Analgesia

Question 1

WHO Analgesic ladder

Answer 1

1. Non opioid (NSAID, paracetamol)
2. Weak opioid +/- non opioid
3. Strong opioid +/- non opioid

Question 2

Weak opioids

Answer 2

Co codamol 8/500 (or 30/500)- 2 tablets PO, PRN, 4-6 hours (max 8), or QDS

Dihydrocodeine 30mg- 30mg PO, PRN, 4-6 hours (max 120mg), or QDS

Tramadol 50-100mg- 50-100mg PO, PRN, 4-6 hours (max 400mg), QDS

Question 3

Strong opioids

Answer 3

Morphine sulphate oral solution (oramorph) 10mg/5ml- 2.5ml (5mg) PO, PRN 4 hourly

Question 4

Concept of background and breakthrough analgesia

Answer 4

Background- the average if their daily PRN medications

Breakthrough- 1/6th of total background medications