Opioids Flashcards
What is the OG opioid analgesics prototype
Morphine
How do endogenous opioids work?
there are opioid receptors located within the CNS and peripheral tissues & Exogenous opioids exert their effects by binding to these receptors causing the release of peptides to control pain and inflammation under certain conditions
What are 3 opioid receptors and which is the most important and why?
Mu, Kappa, Delta
Mu- receptors are located in the brain and spinal cord and are the most important for mediating the analgesic effects of many opioids
Why might a patient be taking a mixed agonist-antagonist opioid that activates another receptor and blocks Mu?
Bc of the side effects of Mu like respiratory distress & abuse
Describe when a strong opioid may be used, what receptor is targets, and the best known drug?
to treat severe pain, targets Mu, the most known is morphine, but other ex: are fentanyl, meperidine, methadone
Describe when a mild-moderate opioid may be used, what receptor is targets, and drug examples?
treating moderate pain, all receptors, Ex: codeine, hydrocodone, oxycodone
Describe when a mixed agonist opioid may be used vs the others and how they effect the receptors?
Have less side effects, reduced risk for overdose & addiction
bind to kappa, but block Mu
Describe how antagonist opioids work, their purpose, and provide an example
Block all opioid receptors with an increased affinity for the Mu receptors
treat overdoses & addiction
Naloxone
What sites do opioids effect?
spinal cord, supraspinal aka the brain, and any receptors in the periphery
T/F: A patient should use a strong opioid analgesics for moderate sharp intermittent pain when first taking opioids
False: Opioids work best when the pain is moderate to severe and constant in duration. Pt should also start with a mild to moderate opioid first
You have a patient who has chronic pain. What do you suspect is the first line of defense for medications?
non-opioid drugs to limit addiction
What is the proper interval for opioids to be taken?
most effective when given at regular intervals- patient should not wait until they feel pain
Name 3 other uses for opioids besides pain relief
Opioids are also used as premedication or an adjunct to general anesthesia
Cough suppressors – codeine
Decrease GI mobility so can be used to control severe diarrhea
How quickly can withdrawl symptoms occur once stopping the use of opioids & how long does it last?
evident 6-10 hours after the last dose of the drug and will continue for 5 days
Describe what opioid induced hyperalgesia and what the steps are if this is occuring
pt fails to respond to opioids or may report increased pain when given the drugs
—> If the patient’s pain does not improve or it increases after beginning an opioid the physician needs to be notified
