OPIATES GLOSSARY

OXYCONTIN ® CODEINE MORPHINE HYDROCODONE VICODIN METHADONE

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OXYCONTIN ® -- The tradename for the narcotic oxycodone hydrochloride (HCl), an opiate agonist. Oxycodone is the active ingredient in a number of other commonly prescribed pain relief medications such as Percocet, Percodan, and Tylox. These medications contain oxycodone in smaller doses and are combined with other active ingredients like aspirin or acetaminophen.

CODEINE -- Most codeine used in the U.S. is produced from morphine. Compared to morphine, codeine produces less analgesia, sedation and respiratory depression and is frequently taken orally. Codeine is medically prescribed for the relief of moderate pain. It is made into tablets either alone or in combination with aspirin or acetaminophen (Tylenol). Codeine is an effective cough suppressant and is found in a number of liquid preparations. Codeine products are also used to a lesser extent, as an injectable solution for the treatment of pain. It is by far the most widely used, naturally occurring narcotic for medical treatment in the world. Codeine products are encountered on the illicit market frequently in combination with glutethimide (Doriden) or carisoprodol (Soma).
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MORPHINE -- Morphine, the principal constituent of opium, can range in concentrations from four to twenty-one percent (note: commercial opium is standardized to contain ten percent morphine). It is one of the most effective drugs known for the relief of pain, and remains the standard against which new analgesics are measured. Morphine is marketed in a variety of forms including oral solutions (Roxanol), sustained-release tablets (MSIR and MS-Contin), suppositories and injectable preparations. It may be administered orally, subcutaneously, intramuscularly, or intravenously, the latter method being the one most frequently used by addicts. Tolerance and physical dependence develop rapidly in the user. Only a small part of the morphine obtained from opium is used directly; most of it is converted to codeine and other derivatives.
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HYDROCODONE -- Hydrocodone is an orally active analgesic and antitussive Schedule II narcotic which is marketed in multi-ingredient Schedule III products. The therapeutic dose of 5-10 mg is pharmacologically equivalent to 60 mg of oral morphine. Sales and production of this drug have increased significantly in recent years as have diversion and illicit use. Trade names include Anexsia, Hycodan, Hycoming, Lorcet, Lortab, Tussionex, and Vicodin. These are available as tablets, capsules and/or syrups.
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VICODIN -- Vicodin combines a narcotic analgesic (painkiller) and cough reliever with a non-narcotic analgesic for the relief of moderate to moderately severe pain. Vicodin can be habit-forming, and if taken over a long period of time, the user can become mentally and physically dependent on the drug.
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METHADONE -- German scientists synthesized methadone during World War II because of a shortage of morphine. Although chemically unlike morphine or heroin, methadone produces many of the same effects.

Introduced into the United States in 1947 as an analgesic (Dolophine), Methadone is primarily used today for the treatment of narcotic addiction. The effects of methadone are longer-lasting than those of morphine-based drugs. Methadone's effects can last up to 24 hours, thereby permitting administration only once a day in heroin detoxification and maintenance programs.

Methadone is almost as effective when administered orally as it is by injection. Tolerance and dependence may develop, and withdrawal symptoms, though they develop more slowly and are less severe than those of morphine and heroin, are more prolonged. Ironically, methadone used to control narcotic addiction, is frequently encountered on the illicit market and has been associated with a number of overdose deaths.
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