Opioids list: Here are the common prescription pain relievers and illegal drugs

A new state law, in compliance with a federal mandate, cracks down on the procedures for prescribing pain-killing opioids such as OxyContin.

Opioids are powerful painkillers prescribed to give relief to those in acute pain. Regular use, even when prescribed by a physician, can lead to dependence. 

Prescribed opioids

Codeine: Used for mild to moderately severe pain.

Fentynal: Used to help relieve severe ongoing pain, such as the pain caused by cancer. It is a highly addictive synthetic alternative to morphine. Brand name: Duragesic (patch), Actiq (lozenge), Fentora (dissolving tablet) Lazanda (nasal spray) and Sublimaze (injection).

Hydrocodone: Used to treat moderate to severe pain. Brand names: Lorcet, Lortab, Norco and Vicodin (tablets).

HydromorphoneHCL: Used to treat moderate to severe pain. Brand name: Dilaudid HP (injection) and Dilaudid (pill).

Meperidine: Used to help relieve moderate to severe pain. It may also be used before and during surgery or other procedures. Brand name: Demerol (injection). 

Methadone: Used to treat severe, ongoing pain or as part of a treatment program to wean addicts off opioids, including heroin. Brand names: Dolophine and Methadose (tablets). 

Morphine: Used to treat severe ongoing pain. Brand names: Duramorph (injection), Infumorph (continuous IV), Astramorph-PF and Avinza (extended-release capsules).

Oxycodone: Used to help relieve moderate to severe pain. Brand names: Oxycontin (tablets), Oxecta (tablets).

Oxycodone and acetaminophen: Used to help relieve moderate to severe pain. Brand names: Endocet, Roxicodone, Percocet, Tylox (tablets). 

Oxycodone and naloxone: Brand name: Targiniq ER (tablets).

Street names: footballs, pink footballs, yellow footballs, 65’s, Ns juice, dillies, drug street heroin, demmies, pain killer, Oxy 80s, oxycotton, oxycet, hillbilly heroin, percs perks, pain killer, vikes, hydros and pinks.

What are opioids:Answers to questions about opioids, opiates and heroin

Illegal drugs

Heroin: Street names include mack, horse, brown sugar, dope, H, junk, smack, skag, skunk, white horse, thunder, nose drops, China white; and cheese (with OTC cold medicine and antihistamine). Administered: Injected, smoked and snorted.

Heroin laced with Fetynal: Street names include China white, poison, N.T. Administered: Injected, smoked and snorted.

Opium: Street names include big O, black stuff, block, gum and hop. Administered: swallowed and smoked.

Sources: National Center on Addiction and Drug Abuse; Web MD; Foundation for a Drug-Free World

Call IndyStar content coach Jennifer Morlan at (317) 444-6921. Follow her on Twitter and Facebook.   

IndyStar’s “State of Addiction: Confronting Indiana's Opioid Crisis” series is made possible through the support of the Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation, a nonprofit foundation working to advance the vitality of Indianapolis and the well-being of its people.