What Is The Main Ingredient In Narcotic Drugs?

Posted on Tue, 24 Mar 2015

Question: could you please tell me what is the main ingredient in narcotic drugs such as oxycodone & hydrocodone. I get a terrible itch practically all over my body about 20 to 30 min. after ingesting the pill. the itch continues the entire time the pill is at peak and while it is on the wane, then soon it will be reinforced with another and the cycle will be repeated. the drug is vicoprofen. I was taking it intermittently and except for once in awhile it wasn't occurring. now that I am taking it regularly for a particularly painful back condition L3,4,5, bulging and legs have a dull ache to them, it is all the time. the doctor switched to oxycodone with exact same results. the last doctor said there are 5 popular drugs without the ingredient in the codones, i.e., fentanyl, morphine, tramadol, Demerol, and hydromorphone. I am not familiar with any of them.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Both are derived from opioid alkaloids.

Detailed Answer:
Hi, I have gone through your question and understand your concerns.

Both of them contain opioid alkaloids, semisynthetic ingredients ( thebaine in oxycodone and codeine in hydrocodone), derived from opium plants.

Vicoprofen contains hydrocodone and Ibuprofen.

One of side effects of semisynthetic opioids is itching.

Morphine and hydromorphone are derived from opium plants too.

In my opinion you need to avoid analgesic drugs related to opium plants.

Fentanyl, Tramadol are synthetic opioid drugs not derived from opium.

You can try Tramadol for example.

Hope this answers your question. If you have additional questions or follow up questions then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your questions.

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T