaveretum; pethidine

This information applies to the following medicines:
1.  Buprenorphine (byoo-pre-NOR-feen)
1A.  Anileridine (an-i-LER-i-deen))*
2.  Butorphanol (byoo-TOR-fa-nole)
3.  Codeine (KOE-deen)
4.  Hydrocodone (hye-droe-KOE-done)*
5.  Hydromorphone (hye-droe-MOR-fone)
6.  Levorphanol (lee-VOR-fa-nole)
7.  Meperidine (me-PER-i-deen)
8.  Methadone (METH-a-done) **
9.  Morphine (MOR-feen)
10.  Nalbuphine (NAL-byoo-feen)
11.  Opium Injection (OH-pee-um)*
12.  Oxycodone (ox-i-KOE-done)
13.  Oxymorphone (ox-i-MOR-fone)
14.  Pentazocine (pen-TAZ-oh-seen)
15.  Propoxyphene (proe-POX-i-feen)
#  For Canadian product only. In the U.S., Hycodan also contains homatropine; in Canada, Hycodan contains only hydrocodone.
**  In Canada, methadone is available only through doctors who have received special approval to prescribe it for treating drug addicts.
‡  Generic name product may be available in the U.S.
§  Generic name product may be available in Canada
*  Not commercially available in the U.S.
†  Not commercially available in Canada

Category


Description

Narcotic (nar-KOT-ik) analgesics (an-al-JEE-zicks) are used to relieve pain. Some of these medicines are also used just before or during an operation to help the anesthetic work better. Codeine and hydrocodone are also used to relieve coughing. Methadone is also used to help some people control their dependence on heroin or other narcotics. Narcotic analgesics may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Narcotic analgesics act in the central nervous system (CNS) to relieve pain. Some of their side effects are also caused by actions in the CNS.

If a narcotic is used for a long time, it may become habit-forming (causing mental or physical dependence). Physical dependence may lead to withdrawal side effects when you stop taking the medicine.

These medicines are available only with your medical doctor's or dentist's prescription. For some of them, prescriptions cannot be refilled and you must obtain a new prescription from your medical doctor or dentist each time you need the medicine. In addition, other rules and regulations may apply when methadone is used to treat narcotic dependence.

These medicines are available in the following dosage forms:



Before Using This Medicine

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For narcotic analgesics, the following should be considered:

Allergies—Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to any of the narcotic analgesics. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.

Pregnancy—Although studies on birth defects with narcotic analgesics have not been done in pregnant women, these medicines have not been reported to cause birth defects. However, hydrocodone, hydromorphone, and morphine caused birth defects in animals when given in very large doses. Buprenorphine and codeine did not cause birth defects in animal studies, but they caused other unwanted effects. Butorphanol, nalbuphine, pentazocine, and propoxyphene did not cause birth defects in animals. There is no information about whether other narcotic analgesics cause birth defects in animals.

Too much use of a narcotic during pregnancy may cause the baby to become dependent on the medicine. This may lead to withdrawal side effects after birth. Also, some of these medicines may cause breathing problems in the newborn infant if taken just before delivery.

Breast-feeding—Most narcotic analgesics have not been reported to cause problems in nursing babies. However, when the mother is taking large amounts of methadone (in a methadone maintenance program), the nursing baby may become dependent on the medicine. Also, butorphanol, codeine, meperidine, morphine, opium, and propoxyphene pass into the breast milk.

Children—Breathing problems may be especially likely to occur in children younger than 2 years of age. These children are usually more sensitive than adults to the effects of narcotic analgesics. Also, unusual excitement or restlessness may be more likely to occur in children receiving these medicines.

Older adults—Elderly people are especially sensitive to the effects of narcotic analgesics. This may increase the chance of side effects, especially breathing problems, during treatment.

Other medicines—Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking a narcotic analgesic, it is especially important that your health care professional know if you are taking any of the following:

Other medical problems—The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of narcotic analgesics. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:


Proper Use of This Medicine

Some narcotic analgesics given by injection may be given at home to patients who do not need to be in the hospital. If you are using an injection form of this medicine at home, make sure you clearly understand and carefully follow your doctor's instructions.

