Opioid Agents Flashcards
What is the typical IV bolus dose of fentanyl for analgesia during anesthesia?
25–50 mcg
What is the approximate onset of action of fentanyl when given intravenously?
30–60 seconds
What is the typical duration of action of IV fentanyl after a single dose?
30–60 minutes
What is the mechanism of action of fentanyl?
Mu-opioid receptor agonist
Which of the following is a notable side effect of fentanyl?
Chest wall rigidity
In which of the following clinical scenarios is fentanyl most appropriately used?
Adjunct to general anesthesia for intraoperative analgesia
Which of the following best describes fentanyl’s potency compared to morphine?
100 times more potent
Is Fentanyl a short-acting synthetic opioid?
True
Does Fentanyl provide both analgesia and amnesia?
No (It provides analgesia, not amnesia)
Does Fentanyl cause bradycardia and respiratory depression?
Yes
Does Fentanyl have a slower onset of action than morphine?
No, it is faster
Is Fentanyl commonly used in rapid sequence intubation protocols?
Yes
Is Fentanyl associated with histamine release and hypotension?
No (Unlike morphine, it causes minimal histamine release)
Can the duration of fentanyl’s effect be prolonged with repeated dosing?
Yes
What is a typical IV dose range of fentanyl for analgesia in adult patients?
25-50 mcg; however 50–100 mcg IV bolus is also common
What is the onset time of fentanyl after IV administration?
Within 30–60 seconds
What is the duration of action of a single IV dose of fentanyl?
Approximately 30–60 minutes
What receptor does fentanyl primarily act on?
Mu-opioid receptor (μ-opioid receptor)
List two common side effects of fentanyl.
- Respiratory depression
- Bradycardia
- Chest wall rigidity
Why might fentanyl be preferred over morphine in a hemodynamically unstable patient?
Because it has minimal histamine release and less hypotension
When should fentanyl be used cautiously?
In patients with compromised respiratory function or those on other CNS depressants
What complication can occur if fentanyl is administered too rapidly in high doses?
Chest wall rigidity, which can impair ventilation
What is the typical IV dose of morphine for adult pain management?
2–5 mg
What is the approximate onset of action of morphine when administered intravenously?
5–10 minutes
What is the typical duration of action for IV morphine?
2–4 hours
Morphine primarily acts on which receptor type?
Mu-opioid
Which of the following is a common side effect of morphine?
Constipation
Which of the following makes morphine less desirable in patients with hemodynamic instability?
Histamine release
Which clinical scenario best describes appropriate use of morphine?
Pain management post major abdominal surgery
Does Morphine have a slower onset than fentanyl?
Yes
Does Morphine cause any histamine release?
Yes
Is Constipation a common side effect of morphine?
Yes
Does Morphine cross the blood-brain barrier slower than fentanyl?
Yes
Is Morphine safe for use in all renal-impaired patients?
No (Active metabolites can accumulate)
Is Morphine a full agonist at mu-opioid receptors?
Yes
Respiratory depression is a rare side effect of morphine?
No it is common
What is a typical IV dose of morphine for moderate to severe pain?
2–5 mg IV every 4 hours as needed
What is the onset time of IV morphine?
Approximately 5–10 minutes
How long does a single dose of IV morphine typically last?
2–4 hours
What is the mechanism of action of morphine?
Morphine is a full mu-opioid receptor agonist that inhibits pain signaling pathways
List three common side effects of morphine.
- Nausea
- Respiratory depression
- Constipation
What major cardiovascular effect can be caused by histamine release with morphine use?
Hypotension
Why should morphine be used with caution in patients with renal impairment?
Its active metabolite (morphine-6-glucuronide) accumulates and may cause prolonged sedation or respiratory depression
When is morphine preferred over fentanyl in clinical use?
For longer-lasting pain relief in settings where slower onset and longer duration are desired
How much more potent is Sufentanil compared to fentanyl?
50–100 times
What is the typical IV bolus dose of Sufentanil for adult anesthesia induction?
0.05–0.2 mcg/kg
What is the approximate onset of action of Sufentanil?
30–60 seconds
What is the typical duration of action of a single IV dose of Sufentanil?
20–45 minutes
What is the primary mechanism of action of Sufentanil?
Mu-opioid receptor agonism
In which clinical setting is Sufentanil most commonly used?
Intraoperative analgesia in cardiac or major surgeries
What is a major side effect of Sufentanil that must be monitored closely?
Respiratory depression
Is Sufentanil more lipid-soluble than fentanyl?
Yes
Does Sufentanil have a longer duration of action than morphine?
No
Does Sufentanil cause histamine release?
No
Is respiratory depression caused by Sufentanil dose-dependent?
Yes
Can Sufentanil be reversed with naloxone?
Yes
Is Sufentanil commonly used in neuraxial anesthesia (e.g., epidural)?
