Opioids

Question 1

What is it indicated for?

Answer 1

Acute and chronic pain

Breathlessness in palliative care

Acute pulmonary oedema, alongside oxygen, furosemide and nitrates

Question 2

How do they work?

Answer 2

They agonise opioid receptors in the CNS reducing pain transmission

Question 3

What are the side effects of these drugs?

Answer 3

respiratory depression
Euphoria
Nausea and vomiting
Constipation
Itching Vasodilation and sweating
Pupillary constriction
Dependence and hyperalgesia with prolonged use

Question 4

What are the warnings of this drug class?

Answer 4

Reduce dose in hepatic and renal impairment
Older people
Do not give opioids in respiratory failure

Question 5

What are the possible interactions with other drugs in this class?

Answer 5

Avoid co-prescription of sedating drugs

Question 6

What is the dose of breakthrough pain management?

Answer 6

one-tenth to one-sixth of the regular 24-hour dose, repeated every 2–4 hours as required