6. Analgesia - Codeine Flashcards
When and where were opiates first isolated from?
1803 from the white poppy (papaver somniferum)
What is considered the most potent opiate?
morphine
What are opiates referred to as acting on?
central acting analgesia
What do opiates act on?
µ, δ and κ opioid receptors
What kind of metabolism do opiates undergo?
1st pass metabolism, conjugated in the liver
What is the approx. half life of opiates?
3 hours
What kind of pain is morphine used for?
acute severe pain - continuous dull (rather than sharp intermittent)
What CNS effects does morphine have?
drowsiness, sedation and euphoria
(does not effect touch, pressure, vision, hearing)
What are some of the unwanted effects of morphine?
- nausea and vomiting (intitial)
- urticaria/pruritis
- respiratory depression
- constipation (GI motility)
- eye signs (mitosis - pinpoint pupils)
- confusion in the elderly
Why does morphine commonly cause nausea and vomiting?
due to direct stimulation of the chemoreceptors in the medulla and as such often need an antiemetic
What is the oral dosage for morphine?
10-30mg every 4 hours as required
What is the IV dosage for morphine?
2.5-15mg/70kg / 4 hours
What is the IM dosage of morphine?
10mg, works in 30 mins and lasts for 4-5 hours
What is the SC dosage of morphine?
5-20mg/70kg every 4 hours
What tends to be the max dose of morphine given per 24 hours?
100mg in 24 hours
What are the contraindications and special considerations for morphine?
- dependence
- ulcerative colitis + AAC
- suspected head injury
- acute alcoholism
- reduced respiratory reserve
- upper airway obstruction
- acute asthma
- poisoning or toxins (constipation will stop clearing of this)
- hepatic and renal insufficiency
- hypersensitivity to opiates
What are the signs of an opioid overdose?
- asleep and difficult to wake
- low resp. rate
- low BP
- pupil constriction which tends not to respond to light
- cold and clammy skin
- flaccid skeletal muscle including tongue with resultant airway compromise
How would you treat an opioid overdose?
establish airway and administer naloxone 04mg IV ever 2-3mins