Analgesic Drugs Flashcards
Describe the WHO Pain ladder
- Strong opioid
- Weak opioid
- NSAIDs
- Paracetamol
What is the difference between an opiate and opioid?
Opiate - substances extracted from opium
Opioid - any agent that acts on opioid receptors (including endogenous peptides)
What descending pathway acts to modify pain?
Supraspinal antinociception
Describe the supraspinal antinociception pathway
Peri-aqueductual grey matter sends signals to the locus ceruleus and nucleus raphe magnus which project to dorsal horn of spinal cord and inhibit nociceptive transmission
What stimulates the peri-aqueductal grey matter?
Opioids and electrical stimulation
Where is the PAG?
Midbrain
Where is the locus ceruleus?
Pons
Where is the nucleus raphe magnus?
Medulla
What does the PAG excite?
Nucleus raphe magnus
Locus coruleus
What is the effect of PAG excitation of NRM and LC?
They excite 5HT and NA neurones which project to the dorsal horn and inhibit nociceptive transmission
Describe the cellular action of opioids
Inhibit opening of voltage activated calcium channels to prevent release of neurotransmitter
Opens potassium channels to suppress excitation
Inhibits adenylate cyclase
Name the three opioid receptors
MU
Delta
Kappa
What is the effect of opioids on the respiratory system?
Apnoea - blinding of medullary resp centre to carbon dioxide
What is the effect of opioids on the cardiovascular system?
Orthostatic hypertension - reduced sympathetic tone and bradycardia - histamine evoked vasodilation
What is the effect of opioids on the GI system?
Nausea, vomiting, constipation, intrabilary pressure
What is the effect of opioids on the CNS?
Confusion, euphoria, dysphoria, hallucinations, dizziness, hyperalgesia
What can morphine cause in asthmatics?
Degranulation and bronchospasm
How do most analgesic drugs work?
Prolonged activation of opioid receptors