To take the syrup form of meperidine:

To take the oral liquid forms of methadone:

To take the dispersible tablet form of methadone:

To take oral liquid forms of morphine:

To take long-acting morphine and oxycodone tablets :

To use suppositories:

Take this medicine only as directed by your medical doctor or dentist. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your medical doctor or dentist ordered. This is especially important for young children and elderly patients, who are especially sensitive to the effects of narcotic analgesics. If too much is taken, the medicine may become habit-forming (causing mental or physical dependence) or lead to medical problems because of an overdose.

If you think this medicine is not working properly after you have been taking it for a few weeks, do not increase the dose. Instead, check with your doctor.

Dosing—

The dose of these medicines will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of these medicines. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The number of capsules or tablets or teaspoonfuls of oral solution or syrup that you take, or the amount of injection that you are directed to use, depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the narcotic you are taking, whether or not you are taking a long-acting form of the medicine, and the reason you are taking the medicine.

Missed dose—

If your medical doctor or dentist has ordered you to take this medicine according to a regular schedule and you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage—

To store this medicine:


Precautions While Using This Medicine

If you will be taking this medicine for a long time (for example, for several months at a time), your doctor should check your progress at regular visits.

Narcotic analgesics will add to the effects of alcohol and other CNS depressants (medicines that slow down the nervous system, possibly causing drowsiness). Some examples of CNS depressants are antihistamines or medicine for hay fever, other allergies, or colds; sedatives, tranquilizers, or sleeping medicine; other prescription pain medicines including other narcotics; barbiturates; medicine for seizures; muscle relaxants; or anesthetics, including some dental anesthetics. Do not drink alcoholic beverages, and check with your medical doctor or dentist before taking any of the medicines listed above, while you are using this medicine.

This medicine may cause some people to become drowsy, dizzy, or lightheaded, or to feel a false sense of well-being. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are dizzy or are not alert and clearheaded.

Dizziness, light-headedness, or fainting may occur, especially when you get up suddenly from a lying or sitting position. Getting up slowly may help lessen this problem.

Nausea or vomiting may occur, especially after the first couple of doses. This effect may go away if you lie down for a while. However, if nausea or vomiting continues, check with your medical doctor or dentist. Lying down for a while may also help relieve some other side effects, such as dizziness or light-headedness, that may occur.

Before having any kind of surgery (including dental surgery) or emergency treatment, tell the medical doctor or dentist in charge that you are taking this medicine.

Narcotic analgesics may cause dryness of the mouth. For temporary relief, use sugarless candy or gum, melt bits of ice in your mouth, or use a saliva substitute. However, if dry mouth continues for more than 2 weeks, check with your dentist. Continuing dryness of the mouth may increase the chance of dental disease, including tooth decay, gum disease, and fungus infections.

If you have been taking this medicine regularly for several weeks or more, do not suddenly stop using it without first checking with your doctor. Your doctor may want you to reduce gradually the amount you are taking before stopping completely, in order to lessen the chance of withdrawal side effects.

If you think you or someone else may have taken an overdose, get emergency help at once. Taking an overdose of this medicine or taking alcohol or CNS depressants with this medicine may lead to unconsciousness or death. Signs of overdose include convulsions (seizures), confusion, severe nervousness or restlessness, severe dizziness, severe drowsiness, slow or troubled breathing, and severe weakness.


Side Effects of This Medicine

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:


Also, check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome:

After you stop using this medicine, your body may need time to adjust. The length of time this takes depends on the amount of medicine you were using and how long you used it. During this period of time check with your doctor if you notice any of the following side effects:


Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.


Additional Information

Once a medicine has been approved for marketing for a certain use, experience may show that it is also useful for other medical problems. Although not specifically included in product labeling, morphine by injection is used in certain pediatric patients with the following medical conditions:

Other than the above information, there is no additional information relating to proper use, precautions, or side effects for these uses.

Revised: 09/07/2001

Micromedex, Inc. Disclaimer

Copyright© 2003 Thomson MICROMEDEX. All rights reserved. USP DI® and Advice for the Patient® are registered trademarks of USP used under license to Micromedex, a business of Thomson Healthcare Inc. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.