neuropharmacology

Question 1

What is the definition of pain?

Answer 1

An unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage

Question 2

What is nociceptive pain?

Answer 2

This is pain caused by stimulated afferent nerve fibres responding to stimuli approaching or exceeding harmful intensity

Question 3

What is neuropathic pain?

Answer 3

generated ectopically and often in the absence of ongoing noxious events but created by pathology in the peripheral or central nervous system

Question 4

What are some of the possible targets for treating pain?

Answer 4

The source
Nociceptive substances e.g. prostaglandins
Neurotransmitters
Modulation in the CNS
Emotional response to pain

Question 5

What are the effects of paracetamol?

Answer 5

It is an analgesic and anti-pyretic, it is not an anti-inflammatory
Typically used in mild pain only and can be used with other analgesics

Question 6

Give examples of two common NSAIDs?

Answer 6

Ibuprofen and diclofenac

Question 7

If patients have a history of peptic ulcers then what should NSAIDs be prescribed with?

Answer 7

PPI

Question 8

Give some examples of some weak opioids?

Answer 8

Codiene phosphate, Dihydrocodiene and Tramadol

Question 9

Give some examples of strong opioids? How do they work?

Answer 9

Morphine, fentanyl and pethidine

They act at the Mu and kappa receptors in the CNS produce analgesic effects

Question 10

What adjuvant agents can be used for pain in conjunction with opioids?

Answer 10

Tri cyclic antidepressants can be used

Gabapentin and carbamezipine which are anti epileptic treatments