Yes
Does Sufentanil provide both analgesia and amnesia?
No (It provides analgesia, not amnesia)
What is the usual bolus dose range of Sufentanil for general anesthesia in adults?
0.05-0.2 mcg/kg IV
What is the onset time of Sufentanil after IV administration?
Approximately 30–60 seconds
How long does a single dose of Sufentanil typically last?
Approximately 20–45 minutes
What receptor does Sufentanil act on?
Mu-opioid receptors
Name two clinical scenarios where Sufentanil would be an appropriate choice.
- Cardiac surgery
- Epidural analgesia during labor
List three common side effects of Sufentanil.
- Respiratory depression
- Bradycardia
- Nausea/vomiting
Why might Sufentanil be preferred over fentanyl for certain surgeries?
Greater potency and shorter duration allow for precise titration during major surgeries
What is one major risk when Sufentanil is administered in high doses or too rapidly?
Chest wall rigidity or profound respiratory depression
What is the typical bolus dose of Remifentanil for induction in general anesthesia?
0.25 mcg/kg
What is the recommended maintenance infusion dose of Remifentanil during general anesthesia?
0.05–2 mcg/kg/min
What is the typical onset of action of Remifentanil after IV administration?
15–30 seconds
How long does the effect of Remifentanil last after discontinuation?
5–10 minutes
Which enzyme is primarily responsible for the metabolism of Remifentanil?
Plasma cholinesterases
Which clinical scenario best fits the use of Remifentanil?
TIVA (Total Intravenous Anesthesia) requiring rapid offset
Which of the following is a major side effect associated with high-dose Remifentanil use?
Chest wall rigidity
Does Remifentanil have a rapid onset and ultra-short duration of action?
Yes
Does Remifentanil accumulate significantly with prolonged infusions?
No
Is Remifentanil suitable for use in patients with hepatic or renal impairment?
Yes
Can Remifentanil be administered via intramuscular injection?
No
Do the effects of Remifentanil wear off quickly after stopping the infusion?
Yes
Does Remifentanil act primarily on delta-opioid receptors?
No (It acts on mu-opioid receptors)
Should Remifentanil be used for post-operative pain control due to its short action?
No
What is the usual IV bolus dose of Remifentanil?
0.25 mcg/kg
What is the typical onset time of Remifentanil?
30–60 seconds
How long does Remifentanil’s effect last after discontinuation?
5–10 minutes
What is the mechanism of action of Remifentanil?
It is a potent mu-opioid receptor agonist that modulates pain signaling in the CNS.
Why is Remifentanil ideal for short surgical procedures?
Because it has a rapid onset and ultra-short duration, allowing tight control over analgesia with quick recovery.
What enzyme breaks down Remifentanil in the body?
Plasma esterases (non-specific cholinesterases)
List three side effects of Remifentanil.
- Respiratory depression
- Bradycardia
- Chest wall rigidity
Why is Remifentanil not used for post-operative pain management?
Because of its rapid clearance and short duration—it wears off quickly and lacks residual analgesia.
What is the usual IV dose of Meperidine for moderate pain in adults?
12.5-25mg
What is the typical onset of action for IV Meperidine?
1–5 minutes
What is the typical duration of analgesia for a single dose of Meperidine?
2–4 hours
Which neurotransmitter system is most directly affected by Meperidine’s mechanism of action?
Mu-opioid receptors
Which serious side effect is associated with the accumulation of Meperidine’s metabolite, normeperidine?
Seizures
In what scenario might Meperidine be preferred over other opioids?
Treatment of rigors/shivering
Does Meperidine have both analgesic and local anesthetic properties?
Yes
Does Meperidine have a shorter half-life than morphine?
No
Is Normeperidine an active metabolite of Meperidine that is neurotoxic?
Yes
Should Meperidine be avoided in patients with renal failure?
Yes
Is Meperidine a good choice for chronic pain management?
No
Can Meperidine cause serotonin syndrome if combined with MAO inhibitors?
Yes
Is Meperidine primarily metabolized by the kidneys?
No (Metabolized in the liver, excreted by kidneys)
What is the typical IV dose of Meperidine for an adult patient in moderate pain?
12.5-25 mg IV
What is the typical onset time of IV Meperidine?
1–5 minutes
What is the duration of action of Meperidine?
2–4 hours
What receptor does Meperidine primarily act on to produce analgesia?
Mu-opioid receptor
What is the name of Meperidine’s neurotoxic metabolite?
Normeperidine
List three common side effects of Meperidine.
- Nausea
- Respiratory depression
- Dizziness
Why should Meperidine be avoided in patients with renal impairment?
Because normeperidine can accumulate and increase the risk of seizures
In what situation is Meperidine especially useful over other opioids?
For the treatment of post-anesthesia shivering or rigors
What condition can result from combining Meperidine with MAO inhibitors?
Serotonin syndrome
What is the typical IV dose of Hydromorphone for moderate to severe pain in adults?
