Analgesics Flashcards
What is included in step 1-3 of the WHO Analgesic ladder?
What is the paracetamol method of action
Inhibits cyclo-oxygenase (COX) and therefore prostaglandin production
Acts only centrally as it cannot reach inflammation sites due to susceptibility to peroxides
Anti-pyrexial action
Inhibits take up of anandamine (endocannabinoid)
Inhibit CNS Na+ channels → analgesic
How is paracetamol metabolised?
Toxic phase 1 biproduct (N-acetyl-P-Benzoquinonelmine)
Conjugated with Glutathione
When body runs out, toxic product NAPQBI builds up → liver damage
What are the paracetamol OD symptoms and treatment?
After 24 hours:
- N&V
- Anorexia
After 3-5 days:
- Abdominal Pain
- Metabolic Problems etc. - Hyper/hypoglycaemia
Treatment: Activated charcoal; N-acetylcysteine; Methionine
What is perfalgan?
IV form of paracetamol
What is the mode of action of NSAIDs?
Competitively inhibit COX1 and/or COX2 Enzymes
COX converts Arachidonic Acid to Prostaglandins
COX2 - inflammatory prostaglandins
COX1 - protective prostaglandins - gastric repair, renal perfusion
Analgesic and Anti-inflammatory action
What are the safety concerns of using NSAIDs?
GI damage
Damage to kidneys
Sodium and Water retention
Worsening of asthma
What should be done for GI complications when using NSAIDs
PPIs used when ↑Risk of GI complications
Prostaglandin Analogues (Misoprostol) can also be added to mimic → ↑Healing and HCO3 production
What are some non-selective COX-inhibitors? and what are the side effects?
Ibrupofen, Naproxen, Diclofenac
S/E: GI irritation/Ulceration
Name some COX-2 inhibitors
Celecoxib, Etoricoxib
What are the first and second line NSAIDs and what should they be prescribed with in the case of GI problems?
Ibrupofen - 1st
Naproxen - 2nd (less thrombotic risk)
Add PPI
What is the mode of action of opioids?
Inhibit ascending pathways
Direct inhibition: Bind to 1st order nociceptors in periphery → Induces K+ influx into presynaptic membrane → hyperpolarisation
Indirect inhibition: Activation of descending pathways:
Bind to opioid Rs in Nucleus Raphe Magnus (medulla) → stimulation of serotinergic descending pathway → further release of opioids in dorsal horn → further inhibition
Name some weak opioids
Codeine
Dihydrocodeine
Tramadol
How does codeine work? and what is it normally used in combination with?
Analgesic properties comes from 〜10% of drug being metabolised in liver → morphine
Best used with paracetamol for analgesia: Co-codamol
What is the mode of action of Tramadol?
Has opioid and non-opioid properties
Opioid - weak affinity for μ-receptors
Non-opioid: Serotonin-Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitor (and stimulates serotonin release)
Naloxone only partially reverses analgesic properties