Many opioids go by different names. Some appear on labels as brand names, while others are listed by their generic names. Both can be strong, addictive, and carry serious risks. This guide outlines common generic and brand-name pairs and helps you identify these drugs on a prescription label.
Generic vs. brand name medications
Most opioid medications are available in both brand-name and generic forms.
Both versions have the same active ingredients, strength, and effects. The main difference is cost—generic drugs are usually less expensive.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires that generic drugs meet the same quality and safety standards as brand-name versions. This means they work the same way in the body and offer the same level of pain relief.
Doctors may prescribe a brand name, but pharmacies often fill it with the generic version.
Knowing both names helps you understand what you’re taking and prevents confusion, especially if prescribed more than one medication.
Common opioid prescriptions: brand and generic names
Opioids are often prescribed under different names. The brand name is what many people recognize, but the medication label may list the generic name instead. Here are some common opioids and their brand name counterparts:it, usually out of love and a desire to protect them.
Hydrocodone
Brand names:
- Vicodin
- Norco
- Lortab
- Zohydro ER
- Hysingla ER
- Tussionex
- Xodol
- Lorcet
- Lortab Elixir
- Zamicet
- Zydone
Oxycodone
Brand names:
- OxyContin
- Percocet
- Roxicodone
- Oxaydo
- Oxecta
- RoxyBond
- Xtampza ER
- Endocet
- Endodan
- Percodan
- Combunox
- Tylox
- Xartemis XR
Morphine
Brand names:
- MS Contin
- Kadian
- Roxanol
- Arymo ER
- Avinza
- DepoDur
- Duramorph
- Infumorph
- Kadia
- Morphabond
- Paregoric
- Statex
- Embeda (morphine + naltrexone)
Fentanyl
Brand names:
- Duragesic
- Actiq
- Sublimaze
- Abstral
- Fentora
- Lazanda
- Onsolis
- Subsys
- Ionsys
- Fentanyl Transdermal System
- Fentanyl Citrate Injection
- Ultiva (remifentanil)
Hydromorphone
Brand names:
- Dilaudid
- Exalgo
- Dilaudid-HP
- Palladone
Oxymorphone
Brand names:
- Opana
- Opana ER
- Numorphan
Codeine
Often combined with other ingredients in brand names:
- Tylenol with Codeine
- Fiorinal with Codeine
- Robitussin AC
- Phenergan with Codeine
- Triacin C
- Trezix
- Soma Compound with Codeine
Tramadol
Brand names:
- Ultram
- Ultram ER
- ConZip
- Qdolo
- Rybix ODT
- Ryzolt
- Ultracet (with acetaminophen)
Methadone
Brand names:
- Dolophine
- Methadose
- Methadone Hydrochloride Injection
- Methadose Oral Concentrate
Meperidine
Brand names:
- Demerol
- Mepergan (with promethazine)
Buprenorphine
Brand names:
- Subutex
- Suboxone
- Belbuca
- Bunavail
- Probuphine
- Sublocade
- Cassipa
- Zubsolv
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Sources
- Centers for Disease: https://www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns/opioid-prescribing/index.html
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: https://www.hhs.gov/opioids/about-the-epidemic/index.html
- BMJ Open: https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/bmjopen/10/8/e035126.full.pdf
- FDA: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/development-approval-process-drugs/drug-approvals-and-databases
- Association for Accessible Medicines: https://accessiblemeds.org/2020-Access-Savings-Report
- American Society of Anesthesiologists: https://www.asahq.org/madeforthismoment/pain-management/opioid-treatment/what-are-opioids/
- MedlinePlus: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a614045.html
- United States Drug Enforcement Administration: https://www.dea.gov/factsheets/oxycodone
- National Institute on Drug Abuse: https://www.drugabuse.gov/drug-topics/fentanyl
- National Conference of State Legislatures: https://www.ncsl.org/research/health/state-prescription-drug-return-reuse-and-recycling.aspx