0.25–0.5 mg
What is the onset time for IV Hydromorphone?
5 minutes
What is the duration of action for IV Hydromorphone?
3–4 hours
Hydromorphone is how many times more potent than morphine?
5–7×
Which receptor does Hydromorphone primarily act on to exert its analgesic effects?
Mu-opioid receptor
In which of the following scenarios is Hydromorphone most appropriate?
Moderate-to-severe post-operative pain
Is Hydromorphone more potent than morphine?
Yes
Does Hydromorphone have a slower onset than morphine?
No (It has a faster onset)
Is Hydromorphone suitable for use in patients with opioid tolerance?
Yes
Does Hydromorphone act primarily on the kappa-opioid receptor?
No (It acts on the mu-opioid receptor)
Are common side effects of Hydromorphone include respiratory depression and constipation?
Yes
Is Hydromorphone recommended for use in renal impairment?
Yes (It is generally preferred over morphine in renal impairment)
Is Hydromorphone contraindicated in patients with a history of opioid addiction?
No (It must be used cautiously, not necessarily contraindicated)
What is the typical IV dosage of Hydromorphone for an adult?
0.25–5 mg IV
What is the onset time for IV Hydromorphone?
Approximately 5 minutes
How long does the analgesic effect of Hydromorphone usually last?
3–4 hours
Describe the mechanism of action of Hydromorphone.
It is a potent mu-opioid receptor agonist that inhibits pain transmission in the central nervous system.
List three common side effects of Hydromorphone.
- Respiratory depression
- Nausea
- Constipation
Why might Hydromorphone be preferred over Morphine in patients with renal impairment?
Hydromorphone produces fewer active metabolites that accumulate in renal dysfunction.
In what type of clinical setting is Hydromorphone commonly used?
For the management of moderate to severe acute or chronic pain, especially post-operative pain
What is one major risk when using Hydromorphone at high doses or in opioid-naïve patients?
Respiratory depression
What is the typical adult IV dose of Naloxone for opioid overdose?
1-4 mcg/kg
What is the onset of action for IV Naloxone?
30 seconds to 2 minutes
What is the typical duration of action of Naloxone?
1–4 hours
Which receptor does Naloxone primarily antagonize?
Mu-opioid
Which of the following is a possible effect of Naloxone in opioid-dependent patients?
Acute withdrawal symptoms
In which of the following scenarios is Naloxone indicated?
Opioid-induced respiratory depression
Is Naloxone effective at reversing benzodiazepine overdose?
No
Does Naloxone have a shorter half-life than many opioids?
Yes
Does Naloxone bind to mu-opioid receptors and activate them?
No (It is an antagonist, not an agonist)
Will Naloxone need to be re-administered if opioid effects outlast it?
Yes
Can Naloxone be given intranasally?
Yes
Is one dose of Naloxone always sufficient to reverse all opioid overdoses?
No
Does Naloxone have known side effects?
Yes
What is the standard IV dose range of Naloxone for an adult opioid overdose?
1-4 mcg/kg IV
What is the onset time for Naloxone when given IV?
30 seconds to 2 minutes
How long does Naloxone typically last in the body?
1 to 4 hours
Can Naloxone be given intranasally?
Yes
Naloxone can be administered via the nasal route for opioid overdose reversal.
Is one dose of Naloxone always sufficient to reverse all opioid overdoses?
No
Some overdoses may require multiple doses due to the potency of the opioid involved.
Does Naloxone have known side effects?
Yes
Side effects may include withdrawal symptoms in opioid-dependent individuals.
What is the standard IV dose range of Naloxone for an adult opioid overdose?
1-4 mcg/kg IV
Dosing may vary based on clinical response.
What is the onset time for Naloxone when given IV?
30 seconds to 2 minutes
Rapid onset is critical in emergency situations.
How long does Naloxone typically last in the body?
1 to 4 hours
Duration of action may be shorter than some opioids.
What is the mechanism of action of Naloxone?
It is a competitive antagonist at opioid receptors, especially mu-opioid receptors, blocking the effects of opioids
This mechanism helps to reverse the effects of opioid overdose.
List two clinical situations where Naloxone is indicated.
- Opioid overdose with respiratory depression
- Post-operative opioid-induced sedation
Naloxone is used in emergencies and after surgeries to counteract sedation.
What may occur if Naloxone is administered to an opioid-dependent patient?
Sudden and severe opioid withdrawal symptoms
Symptoms can include agitation, nausea, vomiting, and tachycardia.
What is one possible side effect of Naloxone?
- Hypertension
- Agitation
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Tachycardia
These side effects may arise especially in opioid-dependent individuals.
Why might repeat doses or a continuous infusion of Naloxone be necessary?
Because its duration of action is shorter than many opioids, leading to re-sedation
Continuous monitoring and administration may be required in severe overdoses.