drugs and pain management Flashcards
what are opioids and what are they used to treat
example is
Opioids are ‘morphine-type’ medications, used to treat moderate or severe pain. These include codeine
Opioids can be used for a short time after surgery or trauma (acute pain).
addictive so withdrawn symptoms
where do opioids act
acting on receptors located on neuronal cell membranes
what are the side effects of opioids
addictive so withdrawal symptoms
Drowsiness: This usually passes within a few days once you are used to the dose.
Constipation: All opioids cause constipation. Laxatives are often recommended
Sickness: Anti-sickness medication may be paired with them
Dry mouth
Confusion, Hallucinations
Slow breathing
Feeling tired, dizzy or faint.
what is an NSAID
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are medicines that are widely used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and bring down a high temperature and causes of long-term pain
how to NSAIDS work
inhibition of the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX).
Cyclooxygenase is required to convert arachidonic acid into thromboxanes, prostaglandins, and prostacyclins.
side effects of NSAID
indigestion – including stomach aches, feeling sick and diarrhoea
stomach ulcers – these can cause internal bleeding and anaemia; extra medicine to protect your stomach may be prescribed to help reduce this risk
headaches
drowsiness, dizziness
allergic reactions
in rare cases, problems with your liver, kidneys or heart and circulation, such as heart failure, heart attacks and strokes
what are corticosteroids
Commonly referred to as steroids, corticosteroids are a type of anti-inflammatory drug. They are typically used to treat rheumatologic diseases, like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or vasculitis (inflammation of the blood vessels).
administered as an injection at the site of musculoskeletal injuries.
symptoms of corticosteroids
increased appetite – potentially leading to
weight gain
acne
thinned skin that bruises easily
increased risk of infections
mood changes, mood swings and depression
diabetes
high blood pressure
osteoporosis (weak and brittle bones)
withdrawal symptoms caused by suppression of the adrenal glands
mechanism of action of paracetamol
inhibition of prostaglandin (PG) synthesis or through an active metabolite influencing cannabinoid receptors
what are muscle relaxants
Muscle Relaxants are used to reduce pain from tense muscle groups, most likely through sedative action in the central nervous system
how to anti-anxiety drugs work
Anti-anxiety drugs work on pain in three ways: they reduce anxiety
they relax muscles
they help patients cope with discomfort.
how to anticonvulsant drugs work
help relieve pain caused by damaged nerves.
which spinal tract carries pain to the brain
lateral spinothalamic tract
what type of nerve ending to nociceptors have
free nerve endings
what inflammatory mediators sensitise pain
Bradykinin, histamine, prostaglandins( inhibit amount)
what are the two types of pain conduction
fast response -sharp stabbing
slow response aching burning
in a fast pain response what fibres are used
Adelta fibres - large and myelinated
in a slow pain response what fibres are used
C fibres- small and unmeylinated
Do C fibre input involve spinal interneurones?
yes
in a withdrawal reflex with an interneurone what type of fibre is used
Adelta fibres
what is visceral pain
vague pain, that is not localised and is like a deep squeeze pain and occur when pain receptors in the chest, abdomen or pelvis are activated
initiated by intention, ischemia
what does neuropathic pain result from
trauma or infection to nerve damage
a local anaesthetic is administered via a spinal epidural but at what level?
L3-4
what does a lumbar puncture remove and at what level
CSF
L3
