Analgesia Flashcards
What is the 1st step of the analgesic ladder?
NSAID/Paracetamol
What are examples of NSAIDs?
Aspirin
Diclofenac
Naproxen
What is the 2nd step of the analgesic ladder?
Weak opioids
What are examples of weak opioids?
Codeine
Tramadol
What is the 3rd step of the analgesic ladder?
Strong opioids
What is an example of a strong opioid?
Morphine
Can the steps of the analgesic ladder be combined?
In those with severe pain, patients may be given either 1+2 or 1+3, in combination.
What are opiates?
Substances extracted from/have a similar structure to opium.
What are opioids?
Any agent that acts upon opioid receptors?
What part of the brain mediates anti-nociception?
Brainstem
What are the 3 areas of the brainstem of particular importance in pain regulation?
Periaqueductal grey (found in midbrain) Locus ceruleus (found in pons) Nucleus raphe magnus (found in medulla)
What side-effects are common from opioid therapy?
Addiction Nausea Vomiting Constipation Myoclonus Hallucinations
What is myoclonus?
A sudden, twitching/jerking of muscles/groups of muscles that are both, brief and involuntary.
How would you treat a morphine/heroin overdose?
Naloxone
