Opioid Analgesics

    Cards (54)

    • How are opioid analgesics classified?
      By how effectively they relieve pain
    • What are the categories of opioid analgesics and their key features?
      • Strong opioids: Morphine, Fentanyl, Oxycodone
      • Best for severe pain, higher side effects
      • Intermediate efficacy: Dihydrocodeine
      • Suitable for moderate pain, often combined with NSAIDs
      • Partial agonists: Buprenorphine, Pentazocine
      • Less potent, lower abuse potential
    • What is the analogy used to describe strong opioids?
      Like taking an elevator to the top floor
    • What is the analogy used for intermediate efficacy agents?
      Like using the stairs for moderate relief
    • How are partial agonists compared in the analogy?
      Like taking a few steps for mild relief
    • What are the strong opioids mentioned?
      Morphine, Fentanyl, Oxycodone
    • What is the primary function of strong opioids?
      To relieve severe and chronic pain
    • How do strong opioids work?
      By binding to opioid receptors in the brain
    • What are the key properties of morphine?
      Potent pain reliever, effective orally or parenterally
    • What are the key uses of morphine?
      Acute pain in hospitals, chronic pain management
    • What is a key property of fentanyl?
      Extremely potent, available in transdermal patches
    • What are the key uses of fentanyl?
      Post-operative pain, breakthrough pain in cancer patients
    • What is a key property of oxycodone?
      Strong efficacy, often combined with other analgesics
    • What are the key uses of oxycodone?
      Moderate to severe pain, often after surgery
    • What is the key feature of dihydrocodeine?
      More effective than codeine, not as strong as morphine
    • How is dihydrocodeine often used?
      Combined with paracetamol or NSAIDs
    • What is the comparison of opioid types based on efficacy?
      • Strong: Morphine, High efficacy, No combination needed
      • Intermediate: Dihydrocodeine, Medium efficacy, Combined with Paracetamol/NSAIDs
      • Weak: Codeine, Low efficacy, Combined with Paracetamol/NSAIDs
    • What are the key properties of partial agonists?
      Relieve pain but not as much as strong opioids
    • What are the key uses of buprenorphine?
      Chronic musculoskeletal pain
    • What are the key uses of pentazocine?
      Moderate pain relief when needed
    • What are the phases of pharmacokinetics for opioid analgesics?
      1. Absorption: How the drug enters the bloodstream
      2. Distribution: How the drug spreads throughout the body
      3. Metabolism: How the drug is broken down in the liver
      4. Excretion: How the drug is removed from the body
    • What is the implication of absorption for opioids?
      Routes affect speed and amount entering circulation
    • How do opioids distribute in the body?
      They cross the blood-brain barrier to target pain receptors
    • What is the role of metabolism in opioids?
      The liver metabolizes opioids, reducing potency
    • How are opioids excreted from the body?
      Kidneys excrete metabolites in urine
    • What is the mechanism of action of opioid analgesics?
      • Interact with opioid receptors: μ, δ, κ
      • Affect neurotransmission and modulate pain signals
      • Bind to endogenous peptides: endorphins, enkephalins, dynorphins
    • What are the effects of the μ receptor?
      Antinociception, analgesia, respiratory depression
    • What are the effects of the δ receptor?
      Antinociception, analgesia, may play a role in tolerance
    • What are the effects of the κ receptor?
      Analgesia, diuresis, sedation, dysphoria
    • What are the acute effects of opioid analgesics?
      • Analgesia: Pain relief
      • Sedation & Euphoria: Relaxation and well-being
      • Respiratory Depression: Reduced respiratory rate
      • Nausea & Vomiting: Stimulation of chemoreceptor trigger zone
      • GI Effects: Constipation
      • Smooth Muscle Changes: Contraction of biliary tract
      • Miosis: Pupillary constriction
      • Miscellaneous: Truncal rigidity, histamine release
    • What causes respiratory depression in opioid use?
      Reduced respiratory rate at high doses
    • What GI effects do opioids have?
      Decreased intestinal peristalsis causing constipation
    • What is the effect of opioids on smooth muscles?
      Contraction of biliary tract and increased bladder tone
    • What is miosis in relation to opioid use?
      Pupillary constriction characteristic of opioids
    • What are the chronic effects of opioid analgesics?
      1. Tolerance: Higher doses needed for pain relief
      2. Dependence: Physical reliance on opioids
      3. Hyperalgesia: Increased pain sensitivity after prolonged use
    • What is tolerance in opioid use?
      Decreased sensitivity requiring higher doses
    • What is dependence in opioid use?
      Physical reliance leading to withdrawal symptoms
    • What is hyperalgesia in relation to opioids?
      Increased pain sensitivity after prolonged use
    • What are the clinical uses of opioid analgesics?
      • Analgesia: Morphine, Oxycodone for severe pain
      • Cough Suppressant: Codeine, Dextromethorphan
      • Treatment of Diarrhea: Diphenoxylate, Loperamide
      • Pulmonary Edema: Morphine for calming effects
      • Anesthesia: Fentanyl, Morphine as preoperative medications
      • Opioid Dependence: Methadone, Suboxone for withdrawal management
    • What opioids are used for cough suppression?
      Codeine, Dextromethorphan
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