Management of Opiate Misuse Flashcards
What is heroine chemically known as?
Diamorphine
What makes heroine addictive?
- rapid ONSET of action
- SHORT half life
- AVAILABILITY
How is heroine/diamorphine produced?
Heroine is produced from MORPHINE- a naturally occurring substance found in the seed pod of certain POPPY seeds
- addition of 2 acetyle rings, produces diacetylmorphine
What is OPIUM?
- mixture of ALKALOIDS
esp CODEINE and Morphine
Which route of admission has a faster affect on the brain?
IV is said to be more potent than IN
- IV has a faster affect on the brain
What is the breakdown pathway of heroine?
Diacetylmorphine> 6-mono-acetylmorphine> morphine
How does the route of administration change the metabolism of heroine?
Oral: 1st pass metabolism in LIVER (morphine forms before BBB)
IV: acetyl groups of morphine help diamorphine to CROSS BBB; once in the brain it is metabolised to 6-MAM and morphine
What are the psychological effects of heroine on you?
- Euphoria
- analgesia
- reduced conscious level
- tolerance with repeated use
What are some systemic effects of heroine on you?
- HYPOTENSION and BRADYCARDIA
- pupillary constriction
- CONSTIPATION
- respirat. Distress
When do withdrawal symptoms usually set it?
- within 6-8hrs
What are the psychological withdrawal symptoms ?
- dysphoria
- cravings
- agitation
- yawning
What are systemic withdrawal symptoms?
- Hypertension and Tachycardia
- piloerection
- N.V.D
- dilated pupils
- JOINT pains
- rhinorrhea and lacrimation
What are complications of IV use?
- INFECTIONS
- LOCAL: cellulitis, abscess, thrombophlebitis, necrotizing fascitis
- DISTANT: infective ENDOCARDITIS
- SYSTEMIC: Hep B, Hep C and HIV - THROMBOTIC/ EMBOLIC
- DVT, PTE, Ishcaemic limb
Drug users sometimes ALSO take GABAPENTIN and PREGABALIN.
WHY?
- they enhance the effects of OPIODS
Name 2 Novel Psychoactive Substance.
Diclazepam
Etizolam