Opioid brand and generic names
Common opioid pairs (note release when listed)
| Brand name | Generic name | Class or type | Route / form |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roxicodone | oxycodone | Opioid analgesics | Immediate release (oxycodone) |
| OxyContin | oxycodone | Opioid analgesics | Extended release (oxycodone) |
| Norco / Vicodin | acetaminophen, hydrocodone | Opioid analgesics | Immediate release (combination) |
| Percocet | acetaminophen, oxycodone | Opioid analgesics | Immediate release (combination) |
| MS Contin | morphine | Opioid analgesics | Extended release (morphine) |
| Dilaudid | hydromorphone | Opioid analgesics | Immediate release (hydromorphone) |
| Duragesic | fentanyl | Opioid analgesics | Transdermal (fentanyl) |
| Ultram | tramadol | Opioid analgesics | Immediate release (tramadol) |
OxyContin is extended-release oxycodone; Roxicodone is an immediate-release oxycodone example. MS Contin is extended-release morphine.
Understanding IR versus ER opioid products
Immediate-release opioids are designed for prompt analgesia; extended-release products spread delivery over time. Combination products (Norco, Percocet) add acetaminophen—name both ingredients.
See medication release abbreviations (IR, ER, XR) for how release letters appear on other drug classes.
Naming patterns and memory tips
Many opioid generics end in -codone, -morphone, or -fentanyl is the ingredient in transdermal Duragesic.
Pair each ER brand with its generic before mixing IR and ER cards in one session.
Commonly confused opioid names
Oxycodone IR and OxyContin
Both contain oxycodone; OxyContin identifies the extended-release formulation.
Hydrocodone and oxycodone combinations
Norco pairs hydrocodone with acetaminophen; Percocet pairs oxycodone with acetaminophen.