D3 Flashcards
Opiates
Strong analgesics, natural - derived from opium (found in sap of immature poppy seed pod)
We possess opioid receptors in the brain which opiates bind to temporarilly, blocking the transmission of impulses between brain cells that would signal the pain
Interferes with the perception of pain without depressing CNS
Behavioural and mood changes occur when used
Strong analgesics
Morphine and codeine both derived from poppy sap
opiates refer to a class of compounds that exhibit similar effects to morphine
3 types: naturally occurring, semi-synthetic, synthetic
Narcotics
Analgesics that produce a euphoric sensation through interacting with receptors in the brain
All opiates considered narcotics
Comparison of structures of morphine, codeine, heroine
Morphine undergoes methylation to form codeine
Morphine undergoes esterification to produce heroine
Blood-brain barrier
The barrier which restricts transport of substances in and out of brain
Membrane structure made mostly of lipids so molecules that need to cross barrier must have some non-polar characteristics
Synthetic routes to codeine and diamorphine (heroin)
WHO guidelines for pain management
- Non-opioid (aspirin, paracetamol, NSAID)
- Weak opioid for mild to moderate pain (codeine)
- Strong opioid for moderate to severe pain (e.g. morphine)
Strong analgesics side effects
Constipation, suppression of cough reflux, constriction of the pupil, addiction, tolerance, respiratory depression
Advantages and disadvantages of using strong analgesics
Ad: 50x more potent than aspirin, relieve extreme pain, fast acting, wide TI, relieves anxiety, induces relaxation, morph+her can be administered intravenously which results in faster distribution of drug
Dis: Euphoria, lack of self-control, must be delivered via injeciton, kidney failure, physical dependence -> withdrawal symptoms, tolerance, cause mental problems
